A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can know that the non-finite clause is a third type of subordinate clause.
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.
Teacher tip
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'.
Licence
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.
Q2.Why has a comma been used in this sentence? As the moon rose, it cast its bright, shimmering light onto the sea.
Q3.Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
Q4.Which of these relative complex sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
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.
Q6.Which of the following is not a function of a comma?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following verb forms could start a non-finite clause?
Q2.Which of the following are non-finite clauses?
Q3.Which of the following are true for non-finite clauses?
Q4.Match the type of subordinate clause to the type of word it begins with.
Q5.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.
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Five sentence types unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.