Clauses

Clauses in English Grammar

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate (verb). Clauses can be classified into two main types: independent clauses and dependent (subordinate) clauses. Each type of clause serves a different purpose and plays a distinct role in sentence structure.

Independent Clauses

An independent clause, also known as a main clause, can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.

  • Structure: Subject + Predicate (verb + optional objects/complements)
  • Examples:
    • She sings beautifully.
    • The sun set.

Dependent (Subordinate) Clauses

A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on an independent clause to give it meaning. Dependent clauses provide additional information to the main clause and are introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

 

Adjective Clauses

Adjective clauses, also known as relative clauses, describe or give more information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They usually begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, or that.

  • Structure: Relative pronoun + Subject + Verb (or) Relative pronoun as subject + Verb
  • Examples:
    • The book that I borrowed was fascinating.
    • The girl who won the contest is my friend.

Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial clauses function as adverbs, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the main clause. They provide information about time, reason, condition, contrast, and manner. These clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like because, although, if, when, and while.

  • Structure: Subordinating conjunction + Subject + Verb
  • Examples:
    • When the bell rings, we will go to lunch.
    • She stayed home because she was sick.

Noun Clauses

Noun clauses act as nouns within the sentence. They can function as subjects, objects, or complements. Noun clauses often begin with words like that, if, whether, what, who, whom, which, when, where, why, or how.

  • Structure: Introductory word + Subject + Verb
  • Examples:
    • What he said was surprising. (subject)
    • She didn’t know that he had left. (object)
    • The question is whether we should go. (complement)

Exercise 1: Identify the Type of Clause

Determine whether the clause in bold is an independent clause, adjective clause, adverbial clause, or noun clause.

  1. She went to the store because she needed milk.
  2. The movie that we watched last night was fantastic.
  3. I wonder if he will come.
  4. Although it was raining, they went for a walk.

Exercise 2: Combine the Sentences Using Clauses

Combine the following pairs of sentences using the type of clause indicated in parentheses.

  1. I met a woman. She is a famous writer. (Adjective clause)
  2. We will go out. The rain stops. (Adverbial clause)
  3. He believes something. He will win the race. (Noun clause)

Exercise 1

    1. Independent clause
    2. Adjective clause
    3. Noun clause
    4. Adverbial clause

Exercise 2

  1. I met a woman who is a famous writer.
  2. We will go out when the rain stops.
  3. He believes that he will win the race.

Summary:

    • Independent Clauses: Can stand alone as complete sentences.
    • Dependent (Subordinate) Clauses: Cannot stand alone and need an independent clause.
      • Adjective Clauses: Modify nouns or pronouns, begin with relative pronouns.
      • Adverbial Clauses: Modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs, begin with subordinating conjunctions.
      • Noun Clauses: Function as nouns, begin with words like that, if, whether, and wh- words.

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