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      Two types of clause

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify two different types of subordinate clause.

      Key learning points

      1. Any clause is a group of words that contains a verb.
      2. A main clause is a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense.
      3. A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb that does not make complete sense.
      4. There are different types of subordinate clause.
      5. 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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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.

      Correct Answer:noun,a naming word for a person, place or thing

      a naming word for a person, place or thing

      Correct Answer:verb,a doing, being or having word

      a doing, being or having word

      Correct Answer:adjective,a word that describes a noun

      a word that describes a noun

      Correct Answer:adverb,a word that describes a verb

      a word that describes a verb

      Q2.
      What are the verbs in this sentence? 'We waited impatiently and we looked at the clock.'

      we
      Correct answer: waited
      impatiently
      Correct answer: looked
      clock

      Q3.
      Which of these groups of words contain a verb?

      Correct answer: we strode down the street
      the long, winding street
      Correct answer: as the sun shone brightly
      the distant, golden sun in the bright sky

      Q4.
      Which of these groups of words do not contain a verb?

      because we had eaten all the food
      Correct answer: a huge pile of delicious, warming food
      Correct answer: into a vast, dark cave of glittering jewels
      he cautiously entered

      Q5.
      Which of these groups of words could be complete simple sentences?

      which was very dark
      Correct answer: we entered the cave
      Correct answer: how would we find our way out
      who was very scared

      Q6.
      Which of these groups of words could not be complete simple sentences?

      Correct answer: as we shuddered in fear
      the darkness seemed to cover us completely
      Correct answer: while we waited
      we huddled together in fear

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the groups of words below are main clauses?

      Correct answer: we tried our best to finish the race
      as we stumbled around the track
      when we reached the finish line
      Correct answer: Sam raised her arms in triumph

      Q2.
      Which of the groups of words below are subordinate clauses?

      Correct answer: which was very difficult
      we all enjoyed the PE lesson
      Correct answer: when Mrs Begum blew her whistle
      the children froze

      Q3.
      Which of the following are true for a main clause?

      Correct answer: It contains a verb.
      It contains no verb.
      Correct answer: It makes complete sense.
      Correct answer: It could be a simple sentence on its own.

      Q4.
      Which of the following are types of subordinate clause?

      main clause
      phrase
      Correct answer: relative clause
      Correct answer: adverbial clause

      Q5.
      Which of the following subordinate clauses are relative clauses?

      before we could finish
      Correct answer: which we did not finish
      Correct answer: who loved to watch tennis
      as we watched the tennis match

      Q6.
      Which of these sentences contain an adverbial clause?

      Correct answer: We all clapped when Jun won the race.
      Alex, who came second, shook his head in disappointment.
      Correct answer: As Aisha reached the finish line, she smiled happily.
      The race, which was over in seconds, was the last one of the day.

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Two types of clause, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...