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Lesson 2 of 7
New
New
- Year 4
Three sentence types
I can say and write three different sentence structures.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A sentence composed of one main clause is a simple sentence.
- There are four types of simple sentence: statement, question, command and exclamation.
- A sentence composed of at least two main clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction is a compound sentence.
- A sentence composed of at least one main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause is an adverbial complex sentence.
Keywords
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Simple sentence - a sentence about one idea that makes complete sense
Compound sentence - a sentence formed of two main clauses and a co-ordinating conjunction
Adverbial complex sentence - a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause
Subordinate clause - a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense
Common misconception
Pupils may believe using a co-ordinating conjunction always creates a compound sentence.
Using a co-ordinating conjunction only creates a compound sentence if the conjunction is joining main clauses.
Add images to the slides to inspire sentence writing.
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.A clause is a group of words that contains a verb. Which two of the following are clauses?
A clause is a group of words that contains a verb. Which two of the following are clauses?
just then
oh dear
Q2.A main clause is a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense on its own. Which two of the following are main clauses?
A main clause is a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense on its own. Which two of the following are main clauses?
which was very hot
because it was so hot
Q3.A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb but does not make complete sense on its own. Which two of the following are subordinate clauses?
A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb but does not make complete sense on its own. Which two of the following are subordinate clauses?
it was snowing
the snow was crisp and white
Q4.What is a conjunction?
What is a conjunction?
a being or doing word
a word that describes a noun
a person, place or thing
Q5.Match the main clause to the adverbial clause to make a complete sentence.
Match the main clause to the adverbial clause to make a complete sentence.
Q6.Which two of these are true for an adverbial clause?
Which two of these are true for an adverbial clause?
it is a type of main clause
it could be a sentence on its own
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which type of simple sentence is being described? 'This type of simple sentence could end with a full stop or an exclamation mark. It always contains an imperative verb.'
Which type of simple sentence is being described? 'This type of simple sentence could end with a full stop or an exclamation mark. It always contains an imperative verb.'
a statement
a question
an exclamation
Q2.Match the sentences to the types of simple sentence.
Match the sentences to the types of simple sentence.
Q3.What is the purpose of a co-ordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?
What is the purpose of a co-ordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?
to join an adverbial clause and a main clause
to join two nouns
to join two adverbial clauses
Q4.Match the co-ordinating conjunctions to the gaps in the compound sentences.
Match the co-ordinating conjunctions to the gaps in the compound sentences.
Q5.Where can the subordinating conjunction be placed in an adverbial complex sentence?
Where can the subordinating conjunction be placed in an adverbial complex sentence?
at the end of the sentence
anywhere in the sentence
Q6.Match the subordinating conjunction to the adverbial complex sentence it helps to create.
Match the subordinating conjunction to the adverbial complex sentence it helps to create.
