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Year 5

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

I can know that the non-finite clause is a third type of subordinate clause.

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Year 5

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

I can know that the non-finite clause is a third type of subordinate clause.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Any subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense.
  2. Any subordinate clause must join to a main clause to make sense.
  3. A non-finite clause is a type of subordinate clause.
  4. A non-finite clause can start with a verb in the progressive tense that denotes ongoing action.
  5. The previously-learnt types of subordinate clause are the adverbial clause and the relative clause.

Keywords

  • Subordinate clause - a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense

  • Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense

  • Non-finite clause - a type of subordinate clause that can start with a verb in the progressive tense

  • Progressive tense - a tense that denotes ongoing action

Common misconception

Pupils may think that any sentence beginning with an -ing word contains a non-finite clause.

Emphasise that a non-finite clause is a subordinate clause so cannot make complete sense - 'Singing is great!' is not a non-finite clause.


To help you plan your year 5 english lesson on: A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to use a range of prepositions, adjectives and adverbs to extend their non-finite clauses like this: 'Stepping quietly into the cold room'.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Why has a comma been used in this sentence? We could go home, or we could go to the cinema.
because it follows an adverbial clause
Correct answer: because it follows a co-ordinating conjunction which needs a comma
to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
to separate nouns in a list
Q2.
Why has a comma been used in this sentence? As the moon rose, it cast its bright, shimmering light onto the sea.
Correct answer: to follow an adverbial clause in an adverbial complex sentence
Correct answer: to separate two adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
to separate nouns in a list
to show where a relative clause begins and ends
Q3.
Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
After we get home we will watch TV.
After we get, home we will watch TV.
Correct answer: After we get home, we will watch TV.
Q4.
Which of these relative complex sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
The sun, which was very bright warmed the beach.
Correct answer: The sun, which was very bright, warmed the beach.
The sun which was very bright, warmed the beach.
Q5.
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 separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
Correct answer: to separate nouns in a list
to follow an adverbial clause
Q6.
Which of the following is not a function of a comma?
to show where a relative clause begins and ends
to follow an adverbial clause
Correct answer: to go before the co-ordinating conjunction 'and'
to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following verb forms could start a non-finite clause?
Correct answer: leaping
leapt
leaps
Q2.
Which of the following are non-finite clauses?
Correct answer: passing the parcel to my left
swimming is my favourite activity
running is a fast way to travel
Correct answer: jumping into the pool
Q3.
Which of the following are true for non-finite clauses?
Correct answer: They are a type of subordinate clause.
Correct answer: They must be added to a main clause to make complete sense.
Correct answer: They can start with a word with an -ing suffix.
They are a type of main clause.
Correct answer: They can be placed before or after a main clause.
Q4.
Match the type of subordinate clause to the type of word it begins with.
Correct Answer:adverbial clause,subordinating conjunction
tick

subordinating conjunction

Correct Answer:relative clause,relative pronoun
tick

relative pronoun

Correct Answer:non-finite clause,progressive tense verb with an -ing suffix
tick

progressive tense verb with an -ing suffix

Q5.
Match the type of subordinate clause to the example.
Correct Answer:adverbial clause,when it was time for dinner
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when it was time for dinner

Correct Answer:relative clause,which was delicious
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which was delicious

Correct Answer:non-finite clause,chomping loudly on my food
tick

chomping loudly on my food

Q6.
In this sentence, what group of words is the non-finite clause? We applauded the performer, cheering loudly in amazement.
we applauded the performer
Correct answer: cheering loudly in amazement
cheering loudly