Clauses Notes
Definition:
• A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Clauses can
express a complete thought or act as part of a sentence.
Types of Clauses:
1. Independent Clauses:
o Can stand alone as a complete sentence because they express a
complete thought.
o Example: She enjoys reading.
2. Dependent (Subordinate) Clauses:
o Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. They depend on an
independent clause for meaning.
o Example: Because she enjoys reading.
o Types of Dependent Clauses:
▪ Adverbial Clauses: Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
and provide information about time, reason, condition, contrast,
etc.
▪ Example: He left early because he was tired.
▪ Adjective (Relative) Clauses: Modify nouns and provide more
information about them, often introduced by relative pronouns
such as who, whom, whose, which, and that.
▪ Example: The book that I borrowed is fascinating.
▪ Noun Clauses: Function as a noun within a sentence and can act
as a subject, object, or complement.
▪ Example: What she said was surprising.
Structure of Clauses:
• Simple Sentence: Contains one independent clause.
o Example: The dog barks.
• Compound Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses, usually
joined by coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).
o Example: The dog barks, and the cat meows.
• Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and at least one
dependent clause.
o Example: The dog barks because it sees a squirrel.
• Compound-Complex Sentence: Contains at least two independent clauses
and one or more dependent clauses.
o Example: The dog barks, and the cat meows when they see birds.
Identifying Clauses:
• Independent Clause: Can be identified by asking if the group of words can
stand alone as a sentence.
• Dependent Clause: Often begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g.,
because, although, when) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which) and cannot
stand alone.
Examples of Clause Usage:
1. Independent Clauses:
o I love painting.
o They went to the concert.
2. Dependent Clauses:
o Although it was raining, we continued our picnic.
o The teacher graded the papers that the students submitted.
3. Adverbial Clauses:
o Because it was cold, we stayed indoors.
o We will leave early if you are ready.
4. Adjective Clauses:
o The car, which is red, belongs to my brother.
o Anyone who arrives late will miss the start.
5. Noun Clauses:
o That he passed the exam surprised everyone.
o I don’t know why she is upset.
Importance of Clauses:
• Understanding clauses is key to mastering sentence structure, which enhances
clarity and communication in writing.
• Clauses contribute to the complexity and depth of sentences, allowing for
richer expression of ideas.
Tips for Writing:
• Use a mix of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences
to create varied sentence structures and maintain reader interest.
• Be mindful of punctuation, especially with clauses to ensure clarity.
• Practice identifying clauses in your writing to improve grammatical accuracy.
