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Year 5

Using the comma rules in non-finite complex sentences

I can use a comma to demarcate a main clause from a non-finite clause in a non-finite complex sentence.

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New
New
Year 5

Using the comma rules in non-finite complex sentences

I can use a comma to demarcate a main clause from a non-finite clause in a non-finite complex sentence.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A non-finite clause joined to a main clause forms a non-finite complex sentence.
  2. The non-finite clause denotes ongoing action that relates to the subject of the main clause.
  3. The action of the non-finite clause occurs simultaneously to the action of the main clause.
  4. The non-finite clause can come first in the complex sentence followed by the main clause or vice versa.
  5. A comma is always used to demarcate the non-finite clause from the main clause despite its position in the sentence.

Common misconception

Pupils may not include the subject of the non-finite clause at the start of the main clause.

Explain that the person doing the non-finite clause must be mentioned at the start of the main clause.

Keywords

  • 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

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

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

  • Non-finite complex sentence - a sentence formed of a main clause and a non-finite subordinate clause

Encourage pupils to interrogate their non-finite complex sentences - could the actions be done simultaneously? Is the person mentioned after the comma the one doing the non-finite clause?
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following are found in a non-finite complex sentence?
Correct answer: a main clause
a relative clause
an adverbial clause
Correct answer: a non-finite clause
Q2.
Which of the following contain a non-finite (-ing) clause?
As we looked up, we saw bright stars shining.
Correct answer: Looking up, we saw bright stars shining.
She shook our hands when she got up from her chair.
Correct answer: She shook our hands, getting up from her chair.
Q3.
Which of these non-finite complex sentences are correctly formed?
Looking up, the stars were shining.
Correct answer: Looking up, I saw the stars were shining.
Correct answer: Running down the canal towpath, she spotted a brilliant kingfisher.
Running down the canal towpath, a brilliant kingfisher flew past.
Q4.
Match the type of complex sentence to the type of word it might require.
Correct Answer:adverbial complex sentence,subordinating conjunction

subordinating conjunction

Correct Answer:relative complex sentence,relative pronoun

relative pronoun

Correct Answer:non-finite complex sentence,progressive tense verb with -ing suffix

progressive tense verb with -ing suffix

Q5.
Match the main clauses to the non-finite (-ing) clauses that could follow them.
Correct Answer:We walked along the beach,, searching for interesting shells.

, searching for interesting shells.

Correct Answer:The children dashed outside,, hoping to use the football pitch.

, hoping to use the football pitch.

Correct Answer:Mrs Begum smiled,, seeing that we were eager to finish the story.

, seeing that we were eager to finish the story.

Q6.
Which main clause would best complete this non-finite complex sentence? 'Diving into the water, __________.'
I leaped into the air.
Correct answer: I felt as if I had been plunged into an ice bath.
I got ready to swim.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following will we always find in a non-finite (-ing) complex sentence?
Correct answer: a main clause
Correct answer: a progressive tense verb with an -ing suffix
Correct answer: a comma
a relative clause
Q2.
Match the type of complex sentence to the word that might start its subordinate clause.
Correct Answer:non-finite complex sentence,rushing

rushing

Correct Answer:adverbial complex sentence,when

when

Correct Answer:relative complex sentence,who

who

Q3.
Match each type of complex sentence to an example.
Correct Answer:relative complex sentence,The hill, which was very steep, was over 700m high.

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

Correct Answer:adverbial complex sentence,When we got to the top of the hill, we rested a while.

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

Correct Answer:non-finite complex sentence,Laying on the ground, we tried to catch our breath.

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

Q4.
Which of the following is true of a non-finite (-ing) complex sentence?
There is never a comma between the main clause and the non-finite (-ing) clause.
Correct answer: 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.
Q5.
Tick all the non-finite (-ing) complex sentences that have the correct commas.
Waiting by the door I listened to their conversation.
Correct answer: Waiting by the door, I listened to their conversation.
Correct answer: The dog barked loudly, hoping to get our attention.
The dog barked loudly hoping to get our attention.
Q6.
Tick all the non-finite (-ing) complex sentences that have the correct commas used for all purposes.
Correct answer: 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.
Correct answer: She stomped into the room, barging past Jun, Sam and Jacob.