Comma rules in four sentence types
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the comma for a range of purposes in four different sentence structures.
Key learning points
- A comma is written before 'but' or 'or' co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
- If the adverbial clause is first in an adverbial complex sentence, it is followed by a comma before the main clause.
- If the main clause is first in an adverbial complex sentence, it is not followed by a comma before the adverbial clause.
- A relative clause often interrupts after the subject of the main clause at the start of the sentence.
- A pair of commas is used around the relative clause to demarcate it from the main clause.
Keywords
Comma - a punctuation mark used before 'but' or 'or' co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
Comma - a punctuation mark used to demarcate the first adverbial clause from the second main clause in an adverbial complex sentence
Comma - a punctuation mark used to demarcate the relative clause from the main clause in a relative complex sentence
Adverbial clause - a type of subordinate clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction
Relative clause - a type of subordinate clause that begins with a relative pronoun
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that commas are only used to demarcate clauses or for 'pauses'.
Encourage pupils to think about the specific rules for comma use, including for clauses, in lists and between adjectives in ENPs.
Teacher tip
When reading aloud across the curriculum, pause occasionally to remark on comma usage and to encourage discussion of why a particular comma has been used.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the type of simple sentence to the example.
What on earth are you doing?
What a mess you've made!
Clear up this mess.
I can't believe this room is so messy.
Q2.Match the type of sentence to its definition.
has just one main clause
has main clauses joined by co-ordinating conjunctions
has a main clause and an adverbial clause
has a main clause and a relative clause
Q3.What type of sentence is this? The door, which was made of steel, was impossible to break down.
Q4.What type of sentence is this? We all gasped as the fireworks shot into the sky.
Q5.Which of these are true of a relative complex sentence?
Q6.Tick all the adverbial complex sentences.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are ways a comma can be used?
Q2.Why has a comma been used in this sentence? Jun stepped into the warm, cosy classroom.
Q3.Which co-ordinating conjunctions require a comma before them in a compound sentence?
Q4.Which version of this sentence requires a comma to be added?
Q5.Which version of this sentence has the correct commas?
Q6.Which version of this sentence has all the commas used correctly?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Comma rules in four sentence types, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Comma rules in four sentence types, 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.