Lesson video

Hello and welcome to this lesson, adverbial complex sentences, understanding the comma rule.

Our lesson outcome for today is you understand the comma rule in an adverbial complex sentence.

Our key words to help us get to that learning today are here.

My turn, your turn.

Adverbial clause, main clause, comma, adverbial complex sentence.

Great job.

And let's take a look at those definitions.

An adverbial clause is a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction.

A main clause is a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense.

A comma is a punctuation mark used to separate the first adverbial clause from the second main clause in an adverbial complex sentence.

An adverbial complex sentence is a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial clause.

Our lesson outlined today looks like this.

First, we'll look at adverbial clauses.

Then we'll look at positioning the adverbial clause.

Finally, we'll look at the adverbial clause comma rule.

Let's get started with adverbial clauses.

First, let's listen to some clauses.

Remember, any clause is a group of words that contains a verb.

When we've expertly performed our assembly.

So we can proudly show the rest of the school.

Because we have practised a lot.

Hmm, I wonder if there's anything that you've done that has been practised a lot.

When you come.

Do these clauses make complete sense? They don't.

These are all adverbial clauses.

They are a type of subordinate clause and we looked at subordinate clauses in our last lesson together.

Any subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb just like a main clause, but a subordinate clause does not make complete sense.

It cannot form a sentence by itself.

Now, one type of subordinate clause is an adverbial clause.

And we looked at these last lesson as well.

And here on the screen are four examples of adverbial clauses.

They are a type of subordinate clause.

They do not make sense by themself.

They need main clause to join to in order to make sense.

Let's check our understanding.

Which of these are true about an adverbial clause? An adverbial clause, A, is a group of words.

An adverbial clause, B, does not contain a verb.

An adverbial clause, C, is a type of subordinate clause.

An adverbial clause, D, cannot form a sentence by itself.

Pause the video now as you choose which are correct.

Well done.

An adverbial clause, A, is a group of words; C, is a type of subordinate clause; D, cannot form a sentence by itself.

An adverbial clause absolutely does contain a verb.

So we didn't tick B.

Great work, everyone.

Now, let's hear the adverbial clauses that we saw before in full adverbial complex sentences.

You'll remember that a complex sentence is made of one main clause and one type of subordinate clause.

And the type of subordinate clause that we're looking at is the adverbial clause.

Here's sentence one.

Let's celebrate when we've expertly performed our assembly.

Here's sentence two.

We've been rehearsing lots so we can proudly show the rest of the school.

Here's sentence three.

We feel proud of ourselves because we have practised a lot.

And here's sentence four.

I really hope you enjoy the show when you come.

Now here, you can see our adverbial clauses in bold, joined on to our first main clause in each example.

You'll remember from last lesson that a subordinating conjunction starts an adverbial clause.

So using the same examples, let's find the subordinating conjunctions in each sentence.

Here's the tip.

They are going to be at the start of every adverbial clause.

In the first example, the subordinating conjunction is when.

Let's see with our gestures.

Let's celebrate, that's our main clause.

When, subordinating conjunction.

We've expertly performed our assembly, our adverbial clause.

Let's have a look again.

So is our subordinating conjunction.

I've made it purple for us so we can see really clearly that it starts the adverbial clause.

We've been rehearsing lots so we can proudly show the rest of the school.

And in the third example, we feel proud of ourselves because we have practised a lot.

In the final example, I really hope you enjoy the show when you come.

And when you are saying these sentences out loud, it really helps to use the gestures to find the main clause, the subordinating conjunction, and the adverbial clause.

Let's check your understanding.

Which of these words are subordinating conjunctions? Remember, any subordinating conjunction is a word that starts an adverbial clause.

Pause the video now as you choose.

Great job.

We had when, that, because.

So these were the four subordinating conjunctions.

Remember, subordinating conjunctions start adverbial clauses.

And, or, but are coordinating conjunctions.

We'll remember those from previous lessons.

Coordinating conjunctions join main clauses in compound sentences.

Great work, everyone.

Now, an adverbial clause always contains a main verb.

Well, we know that because any clause is a group of words that contains a verb.

Let's have a look at the main verbs in our four adverbial clause examples.

Let's celebrate when we've expertly performed our assembly.

Performed is the verb.

It's a doing verb.

It's something I or you or all of us can do.

In this example, the verb is in the past tense.

We've been rehearsing lots so we can proudly show the rest of the school.

Show is the main verb in the adverbial clause.

It's a doing verb.

It's something we can do.

We feel proud of ourselves because we have practised a lot.

Practised is the main verb.

It's another doing verb in the adverbial clause.

I really hope you enjoy the show when you come.

In the adverbial clause, come is the main verb.

Any clause contains a verb.

Any adverbial clause then must contain a verb.

And remember, sometimes main verbs are being verbs.

And we'll remember from previous lessons, our six being verbs.

Am, is, are, was, were, will be.

Let's check.

Which of these are being verbs? A, is.

B, were.

C, which.

D, will be.

Pause the video now as you choose the being verbs That's right.

Is, were, will be are the three being verbs on the screen.

Which is not one of our six being verbs.

Great job, everyone.

For your first task today, I would like you to write two sentences.

You need to use the main clause.

We are looking forward to the performance day in each of your sentences.

In each sentence, use one of these subordinating conjunctions; because, when, so to stretch the main clause.

So in your first sentence, you are going to use the main clause.

We are looking forward to the performance day, and then you are going to stretch with because or when or so with a second idea in your adverbial clause.

Once you've completed that sentence, you are going to write your second sentence using the same main clause first and a different subordinating conjunction out of because, when, or so to stretch the main clause with a second idea in your adverbial clause.

Don't forget your capital letter and your full stop.

Pause the video now as you write your sentences.

Great job, everyone.

Now I'd like you to check your sentences.

Do both of your sentences have the following? One, the main clause first and the adverbial clause second Two, the subordinating conjunctions because or when or so.

Three, the adverbial clause that stretches the idea of the main clause.

Read both your sentences back now.

Check them so carefully and make your edits now.

Pause the video.

Fantastic work.

And here are some example sentences I've written for you.

We are looking forward to the performance day because we can show off our excellent speaking skills.

We are looking forward to the performance day when we proudly perform our assembly.

We are looking forward to the performance day so we can show our school our hard work.

Well done, everyone.

Now, it's time to move on to the second section of our lesson today, positioning the adverbial clause.

An adverbial clause always has to join to a main clause to make sense.

You know that an adverbial clause does not make sense by itself.

You know that a main clause does make sense by itself.

So an adverbial clause always has to join to a main clause to make sense.

Now, a main clause is often first in a sentence, followed by the adverbial clause.

Like this.

Main clause, adverbial clause equals an adverbial complex sentence.

Ah yes, because you will remember that any complex sentence is formed of at least one main clause and any type of subordinate clause.

Let's have a look at some examples.

We will enjoy a class party when we've expertly performed our assembly.

Here, the main clause is first, the adverbial clause is second with the subordinating conjunction when to start it, and we've written an adverbial complex sentence.

Here's another example.

We should feel very proud because we have practised a lot.

Again, the main clause comes first, the adverbial clause comes second with subordinating conjunction because at the start of it, and we've written an adverbial complex sentence.

We can move the position of an adverbial clause in English.

In those previous examples, you saw the main clause first and the adverbial clause second in the adverbial complex sentence, but we can make the adverbial clause come first followed by the main clause.

Like this.

Adverbial clause plus main clause also makes an adverbial complex sentence.

So the big learning is that if the adverbial clause comes first or second in the sentence, you still make an adverbial complex sentence.

Let's have a look at some examples of the adverbial clause coming first.

When we've expertly performed our assembly, we will enjoy a class party party.

You can see we've just swapped the position of the adverbial and the main clause.

We've put the adverbial clause first and the main clause second, and we have still made an adverbial complex sentence.

Let's see another example.

Because we have practised a lot, we should feel very proud.

Again, I've written the adverbial clause first with the subordinating conjunction because at the beginning of it, and the main clause second, and I have still written an adverbial complex sentence.

Let's check your understanding so far.

True false.

An adverbial clause can come first in an adverbial complex sentence.

Pause the video now as you decide if that is true or false.

You're right, it is true.

And adverbial clause can come first in an adverbial complex sentence followed by the main clause.

And let's justify our answer to be sure.

Hmm.

The position of an adverbial clause can move in a complex sentence.

It is not true that a main clause always comes first in an adverbial complex sentence.

We know now that we can swap or move the position of the adverbial clause.

Great work, everyone.

When you move the adverbial clause from second in a complex sentence to first in a complex sentence, you must read it back to make sure it still makes sense in the whole sentence.

Like this.

Here's here's my main clause first.

We should feel very proud.

Here's my adverbial clause second.

Because we have practised a lot when I read this whole sentence back, I check that it makes sense.

We should feel very proud because we have practised a lot.

The adverbial clause fits with the main clause.

The sentence makes sense.

Now, I'm going to swap the position of the adverbial and the main clause and check by reading it back if it still makes sense.

Because we have practised a lot, we should feel very proud.

This time, I've swapped the position and put the adverbial clause first and the main clause second.

I've read it back and the adverbial clause still fits with the main clause.

The sentence still makes sense.

Remember, once you've moved the adverbial clause, you must read it back to check it makes sense in the whole sentence.

Let's have a look at another example.

I'm feeling very nervous about the show.

There's my main clause first.

So I'll practise my lines.

There's my adverbial clause second.

I'm going to read the whole sentence back to check that it makes sense.

I'm feeling very nervous about the show so I'll practise my lines.

The adverbial clause does fit with the main clause.

The sentence makes sense.

Now, I'm going to swap the position of the adverbial and the main clause and see if the sentence makes sense.

So I'll practise my lines, I'm feeling very nervous about the show.

Let's read it again.

So I'll practise my lines, I'm feeling very nervous about the show.

Hmm, having read my full sentence back, I can see that my adverbial clause does not fit with my main clause.

The sentence does not make sense.

So this is an example where the main clause going first and the clause going second must be the formation of the adverbial complex sentence.

When I swap them around and try and put the adverbial clause first, it does not make sense in the full sentence.

Reading back our sentences is vital to check them for sense.

For your second task today, I would like you to underline the adverbial clause in each sentence.

A, we will perform our assembly when it is Wednesday.

B, we'll have another rehearsal because you're feeling quite nervous.

C, let's practise again so that you feel more confident.

You are going to underline the adverbial clause and here's my tip.

Find the subordinating conjunction to help locate the adverbial clause.

And remember to underline the whole clause.

Pause the video now as you complete task two.

Great job, everyone.

Let's find those adverbial clauses.

When it is Wednesday.

When is our subordinating conjunction and the whole group of words containing the verb needs to be underlined so that you've underlined the full adverbial clause.

Because you are feeling quite nervous.

Because is the subordinating conjunction that starts the adverbial clause.

So that you feel more confident.

So is the subordinating conjunction that starts that adverbial clause.

Great job, everyone.

For your next task, I'd like you to move the adverbial clause in each sentence so that it comes first.

So you have the same three sentences and you are going to move the position of the adverbial clause to make it first.

Here's my tip.

When you rewrite each of your sentences, remember your capital letter and your full stop in each sentence.

Pause the video now to complete task three.

Great job, everyone.

Let's see how we moved our adverbial clauses in each sentence so that it came first.

When it is Wednesday, we will perform our assembly.

We've swapped when it is Wednesday to come first in the sentence and swapped we will perform our assembly to come second in the sentence.

So we have the adverbial clause first and the main clause second.

Because you are feeling quite nervous, we'll have another rehearsal.

We've made our adverbial clause come first, because you are feeling quite nervous, and our main clause come second.

We'll have another rehearsal.

So that you feel more confident, let's practise again.

We've moved our adverbial clause first and placed our main clause second.

You can see that the subordinating conjunction that starts each adverbial clause is now starting each full sentence.

When in A, because in B, so in C.

Great job, everyone.

Now, it's time to move to our final chunk of today's lesson, the adverbial clause comma rule.

Now, you'll remember that commas are a very useful punctuation mark in English.

You have learned the comma rule for coordinating conjunctions but and or in a compound sentence.

Commas often have the job of separating clauses in sentences.

And in the adverbial complex sentence, there is a comma rule for us now to learn.

If the main clause comes first in a complex sentence, a comma is not placed after it.

The second idea stretches the first idea.

Like this.

We will perform our assembly, no comma after the main clause, when it is Wednesday Adverbial clause comes second after the main clause and a full stop completes the sentence.

Let's have a look at another example.

We'll have another rehearsal, main clause first, no comma after main clause.

Because you're feeling quite nervous, adverbial clause second after the main clause, full stop to complete the sentence.

Let's have a look at another example.

Let's practise again, main clause first, no comma after main clause.

So that you feel more confident, adverbial clause second, full stop to complete the sentence.

When the main clause comes first and the adverbial clause comes second, we do not use a comma after the main clause.

But if the adverbial clause comes first in a complex sentence, a comma is placed after it and the comma separates the adverbial clause from the main clause.

Let's have a look at this in action.

When it is Wednesday, adverbial clause comes first, then a comma after the adverbial clause.

We will perform our assembly, main clause second and full stop to complete the sentence.

Let's read this whole sentence back and hear where the comma comes.

When it is Wednesday, we will perform our assembly.

The comma comes after the adverbial clause before the main clause starts.

Let's have a look at another example.

because you are feeling quite nervous, Adverbial clause first, then the comma.

We'll have another rehearsal, main clause second, then the full stop to complete the sentence.

Let's hear this comma again when we read back the whole sentence.

Because you're feeling quite nervous, we'll have another rehearsal.

Let's take another look.

So that you feel more confident, adverbial clause first, comma after adverbial clause.

Let's practise again.

Main clause second, and full stop to complete the sentence.

And let's hear it one more time.

So that you feel more confident, let's practise again.

I can hear where that comma comes after the adverbial clause, before the main clause to separate the two clauses in the complex sentence.

So let's check your understanding.

True or false.

If an adverbial clause is first in a complex sentence, a comma is not used.

Do you think that's true or false? Pause the video now as you choose You're right, it's false.

If an adverbial clause is first in a complex sentence, a comma is used.

And let's check that we've got our right justification.

A is correct.

B, commas are never used in complex sentences.

It's not correct.

We now know our comma rule.

Great job, everyone.

For your fourth task today, I would like you to underline the adverbial clause in each sentence.

My tip is find the start of the main clause to help you see where the adverbial clause ends.

Here's sentence A.

Because we have practised a lot, you should feel very proud.

B, when we've expertly performed our class assembly, we will enjoy a class party.

C, so you can achieve success in your performance, we'll practise again.

Find where the main clause starts in each sentence.

That will help you see where the adverbial clause ends, and then you can underline the full adverbial clause in each sentence.

Pause the video now as you complete task four.

Great work, everyone.

Let's have a look at where the adverbial clause was in each sentence.

Because we have practised a lot, that is our full adverbial clause.

It starts with subordinating conjunction because, it is a group of words that contains a verb, practised, and it ends just where the main clause begins.

You should feel very proud.

And in B, when we've expertly performed our class assembly, that is the full adverbial clause.

It starts with subordinating conjunction when, it contains a verb, performed, and it ends just where main clause begins.

We will enjoy a class party.

And in C, so you can achieve success in your performance, that is the full adverbial clause.

It starts with subordinating conjunction so, it's a group of words that contains a verb, achieve, and it ends just where the main clause begins, we'll practise again.

Excellent work, everyone.

Remember, an adverbial clause is a group of words that contains a verb, not just a subordinating conjunction on its own.

For your fifth task today I would like you to now add the comma in each sentence to separate the adverbial clause from the main clause.

In each of these three examples, you will see the adverbial clause comes first and the main clause comes second.

So you need to remember the comma rule about where the comma is placed between the adverbial and the main clauses and add them into each sentence.

Tip, remember your capital letter, comma, and full stop in each sentence.

Pause the video now as you complete task five.

Excellent work.

And let's see the answers for where the comma should have been placed in each sentence.

In A, because we have practised a lot, that is the full adverbial clause before the main clause begins.

So that is the place where we place our comma.

After the adverbial clause, before the main clause begins.

In B, when we've expertly performed our class assembly, that is the end of the adverbial clause.

We place our comma before the main clause begins.

It tells the reader where the first adverbial clause ends and the second main clause begins.

And in C, so you can achieve success in your performance, that is the end of the adverbial clause.

It is where we place the comma before the main clause, we'll practise again, begins.

Excellent work, everyone.

Wow, what a lot of learning we have done in today's adverbial complex sentences, understanding the comma rule lesson.

Let's sum up.

The position of an adverbial clause can move in an adverbial complex sentence.

If the adverbial clause comes first in a complex sentence a comma is placed after it.

If the main clause comes first in a complex sentence, a comma is not used.

Commas often have the job of separating clauses in sentences.

Excellent work, everyone.

Now, you need to complete the exit quiz for this lesson to consolidate all your learning, and I really look forward to seeing you in our next lesson.

Great work.