Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
New
New
Year 6

Clause structure

I can identify three different types of subordinate clause.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 6

Clause structure

I can identify three different types of subordinate clause.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Any clause is a group of words that contains a verb.
  2. A main clause is a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense.
  3. A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense.
  4. There are three types of subordinate clause: the adverbial clause, the relative clause and the non-finite clause.
  5. Any type of subordinate clause must be joined to a main clause to make sense.

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that any group of words that is not a main clause is a subordinate clause.

Emphasise that knowing the difference between clauses (groups of words that contain verbs) and phrases (groups of words that do not) is key.

Keywords

  • Clause - a group of words that contains a verb

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

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

In modelled and shared writing, constantly reinforce and use these three types of subordinate clause as well as different phrases. Make sure children have access to a resource (like a word bank or display) that gives them examples of each.
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).

Video

Skip video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match each word class to its meaning.
Correct Answer:noun,a naming word for people, places and things

a naming word for people, places and things

Correct Answer:adjective,a word that describes a noun

a word that describes a noun

Correct Answer:verb,a being, doing or having word

a being, doing or having word

Correct Answer:adverb,a word that describes a verb

a word that describes a verb

Q2.
What are the verbs in this sentence? 'She worked hard, but she found it difficult.'
she
Correct answer: worked
hard
Correct answer: found
Q3.
Which of these groups of words contain a verb?
Correct answer: who was shuffling down the road
the long, winding road
Correct answer: while the rain was falling
the torrential, never-ending rain
Q4.
Which of these groups of words do not contain a verb?
Correct answer: a vast mountain of stinking garbage
the smell was unbearable
before we could even stop him
Correct answer: through a narrow, rocky opening
Q5.
Which of these groups of words could be complete simple sentences?
because it was still raining
Correct answer: it was still raining
when she was a fire-fighter
Correct answer: she was a fire-fighter
Q6.
Which of these groups of words could not be complete simple sentences?
Correct answer: when the lights went out
the lights went out
should we huddle together for warmth
Correct answer: while we huddled together in fear

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keyword to its meaning.
Correct Answer:phrase,a group of words with no verb

a group of words with no verb

Correct Answer:main clause,a group of words that contains a verb & makes complete sense

a group of words that contains a verb & makes complete sense

Correct Answer:subordinate clause,a group of words with a verb that doesn't make sense alone

a group of words with a verb that doesn't make sense alone

Q2.
Which of the following are true for a subordinate clause?
Correct answer: It contains a verb.
Correct answer: There are several different types.
It could be a sentence on its own.
It makes complete sense.
Q3.
Which of the following are types of subordinate clause?
main clause
phrase
Correct answer: relative clause
Correct answer: adverbial clause
Correct answer: non-finite (-ing) clause
Q4.
Which of the following subordinate clauses are non-finite (-ing) clauses?
Correct answer: stepping into the deep water
which was a huge surprise
because the door was stuck shut
Correct answer: forcing the door open with a shove
Q5.
Which of these sentences contain an adverbial clause?
Correct answer: We all celebrated when she became school councillor.
Correct answer: As the rain began to fall torrentially, we rushed inside.
We celebrated wildly, punching the air with joy.
Rushing inside, we sheltered from the torrential rain.
Q6.
Match the type of subordinate clause to the example.
Correct Answer:non-finite (-ing) clause,pushing past me roughly

pushing past me roughly

Correct Answer:adverbial clause,as she pushed past me

as she pushed past me

Correct Answer:relative clause,who had pushed past me

who had pushed past me