a type of subordinate clause that can start with a verb in the progressive tense

a punctuation mark used to demarcate the non-finite clause from the main clause in a non-finite complex sentence

a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense

a sentence formed of a main clause and a non-finite subordinate clause

Using the comma rules in non-finite complex sentences

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

a progressive tense verb with an -ing suffix

Which of the following will we always find in a non-finite (-ing) complex sentence? 

Match the type of complex sentence to the word that might start its subordinate clause. 

The hill, which was very steep, was over 700m high. 

When we got to the top of the hill, we rested a while. 

Laying on the ground, we tried to catch our breath. 

Match each type of complex sentence to an example. 

There is never a comma between the main clause and the non-finite (-ing) clause.

There is always a comma between the main clause and the non-finite clause.

There is sometimes a comma between the main clause and the non-finite clause.

Which of the following is true of a non-finite (-ing) complex sentence?

Waiting by the door I listened to their conversation. 

Waiting by the door, I listened to their conversation. 

The dog barked loudly, hoping to get our attention. 

The dog barked loudly hoping to get our attention. 

Tick all the non-finite (-ing) complex sentences that have the correct commas. 

Stepping into the warm, humid greenhouse, I loosened my tie. 

Stepping into the warm humid greenhouse, I loosened my tie. 

She stomped into the room, barging past Jun Sam and Jacob. 

She stomped into the room, barging past Jun, Sam and Jacob. 

Tick all the non-finite (-ing) complex sentences that have the correct commas used for all purposes. 

Which of the following are found in a non-finite complex sentence? 

As we looked up, we saw bright stars shining. 

Looking up, we saw bright stars shining. 

She shook our hands when she got up from her chair. 

She shook our hands, getting up from her chair. 

Which of the following contain a non-finite (-ing) clause? 

Looking up, I saw the stars were shining. 

Running down the canal towpath, she spotted a brilliant kingfisher. 

Running down the canal towpath, a brilliant kingfisher flew past. 

Which of these non-finite complex sentences are correctly formed? 

Match the type of complex sentence to the type of word it might require.

, seeing that we were eager to finish the story. 

Match the main clauses to the non-finite (-ing) clauses that could follow them. 

I felt as if I had been plunged into an ice bath. 

Which main clause would best complete this non-finite complex sentence? 'Diving into the water, __________.'

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Using the comma rules in non-finite complex sentences

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.