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Year 5 - English
Four sentence types
Five sentence types
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 say and write four different sentence structures.
Key Notes
- A sentence composed of one main clause is a simple sentence.
- A sentence composed of at least two main clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction is a compound sentence.
- A sentence composed of at least one main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause is an adverbial complex sentence.
- A sentence composed of at least one main clause and a relative subordinate clause is a relative complex sentence.
- Specific comma rules apply to the demarcation of clauses in compound and complex sentence structures.
Vocabulary To Learn
- clause: a group of words that contains a verb
- simple sentence: a sentence about one idea that makes complete sense
- compound sentence: a sentence formed of two main clauses and a co-ordinating conjunction
- adverbial complex sentence: a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause
- relative complex sentence: a sentence formed of a main clause and a relative subordinate clause
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may believe that any use of a co-ordinating conjunction creates a compound sentence.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
A sentence composed of one main clause is a simple sentence. A sentence composed of at least two main clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction is a compound sentence.
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 may believe that any use of a co-ordinating conjunction creates a compound sentence. Correction: Remind pupils that sentences like 'We ate cheese and ham.' cannot be a compound sentence because it does not contain two main clauses.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 5 English guide library.