Sentence structure and punctuation

• Learning objectives

• To understand main and subordinate clauses

• To be able to use subordinate clauses to extend sentences

ClausesWhen it rained they went inside.

How many clauses does this sentence

contain?

Could you take away one clause and still

have a sentence which makes sense?

Main Clause

Subordinate Clause

1) Because it was cold.

2) He jumped.

3) If he could.

4) When he was ten.

5) The car would not start.

6) As the car would not start.

7) So that he could open the door.

8) The door opened.

9) When the door opened, he realised that the room was empty.

10) On the table.

Say whether the clause is main or subordinate.

Can you spot the trick question?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

because

if

therefore

so

in order to

sinceThe driver crashed into the house.

Why?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

when

while

until

after

before

The driver crashed into the house.

When?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

because

if

therefore

so

in order to

sinceThe cat fell asleep.

Why?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

when

while

until

after

before

The cat fell asleep.

When?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

because

if

therefore

so

in order to

sinceThe mice needed a torch.

Why?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

when

while

until

after

before

The mice needed a torch.

When?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

because

if

therefore

so

in order to

sinceThe boys built an enormous snowman.

Why?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

when

while

until

after

before

The boys built an enormous snowman.

When?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

because

if

therefore

so

in order to

sinceThe hunter was looking for deer.

Why?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

when

while

until

after

before

The hunter was looking for deer.

When?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

because

if

therefore

so

in order to

sinceThe elephant tried to stand still.

Why?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

when

while

until

after

before

The elephant tried to stand still.

When?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

because

if

therefore

so

in order to

sinceKing kitten prayed for someone to

come home.

Why?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

when

while

until

after

before

King kitten prayed for someone to come home.

When?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

because

if

therefore

so

in order to

sinceSuper squirrel decided it was time for action.

Why?

Use one of the connectives in the box to change this short, simple sentence to a longer complex sentence.

Can you make a complex sentence with a connective at the beginning?

when

while

until

after

before

Super squirrel decided it was time for action.

When?

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• KS2 – Literacy

• Grammar Sentences