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.
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:
We couldn't play outside because it was raining.
Although I try to be nice to her, she doesn't seem to like me.
If you need some help, give me a call.
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 and put it in the fridge.
Hurry up or you'll miss the train.
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 because it was raining.
Although I try to be nice to her, she doesn't seem to like me.
If you need some help, give me a call.
Types of Dependent Clauses Based on Structure
Based on the structure of dependent clauses, they can be categorized into four groups:
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses are clauses that contain a subordinating conjunction at the beginning. Look at the examples:
Because it was raining, we couldn't go to the park.
If you want, I will send you an email about the subject.
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 that you are tired.
She said that she would be late.
The clause "that she would be late" is the object of the verb "said."
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:
Finding nothing in the fridge, he ordered a pizza.
a participle
She left the house to go shopping.
an infinitive
Types of participles
There are three types of participles:
Tired from the long journey, she went straight to bed.
past participle
I talked on the phone walking back from work.
present participle
Having finished the report, she left the office.
Types of Infinitives
There are two kinds of infinitives:
My family sent me a postcard to wish me a happy new year.
To-infinitive
She made me cry.
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.
Seeing him that day changed my life.
present participle - subject
I want her to love me.
infinitive clause - object
The doctor's solution was that the patient rest more.
nominal relative - subject complement
The article is about talking in front of a large group of people.
present participle - object of a preposition
My mother is worried that I don't get good marks.
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 that is pure will last forever.
relative clause
Yoga, which many people do, is good for you.
relative clause
The girl, dancing in the red dress, is my cousin.
participle clause – present participle
The man, worried by the news, ran out of the room.
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:
When tomorrow comes, your dream will come true.
My sister, although she is a teacher, doesn't like children.
After you are done with your homework, we can watch a movie.
I should go on a diet in order to lose weight.
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:
Stop making noise!
In this clause, the subject is not mentioned, but it is clear that the subject is 'you.'
Ready now? It's time to go!
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?'
Although disappointed, I will continue to fight for my dreams.
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 clause contains a subject and a verb and can function as a complete sentence or as part of a larger sentence. A Phrase, on the other hand, does not contain a verb and cannot function as a complete sentence. Look at the sentences below:
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:
Which of the following sentences contains an independent clause which stands alone?
Although I wanted to go, I couldn't find my keys.
If you study hard, you will pass the test.
I couldn’t go to the party because I was sick.
She likes reading books in the evening.
Sort the words to form a sentence with a dependent and an independent clause.
Match the descriptions to the correct examples:
Fill in the table with the correct type of clause based on its function in the sentence.
| 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. |
Which of the following statements is true about clauses and sentences?
A clause is a group of words that can always stand alone as a sentence.
A sentence expresses a complete thought, while a clause may or may not express a complete thought.
A phrase contains a subject and a verb and can function as a complete sentence.
A sentence always requires a verb, while a clause can sometimes lack a verb.
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