Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
icon-background-square
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
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
icon-background-square
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
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
warning

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
View new resources
arrow-right

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.

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

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.

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?
speech-bubble
Teacher tip
copyright

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).

Lesson video

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

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
tick

subordinating conjunction

Correct Answer:relative complex sentence,relative pronoun
tick

relative pronoun

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

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.
tick

, searching for interesting shells.

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

, hoping to use the football pitch.

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

, 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

Download exit quiz

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
tick

rushing

Correct Answer:adverbial complex sentence,when
tick

when

Correct Answer:relative complex sentence,who
tick

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.
tick

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.
tick

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.
tick

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.