Clause structure
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify three different types of subordinate clause.
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 and does not make complete sense.
- There are three types of subordinate clause: the adverbial clause, the relative clause and the non-finite 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
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that any group of words that is not a main clause is a subordinate clause.
Emphasise that knowing the difference between clauses (groups of words that contain verbs) and phrases (groups of words that do not) is key.
Teacher tip
In modelled and shared writing, constantly reinforce and use these three types of subordinate clause as well as different phrases. Make sure children have access to a resource (like a word bank or display) that gives them examples of each.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word class to its meaning.
a naming word for people, places and things
a word that describes a noun
a being, doing or having word
a word that describes a verb
Q2.What are the verbs in this sentence? 'She worked hard, but she found it difficult.'
Q3.Which of these groups of words contain a verb?
Q4.Which of these groups of words do not contain a verb?
Q5.Which of these groups of words could be complete simple sentences?
Q6.Which of these groups of words could not be complete simple sentences?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to its meaning.
a group of words with no verb
a group of words that contains a verb & makes complete sense
a group of words with a verb that doesn't make sense alone
Q2.Which of the following are true for a subordinate clause?
Q3.Which of the following are types of subordinate clause?
Q4.Which of the following subordinate clauses are non-finite (-ing) clauses?
Q5.Which of these sentences contain an adverbial clause?
Q6.Match the type of subordinate clause to the example.
pushing past me roughly
as she pushed past me
who had pushed past me
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Clause structure, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Clause structure, 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 Using five sentence types unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.