Year 3 - English
Using the comma rule in compound sentences
Simple, compound and adverbial complex sentences
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
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 before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
Key Notes
- A group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense is called a main clause.
- Co-ordinating conjunctions join two main clauses to form a compound sentence.
- If the co-ordinating conjunction "but" or "or" is used, there must be a comma before it in a compound sentence.
- The comma tells the reader where the main clause demarcation is.
- Different co-ordinating conjunctions have different meanings.
Vocabulary To Learn
- main clause: a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
- co-ordinating conjunction: a word that joins two main clauses to form a compound sentence
- compound sentence: a sentence formed of two main clauses and a joining word
- comma: a punctuation mark used before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils add a word after the co-ordinating conjunction not a main clause.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
A group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense is called a main clause. Co-ordinating conjunctions join two main clauses to form a compound sentence.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'main clause'
a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils add a word after the co-ordinating conjunction not a main clause. Correction: A co-ordinating conjunction in a compound sentence must join two complete main clauses. Any main clause must make complete sense.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Adverbial complex sentences Study Guide
- Compound and adverbial complex sentences revision Study Guide
- Four types of simple sentence Study Guide
- Subordination with 'as' in adverbial complex sentences Study Guide
- Three ways for co-ordination in compound sentences Study Guide
- Understanding the comma rule in adverbial complex sentences Study Guide
- Using the comma rule in adverbial complex sentences Study Guide
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