Using the comma rule in adverbial complex sentences
You can use the comma rule to write accurate adverbial complex sentences.
Using the comma rule in adverbial complex sentences
You can use the comma rule to write accurate adverbial complex sentences.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The position of an adverbial subordinate clause can move in an adverbial complex sentence.
- If the adverbial clause comes first in the sentence, it is followed by a comma to demarcate from the main clause.
- If the main clause comes first in the sentence, there is no comma used.
- A comma is a punctuation mark that has more than one purpose.
- Commas often help the reader see clause demarcation in a range of sentence types.
Keywords
Clause - a group of words that contains a verb
Adverbial clause - a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Adverbial complex sentence - a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause
Common misconception
Pupils do not know when to use a comma to demarcate between the adverbial and main clause.
If the adverbial clause is first in the sentence, a comma is placed after it. If the main clause is first, no comma is placed after it.
To help you plan your year 3 english lesson on: Using the comma rule in adverbial complex sentences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 english lesson on: Using the comma rule in adverbial complex sentences, 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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
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