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KS3 English · Year 7Chapter 7 · Word classes, clauses and sentence structure
Year 7 · Chapter 7

Word classes, clauses and sentence structure

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Name the word class of a word in its sentence, and say what job it does
  • Tell a clause from a phrase, and count the clauses in a sentence
  • Identify the main and subordinate clauses, and the word that joins them
  • Name a sentence as simple, compound, complex or minor
  • Use sentence structure deliberately, to create a pause, emphasis or pace

You should already know

  • Word classes: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, conjunction (Year 3, Chapter 3)
  • Relative clauses, and the relative pronoun (Year 6, Chapter 5)

Where this leads

  • Tense, mood, cohesion and register (Chapter 8 of this book)
  • Narrative and descriptive writing (Chapter 10 of this book)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 English, Year 7. Content: Use word classes accurately: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions and determiners (KS3 grammar, G1), Identify main and subordinate clauses, and use them to build simple, compound, complex and minor sentences (KS3 grammar, G2), Use a range of sentence structures for effect, including fronted adverbials and minor sentences (KS3 writing, W4).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the word class of run in They run every day. Write one word.
2
FWhich word class names a person, place or thing? Write one word.
3
FWhich word in The tall tree swayed. is an adjective? Write one word.
4
FWrite the word for a sentence that has one main verb and one subject. Write one word.
5
FWhich word joins two clauses, such as and, but or so? Write one word.
7.1

Word classes and their jobs

Year 7
Use word classes accurately: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions and determiners (KS3 grammar, G1)
Video lesson: Word classes and their jobsComing soon
Story. A student is editing a diary entry for the school magazine. She checks every word, and asks what job each word does in its sentence.

A word class is the job a word does. The same word can belong to different classes in different sentences: before is a preposition in before dinner, but a conjunction in before we ate. A determiner comes before a noun and says which one (the, my, some). A pronoun stands in for a noun (she, they).

Word classJobExample
Nounnames a person, place or thingthe dog
Verbshows an action, feeling or statebarked
Adjectivedescribes a nounquick
Adverbtells how, when or wherequickly
Pronounstands in for a nounshe
Determinercomes before a noun and says whichher
Prepositionshows place, time or direction, before a nounbefore dinner
Conjunctionjoins two clauses or wordsand, but, so

Key ideas

  • The same word can be a different class in a different sentence.
  • Name the class by the job the word does, not only by its meaning.
  • A word ending in -ly is not always an adverb: lovely is an adjective.
Worked example 7.1.1
What word class is quickly in She quickly finished her homework.?

Method. Look at what the word tells us.

  1. Find the verb. Finished is the action.
    finished
  2. Ask how it was done. Quickly tells us how she finished.
    how
  3. Name the class. A word that tells how is an adverb.
    adverb
  4. Write the answer.
    adverb

Check. quickly describes the verb, so it is an adverb. ✓

Worked example 7.1.2
What word class is before in She finished before we ate.? Choose one: preposition, conjunction or adverb.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. Before is followed by a clause, we ate, which has its own subject and verb.
    conjunction fits
  3. Reject the other choices. A preposition is followed by a noun, not a clause, and an adverb does not join two clauses.
    preposition and adverb do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    conjunction

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 7.1.3
What word class is her in her homework?

Method. Look at the word that comes before the noun.

  1. Find the noun. Homework is the noun.
    homework
  2. Look at the word before it. Her comes before the noun and says whose.
    says whose
  3. Name the class. A word before a noun that says which is a determiner.
    determiner
  4. Write the answer.
    determiner

Check. Her comes before a noun. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a word's class depends on its job in the sentence. Check what the word does, not only what it means.

Exam tip

Exam tip. To name a word class, look at the words around it: before a noun, after a verb, or joining two clauses.

Exercise 7A  Practice: word classes

1
FWhat word class is quickly in this sentence? She quickly finished her homework before dinner. Write the word class.
2
FWhat word class is She in this sentence? She quickly finished her homework before dinner. Write the word class.
3
FWhich word class is before in She finished before we ate.? Choose one: preposition, conjunction or adverb.
4
FWhich word class is before in She finished her homework before dinner.? Choose one: preposition, conjunction or adverb.
5
FWhat word class is her in this sentence? She quickly finished her homework before dinner. Write the word class.
6
FWhat word class is but in this sentence? Tom and Sara bought some apples, but they forgot the bread. Write the word class.
7
PSWhat word class is Could in this sentence? Could you help me with this puzzle? Write the word class.
8
FWhat word class is with in this sentence? Could you help me with this puzzle? Write the word class.
9
RWhy is her a determiner and not a pronoun in her homework? Explain in one sentence.
10
FAnswer both parts about the word classes in The quick fox jumped over the lazy dog.
(a)What word class is quick? Write one word.
(b)What word class is jumped? Write one word.
11
RName the word class of lovely in a lovely day, and explain why the -ly ending does not decide it.
12
FWhat word class is by in this sentence? The old dog slept by the fire. Write the word class.
13
FWhat word class is Every in this sentence? Every morning, the milk arrives before breakfast. Write the word class.
14
FWhat word class is loudly in this sentence? The dog barked loudly at the postman. Write the word class.
15
FWhich word class is them in We saw them at the gate.? Choose one: pronoun, determiner or noun.
16
RChoose one word from Tom and Sara bought some apples that is a determiner, and explain its job.
7.2

Clauses and phrases

Year 7
Identify main and subordinate clauses, and distinguish them from phrases (KS3 grammar, G2)
Video lesson: Clauses and phrasesComing soon
Story. A reporter is writing about a school trip. She knows that a sentence can hold several clauses, and that a clause must have a subject and a verb.

A clause has its own subject and a finite verb (a verb that shows tense). A phrase is a group of words with no finite verb, such as the old dog. A main clause can stand alone as a sentence. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone; it depends on a main clause, and starts with a word such as because, when or although.

Key ideas

  • A clause has a subject and a finite verb; a phrase does not.
  • A main clause makes sense alone; a subordinate clause depends on a main clause.
  • Subordinators include because, when, although, if, since and while.
Worked example 7.2.1
How many clauses are in We walked to the park, and the sun came out.?

Method. Find each subject and verb.

  1. Clause one. We walked: subject we, verb walked.
    We walked
  2. Clause two. The sun came out: subject sun, verb came.
    the sun came out
  3. Count. Two clauses, joined by and.
    2
  4. Write the answer.
    2

Check. Two clauses, each with a subject and verb. ✓

Worked example 7.2.2
Which is the subordinate clause in Because it was late, we ate supper quickly.?

Method. Find the word that starts the clause that cannot stand alone.

  1. Find the subordinator. Because starts a clause that depends on the rest.
    Because
  2. Find its subject and verb. It was late: subject it, verb was.
    it was late
  3. Name it. Because it was late is the subordinate clause.
    Because it was late
  4. Write the answer.
    Because it was late

Check. The clause depends on the main clause. ✓

Worked example 7.2.3
Is the old dog a clause or a phrase? Choose one: clause or phrase.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. The old dog has a noun but no finite verb.
    phrase fits
  3. Reject the other choices. A clause would need its own finite verb, and the old dog has none.
    clause do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    phrase

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a clause with a verb in -ing or -ed alone is not a finite verb. Finite means the verb shows tense, such as ran or runs.

Exam tip

Exam tip. To find clauses, find each finite verb, then find its subject. Each verb with its subject is one clause.

Exercise 7B  Practice: clauses and phrases

1
FHow many clauses are in I stayed inside because it rained.? Write a number.
2
FWhat is the main clause in Because it was late, we ate supper quickly.?
3
FIs the old dog a clause or a phrase? Choose one: clause or phrase.
4
FWhich word starts the subordinate clause in Although the road was wet, the bus arrived on time.? Write the word.
5
RWhat is the difference between a clause and a phrase? Explain in one sentence.
6
PSHow many main clauses are in Rain fell, and the children cheered.? Write a number.
7
PSIn this sentence, write the relative clause: The boy who lost his hat searched the park.
8
FCopy the subordinate clause in When the bell rang, the class stood up.
9
FWhat type is the clause because it rained in We stayed indoors because it rained.? Choose one: main, subordinate or relative.
10
FAnswer both parts about She opened the letter, and she began to read.
(a)How many clauses are in this sentence? Write a number.
(b)Which word joins the two clauses? Write the word.
11
FWrite the verb in the subordinate clause of We waited until the storm passed. Write one word.
12
RWhy is Although the road was wet not a sentence on its own?
13
RIn The girl who won smiled., is who won a relative clause? Answer yes or no.
7.3

Simple, compound, complex and minor sentences

Year 7
Use simple, compound, complex and minor sentences accurately (KS3 grammar, G2)
Video lesson: Simple, compound, complex and minor sentencesComing soon
Story. A newsletter editor wants a mix of sentence types, so that the reader is never bored. She checks each sentence for its clauses.

A simple sentence has one main clause. A compound sentence joins two or more main clauses with a conjunction such as and, but or so. A complex sentence has one main clause and at least one subordinate clause. A minor sentence has no finite verb, but still makes sense in context, such as Stop! or Rain again.

Key ideas

  • Simple: one main clause.
  • Compound: two or more main clauses, joined by a conjunction (and, but, so).
  • Complex: a main clause and a subordinate clause.
  • Minor: no finite verb, used for effect.
Worked example 7.3.1
What type of sentence is The old dog slept by the fire.? Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. It has one subject and one finite verb, slept, and no subordinate clause.
    simple fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Compound needs two main clauses, complex needs a subordinate clause, and minor has no verb.
    compound and complex and minor do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    simple

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 7.3.2
What type of sentence is She opened the letter, and she began to read.?

Method. Count the main clauses, and check the joining word.

  1. Clause one. She opened the letter can stand alone.
    can stand alone
  2. Clause two. She began to read can stand alone.
    can stand alone
  3. Joining word. And joins two main clauses, so the sentence is compound.
    compound
  4. Write the answer.
    compound

Check. Two main clauses joined by and. ✓

Worked example 7.3.3
What type of sentence is Stop!?

Method. Check whether there is a finite verb.

  1. Find a verb. There is no finite verb in Stop!
    no finite verb
  2. Check the meaning. It makes sense in context, as a command.
    as a command
  3. Name the type. A sentence with no finite verb is minor.
    minor
  4. Write the answer.
    minor

Check. It has no finite verb. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a command such as Stop! can be a minor sentence, but Close the door. has a finite verb in the imperative, so it is simple.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Count the main clauses first. One is simple; two joined by and, but or so is compound; one main and one subordinate is complex.

Exercise 7C  Practice: sentence types

1
FWhat type of sentence is this? The old dog slept by the fire. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
2
FWhat type of sentence is this? She opened the letter, and she began to read. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
3
FWhat type of sentence is this? Because it was late, we ate supper quickly. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
4
FWhat type of sentence is this? Silence in the hall. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
5
FWhat type of sentence is this? The shop closed early, so we went home. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
6
FWhat type of sentence is this? The boy who lost his hat searched the park. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
7
PSWhat type of sentence is this? Under the bridge, the river moved slowly. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
8
FWhat type of sentence is this? Wonderful! Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
9
RWhat is the difference between a compound and a complex sentence? Explain in one sentence.
10
PSAnswer both parts about The shop closed early, so we went home.
(a)Which conjunction joins the clauses? Write one word.
(b)What type of sentence is it? Write one word.
11
FWhat type of sentence is this? Rain again. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
12
FWhat type of sentence is this? We ran, and we jumped. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
13
PSWhat type of sentence is this? When the sun set, the birds stopped singing. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
14
RWhy does Stop! count as a sentence, even though it has no finite verb? Explain in one sentence.
15
FWhich word class is so in The shop closed early, so we went home.? Write one word.
16
PSRewrite We ran. We jumped. We cheered. as one compound sentence.
17
FWhat type of sentence is this? The room was quiet, but the dog was restless. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
18
RExplain why The old dog slept by the fire is simple, not compound.
19
RWhich type of sentence would you use to show two ideas of equal weight? Explain your choice.
7.4

Subordinate clauses and their jobs

Year 7
Use subordinate clauses to add time, reason, contrast and condition to a sentence (KS3 grammar, G2)
Video lesson: Subordinate clauses and their jobsComing soon
Story. A coach explains to the team why the match was delayed. She uses subordinate clauses to show the time, the reason and the condition.

A subordinate clause can do several jobs: it can show time (when the bell rang), reason (because it rained), contrast (although the road was wet) or condition (if you finish early). The subordinator (the word that starts the clause) shows which job it does.

Key ideas

  • Time: when, before, after, until, while, as.
  • Reason: because, since, as.
  • Contrast: although, though, whereas.
  • Condition: if, unless.
Worked example 7.4.1
What job does when the bell rang do in The class stood up when the bell rang.? Choose one: time, reason or contrast.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. When tells us the time, when the class stood up.
    time fits
  3. Reject the other choices. It is not a reason, and it does not show a contrast.
    reason and contrast do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    time

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 7.4.2
Identify the subordinator in Although the road was wet, the bus arrived on time.

Method. Find the word that starts the subordinate clause.

  1. Find the clause. Although the road was wet depends on the main clause.
    Although the road was wet
  2. Find the first word. The first word of the clause is although.
    although
  3. Name the job. Although shows contrast.
    contrast
  4. Write the answer.
    although

Check. although starts the clause of contrast. ✓

Worked example 7.4.3
Join The sun rose. and The birds sang. into a complex sentence, using as.

Method. Make one clause subordinate, then join it to the main clause.

  1. Choose the subordinate. The sun rose can start with as, to show time.
    as the sun rose
  2. Choose the main. The birds sang is the main clause.
    the birds sang
  3. Join. As the sun rose, the birds sang is complex.
    As the sun rose, the birds sang
  4. Write the answer.
    As the sun rose, the birds sang.

Check. One main clause and one subordinate clause. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a subordinate clause on its own is a fragment. Check that it is joined to a main clause.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Name the job of a subordinate clause (time, reason, contrast or condition), and quote the subordinator that shows it.

Exercise 7D  Practice: subordinate clauses and their jobs

1
FWhat job does when the bell rang do? Choose one: time, reason or contrast.
2
FWhat job does although the road was wet do? Choose one: time, contrast or condition.
3
FWhich subordinator is in We stayed indoors since it was cold.? Write one word.
4
FWhich subordinator is in If you finish early, you may leave.? Write one word.
5
PSCombine We were late. and The train left. into one complex sentence, using because.
6
PSCombine It rained. and The match continued. into one complex sentence, using although.
7
FCopy the subordinate clause in We left before the film finished.
8
FIs after the film a clause or a phrase? Choose one: clause or phrase.
9
RWhy can a subordinate clause be moved to the start of a sentence? Explain in one sentence.
10
FAnswer both parts about We waited until the storm passed.
(a)Which word is the subordinator? Write one word.
(b)Write the main clause.
11
RExplain how the subordinate clause changes the meaning of The dog barked. and It was hungry. when joined with because.
12
PSIn The girl who won smiled., what job does who won do? Write one word.
13
RWrite a complex sentence with a condition, using if, about a school trip.
7.5

Using sentence structure for effect

Year 7
Use a range of sentence structures for effect, including fronted adverbials and minor sentences (KS3 writing, W4)
Video lesson: Using sentence structure for effectComing soon
Story. A writer describes a storm. The first sentences are long and steady. Then a short sentence stops the reader, and the storm arrives.

Writers change sentence structure to control pace and emphasis. A fronted adverbial starts a sentence: Slowly, she opened the door. A minor sentence after a long one creates a pause: Silence. A list of three builds a rhythm. Each choice must serve the meaning.

Key ideas

  • A short sentence after a long one creates a pause or emphasis.
  • A fronted adverbial makes the reader wait, and can build suspense.
  • A list of three builds rhythm and a sense of completeness.
Worked example 7.5.1
What is the effect of the minor sentence Silence. after a long description of a storm?

Method. Look at the length and the position.

  1. Look at the length. Silence is one word, after a long description.
    one word
  2. Look at the position. It comes straight after the storm.
    after the storm
  3. Explain the effect. It creates a sudden pause and emphasis.
    sudden pause
  4. Write the answer.
    a sudden pause and emphasis

Check. The short sentence creates a pause. ✓

Worked example 7.5.2
Rewrite The night was cold. The wind was sharp. The street was empty. as a single sentence with a list of three.

Method. Join the three statements with commas and and.

  1. Find the three statements. Cold, sharp and empty are the three ideas.
    cold, sharp, empty
  2. Join with commas. Commas separate the first two parts.
    commas
  3. Add and. And joins the last part, to finish the list.
    and
  4. Write the answer.
    The night was cold, the wind was sharp, and the street was empty.

Check. The list of three is complete. ✓

Worked example 7.5.3
Which sentence starts with a fronted adverbial? Choose one: Slowly, she opened the door., She opened the door slowly. or The door opened slowly..

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. The adverbial slowly is placed first, followed by a comma.
    Slowly, she opened the door. fits
  3. Reject the other choices. In the other two, the adverb comes after the verb or the subject.
    She opened the door slowly. and The door opened slowly. do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    Slowly, she opened the door.

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a minor sentence is not a mistake when it is used on purpose. Use it for effect, not by accident.

Exam tip

Exam tip. When you comment on sentence structure, name the structure, then say what it does to the pace, emphasis or suspense.

Exercise 7E  Practice: sentence structure for effect

1
RWhat is the effect of the minor sentence Silence. in The room was full of noise. Silence.?
2
FWhich sentence starts with a fronted adverbial? Choose one: Slowly, she opened the door., She opened the door slowly. or The door opened slowly..
3
PSCombine It was dark. It was quiet. It was cold. into one sentence with a list of three.
4
FHow many words are in the minor sentence Rain again.? Write a number.
5
PSWhich structure creates suspense? Choose one: a short sentence after a long one, a sentence that starts with because or a sentence of ten words.
6
RWrite a complex sentence that uses as to build tension.
7
FWhich sentence is minor: The rain stopped. or Rain again.? Write the sentence.
8
PSWhat type of sentence is this? Slowly, carefully, she opened the door. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
9
RExplain the effect of starting a sentence with a subordinate clause, such as As the wind rose, for suspense.
10
REvaluate whether the minor sentence Silence. is effective in a story about a storm. Give one reason.
11
RExplain how varying sentence types improves a paragraph. Write one sentence.
12
FWhich of these is a list of three, used for rhythm? Choose one: It was dark, quiet and cold., It was dark. or It was dark and it was cold..
13
FWhich word in Slowly, carefully, she opened the door. is an adverb that comes first? Write the word.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Word classesName each word by its job in the sentence: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, determiner, preposition, conjunction.
Clause and phraseA clause has a subject and a finite verb; a phrase does not.
Main and subordinate clauseA main clause stands alone; a subordinate clause depends on it, and starts with a subordinator.
Sentence typesSimple (one main clause); compound (two main, joined); complex (main and subordinate); minor (no finite verb).
Subordinate jobsTime (when), reason (because), contrast (although), condition (if).
Structure for effectShort sentences create pauses; fronted adverbials create waiting; lists of three build rhythm.

Can you…?

  • I can name the word class of a word from its job in a sentence
  • I can find the clauses in a sentence, and tell a clause from a phrase
  • I can identify the main and subordinate clauses, and the joining word
  • I can identify simple, compound, complex and minor sentences
  • I can use sentence structure deliberately for pace, emphasis and suspense

Key terms

word class
the job a word does in a sentence, such as noun or verb
clause
a group of words with its own subject and finite verb
phrase
a group of words with no finite verb
finite verb
a verb that shows tense, such as ran or runs
main clause
a clause that can stand alone as a sentence
subordinate clause
a clause that depends on a main clause and cannot stand alone
subordinator
the word that starts a subordinate clause, such as because or when
minor sentence
a sentence with no finite verb, used for effect

Exercise 7Z  Check-up

1
What word class is over in this sentence? The quick fox jumped over the lazy dog. Write the word class.
2
How many clauses are in I stayed inside because it rained.? Write a number.
3
What type of sentence is this? She opened the letter, and she began to read. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
4
What type of sentence is this? Because it was late, we ate supper quickly. Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
5
What type of sentence is this? Stop! Choose one: simple, compound, complex or minor.
6
What job does because it rained do? Choose one: time, reason or condition.
7
Which word starts the subordinate clause in Although the road was wet, the bus arrived on time.? Write the word.
8
Why is the old dog a phrase and not a clause? Explain in one sentence.
9
What word class is Could in this sentence? Could you help me with this puzzle? Write the word class.
10
What is the effect of the minor sentence Rain again. in a story?

Total 15 marks. Allow about 15 minutes.

Exercise 7X  Practice test questions

1
FRead this sentence: "Tom and Sara bought some apples, but they forgot the bread." Name the word class of but.[1 mark]
2
FRead this sentence: "She quickly finished her homework before dinner." Name the word class of her.[1 mark]
3
FRead this sentence: "We walked to the park, and the sun came out." How many clauses does it have? Write a number.[1 mark]
4
FRead this sentence: "Because it was late, we ate supper quickly." Write the subordinate clause.[1 mark]
5
FRead this sentence: "She opened the letter, and she began to read." What type of sentence is it? Write one word.[1 mark]
6
RRead this sentence: "The boy who lost his hat searched the park." What type of sentence is it, and why? Give one reason.[2 marks]
7
RRead this sentence: "Silence in the hall." What type of sentence is it, and why? Explain in one sentence.[2 marks]
8
FRead this sentence: "Although the road was wet, the bus arrived on time." What job does the subordinate clause do?[1 mark]
9
RRead this sentence: "The room was full of noise. Silence." What is the effect of the minor sentence? Explain in one sentence.[2 marks]
10
PSRewrite these two sentences as one sentence with a subordinate clause, using because: "We were late. The train left."[3 marks]
← Chapter 6: Comparing textsChapter 8: Tense, mood, cohesion and register →

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