Clauses: Types, Definition and Examples

Clauses

In grammar, a Clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It’s like a small sentence within a larger sentence. Clauses can express a complete thought on their own or work together with other clauses to form more complex sentences. A Clause is a group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex or compound sentence’. 

For example, in the sentence: “She loves ice cream,” the clause is “She loves.” It has a subject “she” and a verb “loves,” and it expresses a complete idea.

Types

There are two main types of clauses in grammar:

1. Main Clause/Independent Clause:
An independent clause is like a complete sentence on its own. It has a subject and a verb and can express a full idea. It doesn’t need any other clauses to make sense. For example: “I like to read books.”

2. Subordinate Clause/Dependent Clause:
A dependent clause is like an incomplete sentence. It also has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning. For example: “Because I was hungry.” This clause needs an independent clause to make sense, like “I ate a sandwich because I was hungry.”

Independent clauses can stand alone, while dependent clauses need another clause to complete their meaning.

Dependent clauses are further divided into three main types:

• Noun Clauses
• Adjective Clauses
• Adverb Clauses

a) Noun Clauses

A noun clause functions as a noun in a sentence. It can act as a subject, object, or complement.

• What she said was surprising. (Subject)
• I know that he is honest. (Object)
• The problem is that he is late. (Complement)

Common Noun Clause Markers:
that, what, whether, if, why, who, whom, whose, which, how, when, where

b) Adjective Clauses

An adjective clause (also called a relative clause) modifies a noun or pronoun and usually begins with a relative pronoun.

• The boy who won the race is my friend.
• This is the book that I borrowed from the library.
• The lady whom you met yesterday is my aunt.

Common Relative Pronouns:
who, whom, whose, which, that

c) Adverb Clauses

An adverb clause modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It answers questions like when, where, why, how, to what extent, or under what condition.

• I stayed at home because it was raining. (Reason)
• He ran as fast as he could. (Manner)
• You may go wherever you like. (Place)

Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
because, since, although, if, unless, while, before, after, when, where, as, though, as long as, in order that etc. 

Difference Between Phrases and Clauses

Many learners confuse phrases with clauses. A phrase is a group of words that does not contain both a subject and a verb, whereas a clause contains both.

Phrase:

• In the morning (No subject-verb)
• Running fast (No subject-verb)

Clause:

• She runs fast. (Subject: She, Verb: runs)
• When the sun rises (Subject: the sun, Verb: rises)

Sentence Structures Based on Clauses

Sentences can be classified based on the number and types of clauses they contain:

1. Simple Sentence: Contains one independent clause.
   • She sings beautifully.
2. Compound Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, so, for, yet).
   • I wanted to go out, but it was raining.
3. Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
   • Although he was tired, he completed his work.
4. Compound-Complex Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
   • I was reading a book when my friend called, and we talked for an hour.

• Clauses are an essential part of English grammar, forming the backbone of sentences.
• Understanding different types of clauses and their functions helps in constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences.
• Mastering clauses can improve writing, comprehension, and overall communication skills in English.

More Examples

Independent Clauses:

1. She went to the park.
2. They are studying for exams.
3. The sun is shining brightly.
4. We played soccer all afternoon.
5. He enjoys watching movies.
6. I like to eat ice cream.
7. The cat chased a mouse.
8. Sarah baked a delicious cake.
9. They won the championship.
10. I need to go to the grocery store.

Dependent Clauses:

1. Because I was tired,
2. After the rain stopped,
3. Since he didn’t study,
4. When she arrives at the airport,
5. Unless they finish their work,
6. As the day goes by,
7. Although it was cold outside,
8. While I was waiting for the bus,
9. Whenever he calls me,
10. If you need any help,

Remember, these dependent clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They require an independent clause to make a full and meaningful sentence.

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