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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.