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.

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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