LoginClauses
In this lesson we learn about clauses, which are essential groups of words that contain a subject and a verb and form part of a sentence. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Clauses?
Types of Clauses Based on Their Dependency
We can categorize clauses into two groups based on whether they have a complete meaning:
Independent Clauses
An independent clause is a clause that can function as a complete sentence on its own. It contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought or idea. Because it can stand alone as a sentence, an independent clause is sometimes referred to as a main clause. Independent clauses are always finite; meaning they must have a verb that shows tense. Look at the examples:
Although I try to be nice to her,
If you need some help,
Coordination of Independent Clauses
Independent clauses can be combined with other independent clauses or dependent clauses to form more complex sentences. When two or more independent clauses are combined, they are typically joined with a coordinating conjunction, such as 'and', 'but', or 'or'. Look at the examples:
She made some lasagna
Hurry up
Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause is a clause that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on an independent clause to make sense and convey a complete thought. Look at the examples:
We couldn't play outside
Types of Dependent Clauses Based on Structure
Based on the structure of dependent clauses, they can be categorized into four groups:
- Subordinate Clauses
- that-clauses
- Relative Clauses
- Non-finite Clauses
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses are clauses that contain a subordinating conjunction at the beginning. Look at the examples:
That-clauses
That-clauses are a type of dependent clause that begin with the word "that". They are typically used to report speech, describe beliefs, thoughts, or facts, and can function as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.
I know
She said
The clause "that she would be late" is the object of the verb "said."
Relative Clauses
A relative clause is a dependent clause that begins with a relative pronoun, such as which, that, whom, whose, when, where, and who. Look at the examples:
The dog
Carl,
using a relative clause in a sentence
Non-finite Clauses
Non-finite clauses are a type of dependent clause in which the verb does not show tense or time. The verb in non-finite clauses can be:
- A participle clause
- An infinitive clause
Look at the examples:
a participle
She left the house
an infinitive
Types of participles
There are three types of participles:
past participle
I talked on the phone
present participle
Types of Infinitives
There are two kinds of infinitives:
My family sent me a postcard
To-infinitive
She made me
Bare infinitive
Types of Dependent Clauses Based on Function
Based on their parts of speech, dependent clauses can be categorized into three types:
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses are dependent clauses that function as nouns and can serve various grammatical purposes in a sentence, such as subject, object, complement, object of a preposition, or an adjective complement. They often begin with words such as how, that, what, when, where, which, clauses with the present participle, and why. Noun clauses can take the form of nominal relatives, infinitive clauses, clauses with the present participle, depending on their structure and function within the sentence.
present participle - subject
I want her
infinitive clause - object
The doctor's solution was
nominal relative - subject complement
The article is about
present participle - object of a preposition
My mother is worried
nominal relative - adjective complement
Adjective Clauses
Adjective clauses are dependent clauses that function as adjectives and add to the meaning of nouns and pronouns. Adjective clauses usually begin with pronouns such as who, whose, that, or which. For example:
Love
relative clause
Yoga,
relative clause
The girl,
participle clause – present participle
The man,
participle clause – past participle
Adverb Clauses
Adverb (also called adverbial) clauses are dependent clauses that function as adverbs. They add to the meaning of verbs, other adverbs, or adjectives.
Adverb clauses talk about when, where, why, how, how much, or under what circumstances the action of the sentence takes place. Look at the sentences:
My sister,
I should go on a diet
Clause vs. Sentence
A sentence is a complete unit of thought that must have at least one independent clause. A sentence expresses a complete idea and can stand alone. A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but it does not always express a complete idea. It might function as part of a larger sentence, combined with another clause.
When he walked into the room
This is a clause that does not have a complete meaning.
His mother waved at him.
This is a clause that has a complete meaning, so it is a sentence.
When he walked into the room, his mother waved at him.
This is a sentence that has two clauses.
Tip
Even though we typically expect a clause to have a subject and a verb, there are cases when a clause may not require one or both of these components. Look at the sentences below:
In this clause, the subject is not mentioned, but it is clear that the subject is 'you.'
In the first clause, the subject and the verb are not mentioned, but it is clear that the complete sentence is 'Are you ready now?'
In the first clause, the verb and the subject are not mentioned. The complete sentence is 'Although I am disappointed, I will continue to fight for my dreams.'
Clause vs. Phrase
A
the house on the corner
Example of a phrase
The house on the corner is mine.
Example of a clause with the verb "be"
Review
A clause is a group of words that must contain a subject and a predicate. Every complete sentence has at least one clause.
Types of Clauses based on their Dependency
- Independent Clauses = They have complete meaning and can form sentences on their own.
- Dependent Clauses = They cannot form sentences on their own.
Quiz:
| Clause | Function |
|---|---|
The book that I bought was interesting. | |
I don't know why she left early. | |
She believes that honesty is important. | |
He stayed home because it was raining. | |
The man who helped us was very kind. | |
I'll wait here until you are ready. |
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