English·Grammar & Punctuation·procedural
Punctuating Clauses
Use semi-colons, colons, and dashes to mark boundaries between independent clauses, choosing the appropriate punctuation based on the relationship between the clauses
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning advanced grammar and punctuation skills — mastering complex sentence structures, sophisticated punctuation like colons and semi-colons, and formal writing techniques that will prepare them for secondary school and beyond.
Evidence of understanding
- Join two related independent clauses using a semi-colon in place of a conjunction
- Use a colon to introduce an explanation or elaboration of the first clause
- Replace commas with dashes to create stronger pauses between clauses for emphasis
Assessment prompt
When Punctuating Clauses writes two closely related sentences, can they join them with a semi-colon or colon — like "It was late; the streets were empty" — rather than always using a full stop or "and"?
Standards alignment
Eng.App2.Y6.Punc.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Semi-colon, colon and dash
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Eng.UKS2.Write.VGP.2dGB · uk-nc-2013
Mark clause boundaries
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2