Comprehensive Study of Clauses
1. What Is a Clause?
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a finite verb.
Examples:
- She sings.
- because he was late
Both examples contain a subject and a verb.
2. Main Classification of Clauses
Clauses are divided into three major types:
A. Independent (Main) Clause
An independent clause expresses a complete idea and can stand alone.
Examples:
- The students arrived early.
- She enjoys reading novels.
- The bell rang.
B. Dependent (Subordinate) Clause
A dependent clause has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone.
Example: because it was raining
There are three functional types:
1. Noun Clause
A noun clause performs the work of a noun. It may act as subject, object, or complement.
a) As Subject
What he said surprised everyone.
b) As Object
I believe that she will pass.
c) As Complement
My hope is that peace will return.
Exam Tip: If the clause can be replaced by a noun, then it is a noun clause.
2. Adjective Clause (Relative Clause)
An adjective clause describes a noun. It usually begins with who, whom, whose, which, or that.
- The boy who won the race is my cousin.
- This is the book that I lost.
- She met a teacher whose advice changed her life.
3. Adverbial Clause
An adverbial clause shows time, reason, condition, purpose, or contrast.
Time:
When the bell rang, we left.
Reason:
I stayed home because I was sick.
Condition:
If you work hard, you will succeed.
Contrast:
Although it was raining, they continued playing.
Purpose:
She whispered so that nobody would hear.
C. Coordinative (Coordinate) Clauses
These are independent clauses joined using coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, so, yet.
- She finished her homework, and she went to bed.
- He wanted to attend the meeting, but he was ill.
- You can stay here, or you may leave.
Difference Between Coordinate and Subordinate Clauses
| Coordinate Clauses | Subordinate Clauses |
|---|---|
| Equal in rank | One depends on the other |
| Joined by and, but, or | Introduced by because, when, who |
| Each stands alone | Cannot stand alone |
Final Summary
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb.
- Independent clauses – express complete meaning.
- Dependent clauses – noun, adjective, and adverbial clauses.
- Coordinative clauses – main clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions.
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