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A new sentence structure: the non-finite complex sentence
I can understand the structure of a non-finite complex sentence.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 5
A new sentence structure: the non-finite complex sentence
I can understand the structure of a non-finite complex sentence.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The non-finite clause is a type of subordinate clause.
- A non-finite clause must join to a main clause to make sense.
- The non-finite clause denotes ongoing action that relates to the subject of the main clause.
- The action of the non-finite clause occurs simultaneously to the action of the main clause.
- A non-finite clause joined with a main clause forms the non-finite complex sentence.
Keywords
Non-finite clause - a type of subordinate clause that can start with a verb in the progressive tense
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Progressive tense - a tense that denotes ongoing action
Simultaneous - at the same time
Non-finite complex sentence - a sentence formed of a main clause and a non-finite subordinate clause
Common misconception
Pupils may suggest ideas for main or non-finite clauses that cannot be done simultaneously.
Encourage pupils to imagine the two actions and consider whether they can be done at the same time.
Allow lots of time for partner talk and oral rehearsal of sentence ideas - it can be difficult to think of simultaneous actions.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Tick all the subordinate clauses.
Tick all the subordinate clauses.
I was very cold
they woke up slowly
Q2.Tick all the verbs in a progressive tense.
Tick all the verbs in a progressive tense.
waited
watched
Q3.Which of the following are non-finite clauses?
Which of the following are non-finite clauses?
as we looked up,
while I waited patiently,
Q4.Which of these sentences include a non-finite clause?
Which of these sentences include a non-finite clause?
Sofia smiled as she answered the question perfectly.
When Sam got home, his brother was already there.
Q5.Match each type of subordinate clause to the type of word it can begin with.
Match each type of subordinate clause to the type of word it can begin with.
Q6.Match the type of subordinate clause to the example.
Match the type of subordinate clause to the example.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Tick all the sentences that contain a non-finite clause.
Tick all the sentences that contain a non-finite clause.
After we had eaten, we went out to play.
Q2.Which of the following are true for a non-finite complex sentence?
Which of the following are true for a non-finite complex sentence?
It contains a subordinating conjunction.
Q3.Which of these is true of a non-finite complex sentence?
Which of these is true of a non-finite complex sentence?
It shows actions that take place at different times.
It shows actions that take place one after another.
Q4.Match the type of complex sentence to the word that could start its subordinate clause.
Match the type of complex sentence to the word that could start its subordinate clause.
Q5.Match the type of complex sentence to the example.
Match the type of complex sentence to the example.
Q6.Which of the following main clauses could follow this non-finite clause? Rushing down the street,...
Which of the following main clauses could follow this non-finite clause? Rushing down the street,...
I stepped slowly and carefully.
