CLAUSES
SYED HAMMAD ALI SHAH
What is Clause?
• According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, a
clause is defined as “a group of words that
includes a subject and a verb, and forms a
sentence or part of a sentence.”
• The subject of a clause can be mentioned or
hidden, but the verb must be apparent and
distinguishable.
e.g.,
1. I graduated last year. (One clause sentence)
2. When I came here, I saw him. (Two clause
sentence)
3. When I came here, I saw him, and he
greeted me. (Three clause sentence)
Types of Clauses
[Link] Clause
[Link] Clause
[Link] Clause
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[Link] Clause
Types of Clauses
1. Main Clause or Independent Clause
• It functions on its own to make a meaningful sentence and looks much
like a regular sentence.
• 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.
• 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)
• He went to London and visited the Lords. (Subject of the second
clause is ‘he,' so “he visited the Lords” is an independent clause.)
• Ali smiles whenever he sees his parents. (One independent clause)
• It was my brother’s birthday yesterday; however, he did not want to
celebrate.
2. Subordinate Clause or Dependent Clause
• It cannot function on its own because it leaves an idea
or thought unfinished. It is also called a subordinate
clause. These help the independent clauses complete
the sentence. Alone, it cannot form a complete
sentence.
• The subordinators do the work of connecting the
dependent clause to another clause to complete the
sentence. In each of the dependent clauses, the first
word is a subordinator.
Example:
• When he was going to Islamabad, he had an accident.
• I know the man who stole the watch.
• He bought a car which was too expensive.
• I know that he can do it.
• He does not know where he was born.
• If you don’t eat, I won’t go.
• He is a very talented player though he is out of form.
•
Types of Dependent Clauses
a. Noun Clause
• Dependent Clauses acting as Nouns in sentences are called Noun
Clause. These often start with “how,” “that,” other WH-words (What,
Who, Where, When, Why, Which, Whose and Whom), if, whether
etc.
• Examples:
• What he did made a problem for his family.
• You need to express that it’s crossing a line for you.
• He knows that he will pass the test.
• The truth is that he lied.
• What you said made me laugh.
• Now I realize what he would have thought.
b. Adjective Clause
• It is a Dependent Clause that modifies a Noun. These are also called
relative clauses.
• Examples:
i. I’m looking for the red book that went missing last week.
ii. Finn is asking for the shoes which used to belong to his dad.
iii. He wears a shirt which looks nice.
iv. An apple that smells bad is rotten.
v. The person who was shouting needed help.
c. Adverbial Clause
• A dependent clause that functions as an adverb in a sentence
is called adverb clause. It means that these clauses have the
power to modify Verbs, Adjectives and other Adverbs.
• Examples:
• Don’t go before he comes.
• He takes medicine because he is ill.
• Unless you study for the test, you can’t pass it.
• You are safe as long as you drive carefully.
• I will call you when I arrive.
• She stayed home because it was raining.
Exercise: Identify the Type of Clause
1. I believe that honesty always leads to peace of mind.
2. The book which you gave me yesterday is truly inspiring.
3. She left early because she had to catch the train.
4. Whoever arrives first will get the best seat.
5. The man who teaches physics at our college is my uncle.
6. You can sit wherever you like.
7. It surprised everyone that he solved the puzzle so quickly.
8. The house that stands on the hill was built a century ago.
9. If you study hard, you will definitely succeed.
10. I don’t know why she refused to join the trip.
11. The day when we first met is still fresh in my memory.
12. Although the weather was cold, they continued their journey.
13. I wonder whether he will accept the offer.
14. Before the sun rises, the farmers start their work.