Clauses
Definition of a Clause
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate (verb). Clauses are the building blocks of sentences and can express complete thoughts or function as parts of more complex sentence structures. Understanding clauses is essential for forming clear and grammatically correct sentences. Clauses can be classified into two main types: independent and dependent (or subordinate) clauses.
Types of Clauses
- Independent Clause
- An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought and contains both a subject and a predicate.
- Example: “She walked to the store.” (This sentence can stand alone and makes sense as a complete thought.)
- Dependent (Subordinate) Clause
- A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on an independent clause to form a complete thought. Dependent clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., although, because, since) or relative pronouns (e.g., who, that, which).
- Example: “Because she walked to the store” (This is incomplete on its own and requires an independent clause to form a full sentence, such as: “Because she walked to the store, she bought groceries.”)
Types of Dependent Clauses
- Adverbial Clauses
- An adverbial clause functions as an adverb, modifying the verb in the independent clause. It tells us when, where, why, how, to what extent, or under what condition something happened. These clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “since,” “if,” “when,” or “although.”
- Example: “I will call you when I arrive.” (The clause “when I arrive” modifies the verb “will call” by telling us when it will happen.)
- Adjective (Relative) Clauses
- An adjective clause functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun in the independent clause. These clauses typically begin with relative pronouns like “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “that,” or “which.”
- Example: “The book that I bought yesterday is excellent.” (The clause “that I bought yesterday” modifies “book.”)
- Noun Clauses
- A noun clause functions as a noun in the sentence. It can serve as the subject, object, or complement. Noun clauses often begin with words like “that,” “who,” “whom,” “what,” “where,” “why,” or “how.”
- Example: “What he said surprised everyone.” (The clause “What he said” serves as the subject of the sentence.)
Functions of Clauses in Sentences
- Subject Clauses
- A clause can function as the subject of a sentence.
- Example: “What she decided was final.” (The subject is the noun clause “What she decided.”)
- Object Clauses
- A clause can function as the object of a verb.
- Example: “He didn’t know that she was coming.” (The object of the verb “know” is the noun clause “that she was coming.”)
- Adjective Clauses (Relative Clauses)
- Clauses that modify a noun or pronoun by providing more detail about it.
- Example: “The person who helped me was very kind.” (The clause “who helped me” modifies “person.”)
- Adverbial Clauses
- Clauses that modify the main verb by providing information on how, when, or why something happened.
- Example: “Because it was raining, the game was postponed.” (The clause “Because it was raining” explains why the game was postponed.)
Clauses vs. Phrases
A clause is different from a phrase. While both are groups of words, a clause contains both a subject and a verb, whereas a phrase does not.
- Clause: “She danced in the rain.” (Subject: “She”; Verb: “danced”)
- Phrase: “In the rain” (No subject or verb)
Complex and Compound Sentences Using Clauses
- Complex Sentences
- A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clause adds detail or context to the independent clause.
- Example: “Although he was tired, he finished the project.” (The dependent clause “Although he was tired” adds context to the independent clause “he finished the project.”)
- Compound Sentences
- A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or) or a semicolon.
- Example: “She loves to read, and he enjoys writing.” (Two independent clauses: “She loves to read” and “He enjoys writing.”)
- Compound-Complex Sentences
- A compound-complex sentence combines elements of both compound and complex sentences. It contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
- Example: “Although it was late, she continued working, and he watched a movie.” (Dependent clause: “Although it was late”; Independent clauses: “she continued working” and “he watched a movie.”)
Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns
Subordinating conjunctions are used to introduce dependent clauses, linking them to an independent clause. Common subordinating conjunctions include:
- Time: when, while, before, after, since
- Cause: because, since, as
- Condition: if, unless, provided that
- Concession: although, even though, while
- Purpose: so that, in order that
Relative pronouns are used to introduce adjective clauses (relative clauses) and refer back to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Common relative pronouns include:
- Who: for people (as a subject)
- Whom: for people (as an object)
- Whose: shows possession
- Which: for things or animals
- That: for people, things, or animals in restrictive clauses
Examples of Clauses in Sentences
- Independent Clause: “I went to the store.”
- Dependent Clause (Adverbial): “Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
- Relative Clause (Adjective): “The car, which was parked outside, belonged to my neighbor.”
- Noun Clause: “What she did surprised everyone.”
Clause Errors
- Sentence Fragments
- A dependent clause on its own is a fragment because it does not express a complete thought.
- Incorrect: “Because she was late.” (This is an incomplete thought.)
- Correct: “Because she was late, the meeting started without her.”
- Comma Splices
- Incorrectly joining two independent clauses with just a comma.
- Incorrect: “He loves to read, he always has a book with him.”
- Correct: “He loves to read, and he always has a book with him.”
- Run-on Sentences
- Combining multiple independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
- Incorrect: “I love running I go every day.”
- Correct: “I love running, and I go every day.”
How to Identify Clauses
- Look for the Verb: Every clause must contain a verb.
- Example: “He enjoys music.” (Verb: “enjoys”)
- Find the Subject: Identify the noun or pronoun performing the action.
- Example: “The dog barks loudly.” (Subject: “The dog”)
- Check for Completeness: Does the clause express a complete thought? If not, it’s likely a dependent clause.
- Example: “When she arrived” (Dependent clause)
- Example: “She arrived on time.” (Independent clause)
Conclusion
Clauses are essential components of sentences, providing the necessary structure to convey meaning. Independent clauses form complete thoughts, while dependent clauses offer additional information. Mastering the use of clauses allows you to craft more complex, nuanced, and clear sentences in your writing. Understanding how clauses function and interact will enable you to create a variety of sentence structures, improving both your grammatical accuracy and your ability to communicate effectively.