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Year 6 - English

Clause structure

Using five sentence types

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils review five sentence structures: simple, compound, adverbial complex, relative complex and non-finite complex, all with their associate comma rules in place. They learn some new subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns, as well as subject and object for the first time.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify three different types of subordinate clause.

Key Notes

  • Any clause is a group of words that contains a verb.
  • A main clause is a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense.
  • A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense.
  • There are three types of subordinate clause: the adverbial clause, the relative clause and the non-finite clause.
  • Any type of subordinate clause must be joined to a main clause to make sense.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • clause: a group of words that contains a verb
  • main clause: a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
  • subordinate clause: a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may believe that any group of words that is not a main clause is a subordinate clause.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Any clause is a group of words that contains a verb. A main clause is a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense.

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 group of words that is not a main clause is a subordinate clause. Correction: Emphasise that knowing the difference between clauses (groups of words that contain verbs) and phrases (groups of words that do not) is key.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.