A new sentence structure: the non-finite complex sentence

English

Two types of clause

Four sentence types

Comma rules in four sentence types

A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause

Using the comma rules in non-finite complex sentences

In this unit, pupils learn a fifth sentence type: the non-finite complex sentence. In 'Using five sentence types', pupils will learn about the subject and object of a clause.

In 'Simple, compound, adverbial and relative complex sentences', pupils revised the first three sentence types and learnt a fourth. In this unit, pupils will learn a fifth: the non-finite complex sentence.

In this unit, pupils learn a new sentence structure: the non-finite complex sentence. In so doing, they learn a new comma rule for how to separate a non-finite clause from a main clause. Pupils revise the other sentence structures they know: simple, compound, adverbial complex and relative complex.

Five sentence types

Waiting for the bus, I looked at my watch. 

Alex stomped into the room, throwing down his bag. 

After we had eaten, we went out to play. 

Tick all the sentences that contain a non-finite clause. 

It can contain a verb with an -ing suffix. 

It contains a subordinating conjunction. 

Which of the following are true for a non-finite complex sentence?

It shows actions that take place at different times. 

It shows actions that take place one after another. 

It shows actions that take place simultaneously. 

Which of these is true of a non-finite complex sentence?

Match the type of complex sentence to the word that could start its subordinate clause.

The man, who was short, shuffled down the street.

Shuffling down the street, the man smiled. 

As the man shuffled down the street, he smiled.

Match the type of complex sentence to the example.

Which of the following main clauses could follow this non-finite clause? Rushing down the street,...

Tick all the verbs in a progressive tense. 

Which of the following are non-finite clauses?

Answering the question perfectly, Sofia smiled. 

Sofia smiled as she answered the question perfectly.

Sam raced home, trying to beat his brother to the door.

When Sam got home, his brother was already there.

Which of these sentences include a non-finite clause?

Match each type of subordinate clause to the type of word it can begin with. 

Match the type of subordinate clause to the example. 

Starter Quiz

Tick all the subordinate clauses.