Types of Clauses
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Independent clauses Dependent clauses
contain both a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a contain both a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone as a sentence.
sentence. Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as
Example: Jet lag affects most long distance travelers. because, what, if
Example: Although there is no sure way to prevent jet lag.
Independent Clauses
Meaning Coordinators Conjunctive Adverbs Example
1. To add an idea and in addition, furthermore, Women follow more healthful diets, and they
moreover, also, besides, in fact go to doctors more often.
2. To show time first, second, then, next, First, robots can perform repetitive tasks
or sequence later(on), meanwhile, finally, without becoming tired or bored. Second, they
afterward1 can fulfill tasks requiring pinpoint accuracy.
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3. To contrast but however, nevertheless, Increasing the size of airports is one solution to
yet in contrast, traffic congestion; however, this is a long-
on the other hand, still term solution whose benefits may not be seen
On the contrary also for many years into the future.
indicates contrast but in Page | 2
slightly different way;
therefore we cannot always My IELTS exam was not difficult; on the contrary, it was
use it instead of “however,” easy. In this case we cannot use “however”.
“nevertheless,” and “still”
4. To show cause – result so therefore, thus, consequently, Native and nonnative English speakers have
relationship as a result, hence different needs; therefore, most schools
provide separate classes for each group.
5. To introduce Or and Nor otherwise express a negative (if they don’t)
an alternative or choice Sometimes “Or” express a condition Students must take final exams; otherwise,
condition, often “else” is they receive a grade of incomplete.
used with “or” to express
a condition
6. To emphasize in fact, of course, indeed, The little girl hated spiders; in fact, she was
certainly terrified by them.
7. To provide an example for example, In the operating room, robotic equipment can
for instance assist the surgeon. For instance, a robot can
kill a brain tumor.
8. To generalize or in general, overall, in short Hermes is not only the messenger of Zeus, but
summarize the patron of thieves. In general, he is the god
of authorized and unauthorized transfers.
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Dependent Clauses
Types of clauses Subordinators Examples
1. Noun clauses what, where, why, how, where, He knows that his business will be successful.
when, who whom, which, whose, That there is a hole in the ozone layer of the earth’s
whether, that, if atmosphere is well known.
2. Adjective clauses who, whom, which, whose, that, Men who are not married are called bachelors.
where, when Last year we traveled to San Francisco, which is
famous for its architecture.
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Adverb clauses a. time when, before, after, until, since, When he won the money, he decided to buy a car.
as soon as, as, as long as,
whenever, while
time word + present + will
time word+ past
NEVER use WILL right after a
time word
b. cause because, as, since, She got a parking ticket because she parked
because of, due to illegally.
c. purpose so that, in order to He drove fast so that he could get to work on time.
d. result so ... that, such ... that He drove so fast that he got a speeding ticket.
e. condition if, unless, as long as, in case, If she hadn’t won the lottery, she would have been
provided that, providing that, very unhappy.
whether or not
f. contrast although2, even though, though, Although she thought she was a good driver, she
in spite of, despite, got a lot of tickets for speeding.
notwithstanding
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While, where, whereas Whereas I like football, my friend hates it.
g. manner as, as if, as though She looks as if she needs some help. Page | 5
