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Lesson 1 of 6
New
New
- Year 5
Two types of clause
I can identify two different types of subordinate clause.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Any clause is a group of words that contains a verb.
- A main clause is a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense.
- A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb that does not make complete sense.
- There are different types of subordinate clause.
- Any type of subordinate clause must be joined to a main clause to make sense.
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
Adverbial clause - a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction
Relative clause - a type of subordinate clause that starts with a relative pronoun
Common misconception
Pupils may not understand that relative and adverbial clauses are two types of subordinate clause.
Emphasise that relative and adverbial clauses are both subordinate, but they are differentiated by their starting word and use in sentences.
When teaching relative clauses, encourage pupils to identify the noun or noun phrase that the clause follows - it is adding more information about this person, place or thing.
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.Match the word class to its meaning.
Match the word class to its meaning.
Q2.What are the verbs in this sentence? 'We waited impatiently and we looked at the clock.'
What are the verbs in this sentence? 'We waited impatiently and we looked at the clock.'
we
impatiently
clock
Q3.Which of these groups of words contain a verb?
Which of these groups of words contain a verb?
the long, winding street
the distant, golden sun in the bright sky
Q4.Which of these groups of words do not contain a verb?
Which of these groups of words do not contain a verb?
because we had eaten all the food
he cautiously entered
Q5.Which of these groups of words could be complete simple sentences?
Which of these groups of words could be complete simple sentences?
which was very dark
who was very scared
Q6.Which of these groups of words could not be complete simple sentences?
Which of these groups of words could not be complete simple sentences?
the darkness seemed to cover us completely
we huddled together in fear
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the groups of words below are main clauses?
Which of the groups of words below are main clauses?
as we stumbled around the track
when we reached the finish line
Q2.Which of the groups of words below are subordinate clauses?
Which of the groups of words below are subordinate clauses?
we all enjoyed the PE lesson
the children froze
Q3.Which of the following are true for a main clause?
Which of the following are true for a main clause?
It contains no verb.
Q4.Which of the following are types of subordinate clause?
Which of the following are types of subordinate clause?
main clause
phrase
Q5.Which of the following subordinate clauses are relative clauses?
Which of the following subordinate clauses are relative clauses?
before we could finish
as we watched the tennis match
Q6.Which of these sentences contain an adverbial clause?
Which of these sentences contain an adverbial clause?
Alex, who came second, shook his head in disappointment.
The race, which was over in seconds, was the last one of the day.
