What is a sentence? What are the kinds of sentences?
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It typically
contains a subject and a predicate.
Kinds of sentences:
1. Simple Sentence
Definition: Contains one independent clause (a complete thought).
Express one thought.
Example: I like pizza.
2. Compound Sentence
Definition: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction (like "and,"
"but," or "or").
Two thoughts connected.
Example: I like pizza, and I enjoy pasta.
3. Complex Sentence
Definition: Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause (which
cannot stand alone).
One main thought and an additional idea that adds detail.
Example: I like pizza because it’s delicious.
Phrases and Clauses
Phrases are groups of words that act as a single unit but do not contain a subject and a
verb.
Example: The tall man in the blue hat.
CLAUSES
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Clauses can be of two
types: Independent Clause and Dependent Clause.
1.Independent Clause:
• This type of clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
• It expresses a complete thought.
• In a sentence two independent clauses can be connected by the coordinators: and,
but, so, or, nor, for*, yet*.
Example:
He is a wise man. (It makes sense on its own.)
- I like him.
-Can you do it?
-Do it please. (Subject you is hidden)
-I read the whole story.
-I want to buy a phone, but I don’t have enough money. (Two independent
clauses)
2. Dependent (Subordinate) Clause:
• This clause cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete
thought.
• It usually starts with words like because, when, if, although, etc.
Example:
Because she likes pizza (It needs more information to make sense.)
o I know the man who stole the watch.
o He bought a car which was too expensive.
o I know that he cannot do it.
o He does not know where he was born.
o If you don’t eat, I won’t go.
o He is a very talented player though he is out of form.
Types of Dependent Clauses:
Noun Clause: Dependent Clauses acting as Nouns in sentences are called Noun Clauses or
Nominal Clauses. These often start with “how,” “that,” other WH-words (What, Who, Where,
When, Why, Which, Whose and Whom), if, whether etc.
How to Identify: Look for a clause that can replace a noun in the sentence.
Example: What she said surprised me. (The clause “What she said” acts as the subject.)
o I like what I hear.
o You need to express that it’s crossing a line for you.
o He knows how things work around here.
Adjective Clause: It is a Dependent Clause that modifies a Noun. Basically, Adjective
Clauses have similar qualities as Adjectives that are of modifying Nouns and hence the
name, Adjective Clause. These are also called Relative Clauses and they usually sit right
after the Nouns they modify.
How to Identify: Look for a clause that answers questions like “Which one?” or “What
kind?”
Example: The book that I borrowed was great. (The clause “that I borrowed” describes
the noun “book.”)
o I’m looking for the red book that went missing last week.
o Finn is asking for the shoes which used to belong to his dad.
o You there, who is sitting quietly at the corner, come here and lead the class
out.
o The book that I borrowed is great.
Adverb Clause:
By definition, these are Dependent Clauses acting as Adverbs. It means that these clauses
have the power to modify Verbs, Adjectives and other Adverbs.
How to Identify: Look for a clause that answers questions like “When?” “Where?”
“Why?” or “How?”
Example: I will call you when I arrive. (The clause “when I arrive” tells us when the
action will happen.)
o Alice did the dishes till her legs gave up.
o Tina ran to the point of panting vehemently.
o I went through the book at a lightning speed.
ASSIGNMENT ON CLAUSES
I. Underline the clauses in the following sentences and identify their type.
1. We will support the candidate whose personal life is free from blemish.
2. She expected that she would win the election.
3. There will be a heavy financial loss if there is any further delay.
4. The Principal announced that Seema Ahuja had been nominated the head girl.
5. There is no threat to your job as long as you give your best to it.
6. We marvelled at the young girl who was singing so mellifluously.
7. There were clear instructions about when we should begin implementing the plan.
8. None of the antibiotics which his doctor had prescribed had any effect on him.
II. Supply suitable clauses as mentioned in brackets.
1. We take extra care of the students ____________________________ in studies. (Noun
Clause)
2. Vince becomes nervous _______________________ in public. (Adverb clause)
3. The police has caught the man _____________________ (Adjective Clause)
4. ___________________________________ , we took a taxi to our hotel. (Adverb Clause)
5. My greatest strength is ________________________________. (Noun Clause)
6. I have lost my wedding ring, __________________________________________. (Adjective
Clause)
