a word that joins two main clauses to form a compound sentence

a punctuation mark used before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence

a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction

a punctuation mark used to demarcate the first adverbial clause from the second main clause in an adverbial complex sentence

Comma rules in three sentence types

English

In this unit, pupils learn a new type of subordinate clause: the relative clause. In Five sentence types', pupils will learn another new type of subordinate clause: the non-finite clause.

In 'Simple, compound and adverbial complex sentences', pupils learnt that the position of the adverbial subordinate clause in an adverbial complex sentence can vary. In this unit, pupils will learn a new type of subordinate clause: the relative clause.

Simple, compound, adverbial and relative complex sentences

Which **two** co-ordinating conjunctions always need a comma before them in a compound sentence?

The room was silent, and we all held our breath.

It was the middle of the night, but we could see by the light of the moon.

We knew we had to continue or it we would never make it in time.

Which compound sentence is punctuated correctly?

Match the first main clause to the second main clause to create a compound sentence.

As the sun rose the cockerel crowed loudly.

The cockerel crowed loudly, as the sun rose.

As the sun rose, the cockerel crowed loudly.

As the sun rose the cockerel, crowed loudly.

Which of these adverbial complex sentences is punctuated correctly?

to separate an adverbial clause and a main clause

to separate two adjectives in an expanded noun phrase

What have the commas been used for in this sentence? 'When the storm was over, the cold, shivering animals crept out of hiding.'

What have the commas been used for in this sentence? 'Jun didn't buy anything, but Sofia bought crisps, chocolate and a drink.'

Which **two** of the following words are nouns?

Which **two** of the following words are adjectives?

Which **two** of the following are expanded noun phrases?

Co-ordinating conjunctions join together two main clauses in a compound sentence. Which **three** of the following are co-ordinating conjunctions?

Where is the top of a comma placed when we are writing on lines?

Which word in this adverbial complex sentence is the subordinating conjunction? 'We all cheered when we were given extra playtime.'

Starter Quiz