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Year 3 - English

Using the comma rule in adverbial complex sentences

Simple, compound and adverbial complex sentences

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn two comma rules within different sentence structures: compound and adverbial complex sentences. Pupils revise simple, compound and adverbial complex sentences and extend their knowledge by learning that an adverbial clause can come first or second in a complex sentence.

Lesson Summary

You can use the comma rule to write accurate adverbial complex sentences.

Key Notes

  • The position of an adverbial subordinate clause can move in an adverbial complex sentence.
  • If the adverbial clause comes first in the sentence, it is followed by a comma to demarcate from the main clause.
  • If the main clause comes first in the sentence, there is no comma used.
  • A comma is a punctuation mark that has more than one purpose.
  • Commas often help the reader see clause demarcation in a range of sentence types.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • clause: a group of words that contains a verb
  • adverbial clause: a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction
  • main clause: a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
  • adverbial complex sentence: a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils do not know when to use a comma to demarcate between the adverbial and main clause.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The position of an adverbial subordinate clause can move in an adverbial complex sentence. If the adverbial clause comes first in the sentence, it is followed by a comma to demarcate from the main clause.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'clause'

a group of words that contains a verb.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils do not know when to use a comma to demarcate between the adverbial and main clause. Correction: If the adverbial clause is first in the sentence, a comma is placed after it. If the main clause is first, no comma is placed after it.

More Lessons In This Unit

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