Comma rules in three sentence types
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the comma for a range of purposes in three 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.
- Commas are often used to demarcate clauses in compound and complex sentence structures.
- Commas may be found in a simple sentence for other purposes than clause demarcation.
Keywords
Co-ordinating conjunction - a word that joins two main clauses to form a compound sentence
Comma - a punctuation mark used before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
Adverbial clause - a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction
Subordinating conjunction - a word that starts an adverbial clause
Comma - a punctuation mark used to demarcate the first adverbial clause from the second main clause in an adverbial complex sentence
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that commas indicate a 'pause' in sentences, or 'taking a breath'.
Commas have a number of specific functions, several of which are covered in this lesson.
Teacher tip
Display the comma rules in the classroom so that children can refer to them in their writing across the curriculum.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which two of the following words are nouns?
Q2.Which two of the following words are adjectives?
Q3.Which two of the following are expanded noun phrases?
Q4.Co-ordinating conjunctions join together two main clauses in a compound sentence. Which three of the following are co-ordinating conjunctions?
Q5.Where is the top of a comma placed when we are writing on lines?
Q6.Which word in this adverbial complex sentence is the subordinating conjunction? 'We all cheered when we were given extra playtime.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which two co-ordinating conjunctions always need a comma before them in a compound sentence?
Q2.Which compound sentence is punctuated correctly?
Q3.Match the first main clause to the second main clause to create a compound sentence.
, but the teacher kept us waiting.
and we wolfed down our food.
, or it would be a total disaster.
Q4.Which of these adverbial complex sentences is punctuated correctly?
Q5.What have the commas been used for in this sentence? 'When the storm was over, the cold, shivering animals crept out of hiding.'
Q6.What have the commas been used for in this sentence? 'Jun didn't buy anything, but Sofia bought crisps, chocolate and a drink.'
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Comma rules in three sentence types, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Comma rules in three 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 Simple, compound, adverbial and relative complex sentences unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.