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A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause
I can know that the non-finite clause is a third type of subordinate clause.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 5
A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause
I can know that the non-finite clause is a third type of subordinate clause.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Any subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense.
- Any subordinate clause must join to a main clause to make sense.
- A non-finite clause is a type of subordinate clause.
- A non-finite clause can start with a verb in the progressive tense that denotes ongoing action.
- The previously-learnt types of subordinate clause are the adverbial clause and the relative clause.
Keywords
Subordinate clause - a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
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
Common misconception
Pupils may think that any sentence beginning with an -ing word contains a non-finite clause.
Emphasise that a non-finite clause is a subordinate clause so cannot make complete sense - 'Singing is great!' is not a non-finite clause.
Encourage pupils to use a range of prepositions, adjectives and adverbs to extend their non-finite clauses like this: 'Stepping quietly into the cold room'.
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.Why has a comma been used in this sentence? We could go home, or we could go to the cinema.
Why has a comma been used in this sentence? We could go home, or we could go to the cinema.
because it follows an adverbial clause
to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
to separate nouns in a list
Q2.Why has a comma been used in this sentence? As the moon rose, it cast its bright, shimmering light onto the sea.
Why has a comma been used in this sentence? As the moon rose, it cast its bright, shimmering light onto the sea.
to separate nouns in a list
to show where a relative clause begins and ends
Q3.Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
After we get home we will watch TV.
After we get, home we will watch TV.
Q4.Which of these relative complex sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
Which of these relative complex sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
The sun, which was very bright warmed the beach.
The sun which was very bright, warmed the beach.
Q5.A comma is missing from this sentence; what would its purpose be? When it was home time, we collected our bags our coats and our reading books.
A comma is missing from this sentence; what would its purpose be? When it was home time, we collected our bags our coats and our reading books.
to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
to follow an adverbial clause
Q6.Which of the following is not a function of a comma?
Which of the following is not a function of a comma?
to show where a relative clause begins and ends
to follow an adverbial clause
to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following verb forms could start a non-finite clause?
Which of the following verb forms could start a non-finite clause?
leapt
leaps
Q2.Which of the following are non-finite clauses?
Which of the following are non-finite clauses?
swimming is my favourite activity
running is a fast way to travel
Q3.Which of the following are true for non-finite clauses?
Which of the following are true for non-finite clauses?
They are a type of main clause.
Q4.Match the type of subordinate clause to the type of word it begins with.
Match the type of subordinate clause to the type of word it begins with.
Q5.Match the type of subordinate clause to the example.
Match the type of subordinate clause to the example.
Q6.In this sentence, what group of words is the non-finite clause? We applauded the performer, cheering loudly in amazement.
In this sentence, what group of words is the non-finite clause? We applauded the performer, cheering loudly in amazement.
we applauded the performer
cheering loudly
