English // Grammar & Punctuation

Expressing Time, Place and Cause

Use conjunctions (when, before, after, while, so, because), adverbs (then, next, soon, therefore) and prepositions (before, after, during, in, because of) to express time, place and cause within and across sentences

Ages
7 to 8
Type
Method
Builds on
2 topics
Leads to
3 topics
Standards
2 codes

Quick check

When the learner writes a story, do they use time words like "after", "while", or "soon" to show the order things happened — rather than starting every sentence with "then"?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Use time conjunctions to connect clauses (e.g., 'We went inside because it was raining', 'After the bell rang, we lined up')
  • Use adverbs of time and cause within sentences (e.g., 'First, she opened the door. Then, she stepped outside. Therefore, she got wet.')
  • Use prepositions of time and cause in phrases (e.g., 'during the lesson', 'before lunch', 'because of the rain')

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

2 topics
  • PrepositionsRequired

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 5 to 7

    Using prepositions for time/cause builds on Y1 prepositions

  • Subordinate clausesRequired

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 6 to 9

    Time/cause conjunctions extend Y2 subordination/co-ordination

You are here

Expressing Time, Place and Cause

Ages 7 to 8 // Method

Leads to

3 topics
  • Fronted Adverbials and CommasRequired

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 8 to 9

    Fronted adverbials build on understanding conjunctions, adverbs, and prepositions to express time and cause

  • Conjunctions, Prepositions and InterjectionsRequired

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 10 to 11

    Explaining the function of prepositions in general and in context builds on practical experience using prepositions and adverbs for time, place, and cause

  • Expanded noun phrases (age 9+)Helpful

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 9 to 10

    Prepositional phrase use is enriched by experience using conjunctions, adverbs, and prepositions together to express time, place, and cause

Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
Eng.App2.Y3.Sent.1Eng_LKS2_Write_VGP_4

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