Clauses
Clause – Definition
A clause is a group of words that contains:
- A subject → The person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about.
- A predicate → The verb or state of being that tells what the subject does or is.
Clauses can:
- Stand alone as complete sentences → Independent Clause
- Depend on another clause for meaning → Dependent Clause
Main Types of Clauses
- Independent Clause (Main / Principal Clause)
- Expresses a complete thought.
- Has both subject and predicate.
- Can stand alone as a sentence.
Examples:
- The sun shines.
- Birds sing sweetly.
- I love chocolate.
- She dances gracefully.
- We enjoy picnics.
- Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause)
- Does not express a complete thought.
- Cannot stand alone as a sentence.
- Needs an independent clause to complete its meaning.
Examples:
- Because it rained, we stayed inside.
- Since she left, I felt lonely.
- If you finish your homework, you can play.
- Wherever he goes, his dog follows.
- Since it’s cold, wear a jacket.
Types of Dependent Clauses
1. Adjective Clause
- Functions like an adjective, describing a noun.
- Often begins with: who, which, that, whose, whom.
Examples:
- I met a person who speaks five languages.
- He has a dog that barks loudly.
- She wore a necklace that was handmade.
- I have a friend who likes to draw.
2. Adverbial Clause
- Functions like an adverb, telling when, where, why, how, or under what condition something happens.
- Often begins with: when, where, because, although, if, since.
Examples:
- When the sun sets, it gets dark.
- Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
- Where they play, it’s always fun.
- If you study hard, you will pass.
3. Noun Clause
- Functions like a noun (subject, object, or complement in the sentence).
- Often begins with: what, who, how, when, where, whether, that.
Examples:
- What he said surprised everyone. (subject)
- I know that you are right. (object)
- The truth is that she lied. (complement)
Other Types of Clauses
1. Coordinate Clause
- Two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so).
- Both clauses have equal importance.
Examples:
- She likes tea, and he prefers coffee.
- He is good at math, yet he struggles with English.
- I like pizza, and my sister loves sushi.
2. Non-finite Clause
- Contains a verb not marked for tense (infinitive, -ing form, or past participle).
- Cannot stand alone.
- Adds extra details to the main clause.
Examples:
- To swim in the ocean is refreshing. (infinitive)
- Eating delicious cake makes me happy. (-ing form)
- Jumping with joy, she hugged her friend. (-ing form)
Tip to Remember:
- Independent Clause = Complete thought, can stand alone.
- Dependent Clause = Incomplete thought, needs help.
- Dependent Clauses can be Adjective, Adverbial, or Noun Clauses.
- Coordinate Clauses are equal partners.
- Non-finite Clauses are extra detail givers without tense.
What is Clause : View Paper
- Adverb Clauses : View Paper
- Noun Clauses : View Paper
- Noun Clauses 1 : View Paper
- Noun Clauses 2 : View Paper
- Noun Clauses 3 : View Paper
- Noun Clauses 4 : View Paper
- Nouns Clause 5 : View Pape
- Passive : View Paper
- Transitive - Intransitive : View Paper
- Adjective Clauses : View Paper
- Adjective Clauses 1 : View Paper
- Adjective Clauses 2 : View Paper
- Adjective Clauses 3 : View Paper
- Adjective Clauses 4 : View Paper
- Adjective Clauses 5 : View Paper
- Adjective Clause 6 : View Paper
- Adjective Clause 7 : View Pape
- Interrogative Adjective : View Paper
- Possessive Adjective : View Paper
- Transitive & Interansitive Clauses : View Paper
- Independent Clause : View Paper
- Dependent Clause : View Paper
- Coordinate Clause : View Paper