Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn a new sentence structure: the non-finite complex sentence. In so doing, they learn a new comma rule for how to separate a non-finite clause from a main clause. Pupils revise the other sentence structures they know: simple, compound, adverbial complex and relative complex.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use the comma for a range of purposes in four different sentence structures.

Key Notes

• 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.
• A relative clause often interrupts after the subject of the main clause at the start of the sentence.
• A pair of commas is used around the relative clause to demarcate it from the main clause.

Vocabulary To Learn

• comma: a punctuation mark used before 'but' or 'or' co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
• comma: a punctuation mark used to demarcate the first adverbial clause from the second main clause in an adverbial complex sentence
• comma: a punctuation mark used to demarcate the relative clause from the main clause in a relative complex sentence
• adverbial clause: a type of subordinate clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction
• relative clause: a type of subordinate clause that begins with a relative pronoun

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pupils may believe that commas are only used to demarcate clauses or for 'pauses'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• A new sentence structure: the non-finite complex sentence Study Guide
• A new subordinate clause: the non-finite (-ing) clause Study Guide
• Four sentence types Study Guide
• Two types of clause Study Guide
• Using the comma rules in non-finite complex sentences Study Guide