CLAUSES
• A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate (verb).
Unlike a phrase, a clause has a finite verb and can express a complete or
incomplete thought.
• Examples
• John was reading a book.
• Subject: John
• Predicate: was reading a book
• When the rain stopped
• Subject: the rain
• Predicate: stopped
• The first clause expresses a complete thought, while the second does not.
• Types of Clauses
• Clauses are broadly divided into:
• Independent (Main) Clause
• Dependent (Subordinate) Clause
• 1. Independent (Main) Clause
• An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a
complete thought.
• Examples
• The teacher entered the classroom.
• We won the match.
• The students are preparing for their examination.
• Each of these clauses can stand alone and make complete sense.
• Dependent (Subordinate) Clause
• A dependent clause cannot stand alone because it does not express a complete thought.
It depends on the main clause for its full meaning.
• Examples
• because he was ill
• when the bell rang
• who won the competition
• These clauses need a main clause to complete their meanings.
• Examples in Sentences
• Because he was ill, he stayed at home.
• We left when the bell rang.
• The boy who won the competition is my brother.
• Types of Subordinate Clauses
• There are three major types of subordinate clauses:
• Noun Clause
• Adjectival (Relative) Clause
• Adverbial Clause
• 1. NOUN CLAUSE
• A noun clause is a subordinate clause that functions as a noun in a sentence.
• It can perform the functions of:
• Subject
• Object
• Complement
• Examples
• What he said surprised everyone.
• I know that she is innocent.
• The truth is that he lied.
• Functions of Noun Clauses
• A. As the Subject of a Verb
• Examples:
• What you said is true.
• Whoever arrives first will get the prize.
• B. As the Object of a Verb
• Examples:
• I know that she is honest.
• We believe that he will succeed.
• C. As the Complement of a Verb
• Examples:
• The problem is that we are late.
• The truth is that he cheated.
• Common Introductory Words for Noun Clauses
• that
• what
• whether
• if
• whoever
• how
• Examples
• Tell me what you want.
• We do not know whether he will come.
• State the function of the underlined noun clauses.
• What the teacher explained was difficult for the students to
understand.
• The principal announced that the examination would begin next
week.
• We do not know whether the team will participate in the
competition.
• Whoever arrives first will receive a special prize.
• My greatest fear is that I may disappoint my parents.
• The students discussed what they would do after graduation.
• ADJECTIVAL CLAUSE (RELATIVE CLAUSE)
• An adjectival clause is a subordinate clause that functions as an
adjective. It modifies or describes a noun or pronoun.
• Examples
• The girl who won the prize is my sister.
• I saw the new house that he built.
• The book which I bought yesterday is interesting.
• In each example, the clause describes a noun.
• Relative Pronouns Used in Adjectival • Using "whose"
Clauses
• The student whose bag was
• who stolen reported to the principal.
• whom
• Using "which"
• whose
• The car which was damaged
• which
has been repaired.
• that
• Using "that"
• Examples
• The house that stands on the
• Using "who"
hill belongs to my uncle.
• The boy who came yesterday is my
friend.
• Using "whom"
• The woman whom I met is a doctor.
• ADVERBIAL CLAUSE • We left when the meeting
• An adverbial clause is a ended.
subordinate clause that • She called me after she
functions as an adverb. It arrived.
modifies a verb, an • He was absent because he
adjective, or another was sick.
adverb.
• She studied hard so that she
• It tells: could pass.
• Time • Follow me wherever I go.
• Place
• Reason
• Concession
• Manner