A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause

English

In this unit, pupils learn a fifth sentence type: the non-finite complex sentence. In 'Using five sentence types', pupils will learn about the subject and object of a clause.

In 'Simple, compound, adverbial and relative complex sentences', pupils revised the first three sentence types and learnt a fourth. In this unit, pupils will learn a fifth: the non-finite complex sentence.

Five sentence types

Which of the following verb forms could start a non-finite clause?

Which of the following are non-finite clauses?

They must be added to a main clause to make complete sense.

They can start with a word with an -ing suffix.

They can be placed before or after a main clause. 

Which of the following are true for non-finite clauses?

progressive tense verb with an -ing suffix

Match the type of subordinate clause to the type of word it begins with.

Match the type of subordinate clause to the example. 

In this sentence, what group of words is the non-finite clause? We applauded the performer, cheering loudly in amazement. 

because it follows a co-ordinating conjunction which needs a comma

to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase

Why has a comma been used in this sentence? We could go home, or we could go to the cinema. 

to follow an adverbial clause in an adverbial complex sentence

to separate two adjectives in an expanded noun phrase

to show where a relative clause begins and ends

Why has a comma been used in this sentence? As the moon rose, it cast its bright, shimmering light onto the sea. 

Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly with commas? 

The sun, which was very bright warmed the beach. 

The sun, which was very bright, warmed the beach. 

The sun which was very bright, warmed the beach. 

Which of these relative complex sentences is punctuated correctly with commas? 

A comma is missing from this sentence; what would its purpose be? When it was home time, we collected our bags our coats and our reading books. 

to go before the co-ordinating conjunction 'and'

Which of the following is **not** a function of a comma?

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