Comma rules in four sentence types
I can use the comma for a range of purposes in four different sentence structures.
Comma rules in four sentence types
I can use the comma for a range of purposes in four different sentence structures.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A comma is written before 'but' or 'or' co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
- If the adverbial clause is first in an adverbial complex sentence, it is followed by a comma before the main clause.
- If the main clause is first in an adverbial complex sentence, it is not followed by a comma before the adverbial clause.
- A relative clause often interrupts after the subject of the main clause at the start of the sentence.
- A pair of commas is used around the relative clause to demarcate it from the main clause.
Keywords
Comma - a punctuation mark used before 'but' or 'or' co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
Comma - a punctuation mark used to demarcate the first adverbial clause from the second main clause in an adverbial complex sentence
Comma - a punctuation mark used to demarcate the relative clause from the main clause in a relative complex sentence
Adverbial clause - a type of subordinate clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction
Relative clause - a type of subordinate clause that begins with a relative pronoun
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that commas are only used to demarcate clauses or for 'pauses'.
Encourage pupils to think about the specific rules for comma use, including for clauses, in lists and between adjectives in ENPs.
To help you plan your year 5 english lesson on: Comma rules in four sentence types, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 english lesson on: Comma rules in four sentence types, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the Five sentence types unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
What on earth are you doing?
What a mess you've made!
Clear up this mess.
I can't believe this room is so messy.
has just one main clause
has main clauses joined by co-ordinating conjunctions
has a main clause and an adverbial clause
has a main clause and a relative clause