What is a Clause?
A clause refers to a group of words that contain a subject and a predicate. It has only one subject and one verb in it. The subject of a clause can be stated or not, but the verb must be distinguishable and apparent. It acts as a part of a compound or complex sentence.
Example Sentences:
- I passed last year. (One clause sentence)
- When I arrived here, I saw her. (Two clause sentence)
- When I arrived here, I saw her, and he welcomed me. (Three clause sentence)
Types of Clauses
There is at least a subject and a verb in every clause. Clauses have some features that support differentiating one type of clause from another.
Here we have the Types of clauses given below:
- Independent Clause
- Dependent Clause
- Adjective Clause
- Noun Clause
- Adverbial Clause
- Principal Clause
- Coordinate Clause
- Non-finite Clause
1. Independent Clause (Main Clause)
An independent or main clause is a complete sentence and looks like a regular sentence. It has a subject and a verb and gives the complete idea in meaning and context.
Two independent clauses can be connected in a sentence by using the coordinators: and, so, or, but, nor, for, yet.
Example Sentences:
- He is a sensible man.
- I love him.
- Can they do this?
- Open the door, please. (Subject you is understood or hidden)
- I want to drive a car, but I don’t have a license. (Two Main Clauses)
- Alexa smiles whenever she looks at her. (One independent clause)
2. Dependent Clause
It cannot stay on its own because it does not give complete idea or thought. It is also called a subordinate clause or child clause. These clauses help the independent clauses to complete the idea given in a sentence. Alone, it cannot make complete sense.
Example Sentences:
- When I was travelling to Murree, I had an accident.
- I know the thief who stole the phone.
- He bought a bike which was very expensive.
- I know that he can do it.
- She does not know where she has taken birth.
Dependent Clauses are further divided into three different types and they are following:
-
Adjective Clause
It is a Dependent Clause that adds something to the meaning of a Noun. In other words, Adjective Clauses have same attributes as Adjectives that are of changing Nouns and hence the name, Adjective Clause. Adjective Clauses are also called Relative Clauses and they normally place right after the Nouns they modify.
Example Sentences:
- I’m searching for the black book that was misplaced last Sunday.
- Glenn is requesting for the coat which used to belong to his father.
- You there, who is standing silently at the corner, come here and take the class out.
-
Noun Clause
Dependent Clauses that are acting as Nouns in sentences are known as Noun Clauses or Nominal Clauses. These clauses normally start with “how,” “that,” other Wh-words (What, Who, When, Why, Where, Whose, Which, and Whom), if, whether etc.
Example Sentences:
- I like what I see.
- You need to tell that it’s teasing you.
- She knows how things getting done around here.
-
Adverbial Clause
Dependent Clauses; that are acting as Adverbs; have the power to modify Verbs, Adjectives and other Adverbs.
Example Sentences:
- Alex played badminton till his legs gave up.
- Tom ran to the place of racing passionately.
- I roamed around the street at a lightning speed.
Dependent Clause with types
3. Principal Clause
Principal Clause has a Subject (Noun/Pronoun); Finite Verb; an Object; and make complete sentences that can act as the main part of any Compound or Complex Sentence. Independent Clauses and Principal Clauses have same functions but named from different perceptions.
Example Sentences:
- I know that girl.
- He jogs every morning.
- Bobby fishes like a professional.
4. Coordinate Clause
Two or more Independent Clauses of same importance joined by Coordinating Conjunctions (and, or, but, so, yet, etc.) in terms of Compound Sentences are called Coordinate Clauses.
Example Sentences:
- I like capturing photos and she loves posing for them.
- You prefer driving but she always wants to take a flight.
- We are going to meet Jerry or he is coming over here.
5. Non-finite Clause
Non-finite Clause contains a Participle or an Infinitive Verb that makes the Subject and Verb apparent even though secreted. In terms of a Participle, the place of the Subject or Object is taken by the Participial Phrase.
Example Sentences:
- He saw the girl (who was) watching out of the window.
- He is the second person (who is) to go in the office.
- Hearing the firecrackers, the children jumped down.
Types of Clauses with example sentences
