Starter quiz
- What is a main clause?
- a letter or group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word
- a group of words with no verb
- a sentence starter followed by a comma
- a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense ✓
-
- How many main clauses are most often in a compound sentence?
- 'two' ✓
- What type of conjunction joins two main clauses in a compound sentence?
- subordinating conjunction
- formal conjunction
- co-ordinating conjunction ✓
-
- Which of these are co-ordinating conjunctions?
- as
- but ✓
- when
- and ✓
- or ✓
-
- Match the co-ordinating conjunction to its purpose.
- and⇔for building on ✓
- but⇔for a positive and a negative ✓
- or⇔for an option or an effect ✓
- Which co-ordinating conjunction would be best to link these two main clauses? You must take a raincoat __________ you will get wet.
- and
- or ✓
- but
-
Exit quiz
- Which co-ordinating conjunction is best to join these two main clauses? Human stomachs contain acid __________ it is a safe acid.
- or
- and
- but ✓
-
- Which punctuation mark do you need before "but" and "or" co-ordinating conjunctions?
- comma ✓
- exclamation mark
- full stop
- question mark
-
- How many main clauses are usually in a compound sentence?
- 1
- 2 ✓
- 3
- 4
-
- Which co-ordinating conjunction is best to join these two main clauses? I love eating Italian food __________ I also enjoy Turkish dishes.
- or
- and ✓
- but
-
- What type of sentence is formed of at least two main clauses joined with a co-ordinating conjunction?
- simple
- compound ✓
- complex
-
- Which co-ordinating conjunction does not need a comma before it?
- but
- or
- and ✓
-
Worksheet
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Presentation
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- A group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense is called a main clause.
- Co-ordinating conjunctions join two main clauses to form a compound sentence.
- If the co-ordinating conjunction "but" or "or" is used, there must be a comma before it in a compound sentence.
- The comma tells the reader where the main clause demarcation is.
- Different co-ordinating conjunctions have different meanings.
Common misconception
Pupils add a word after the co-ordinating conjunction not a main clause.
A co-ordinating conjunction in a compound sentence must join two complete main clauses. Any main clause must make complete sense.
Keywords
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Co-ordinating conjunction - a word that joins two main clauses to form a compound sentence
Compound sentence - a sentence formed of two main clauses and a joining word
Comma - a punctuation mark used before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
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