Clauses

By: Ishani Singh and Cam Pine

Definition
Subordinate clause- also known as a
dependent clause, does not express a
complete thought and cannot stand by itself
as a complete sentence
Functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb
Independent clause- also known as a main
clause, expresses a complete thought and can
stand by itself as a sentence.
Sentence Structure
Simple- one independent clause
Compound- two independent clauses
Complex- one independent clause and one
subordinate clause
Compound-Complex- two independent
clauses and one subordinate clauses
Simple sentence Example

I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

In this sentence there is only one independent
clause so it is a simple sentence
V S
Compound sentence example

The children went to the movie, but it was
canceled.

This is a compound sentence because there are
two independent clauses meaning they can
stand on their own.
S S V V Prep Phrase
Complex sentence example
When I am bored, I draw cartoon characters.

When I am bored is a subordinate clause because it
cannot stand as a sentence by itself. It is acting as an
adverb modifying the verb draw because it is telling
when. This is a complex sentence because it has one
subordinate clause and one independent clause.
V S
S V
~~~SUBORDINATE CLAUSE~~~
Complex sentence Example
Whoever gets the most votes will be president.

Whoever gets the most votes is a noun clause because
the sentence talks about the person who gets the most
votes and not just about any person. Whoever gets the
most votes is acting as the subject.
This is a complex sentence because it is an independent
clause that has a subordinate clause in it.
~~~~~~~~~~SUBORDINATE CLAUSE~~~~~~~~~~
S S S
Compound Complex Sentence

The movie that I watched last night was scary, but it
was very good.

That I watched last night is a subordinate clause acting as an
adjective modifying the word movie because it is telling which
movie.
This is a compound complex sentence because it has two
independent clauses which are connected, and in one of the
independent clauses thre is a subordinate clause.
V V ~~~~~SUBORDINATE CLAUSE~~~~~
S
S
Tricky Sentences
The winner will be whichever candidate wins the
election.

In this sentence, whichever candidate wins the
election is a noun clause acting as a predicate
nominative because it is one single thing that the
sentence is talking about.
This sentence is a complex sentence because it is an
independent clause with a subordinate clause in it.
V S S V
~~~~~~~~~~SUBORDINATE CLAUSE~~~~~~~~~~
Tricky Sentences
Call me if you need help organizing the project.

In this sentence, if you need help is a
subordinate clause acting as an adverb
modifying the verb call, because it is telling why.
This sentence is a complex sentence because it
has one independent clause and one
subordinate clause.
V S
~~SUBORDINATE CLAUSE~~
S
Ways to Remember
If you see the words, because, if, since, that, until,
which, and who, there is a subordinate clause
following.
The words, because, if, when, and since, show
that the clause is acting as an adverb.
The words, that , which, whom, and who show
that the clause is acting as an adjective.
Noun clauses will act as the subject, predicate
adjective, direct object, or object of preposition
Five Practice Sentences
1. Whoever scores the most points will win the
game.
2. Did you see the person who stole the mans
satchel.
3. Would you like the mans satchel, or would you
prefer the womans purse.
4. If she goes to the store, she needs to buy wine
for the party, and she needs to get ice cream for
dessert.
5. The cat sat on the hat.
Answers
1. Whoever scores the most points will win the
game.
2. Did you see the person who stole the mans
satchel.
3. Would you like the mans satchel, or would you
prefer the womans purse.
4. If she goes to the store, she needs to buy wine
for the party, and she needs to get ice cream for
dessert.
5. The cat sat on the hat.

S
~~~~~~~SUBORDINATE NOUN CLAUSE~~~~~~~
V
S V V
SUBORDINATE ADJECTIVE CLAUSE
S V V V S
V
S S V V
S V SUBORDINATE ADVERB CLAUSE
S V
COMPLEX SENTENCE
COMPLEX SENTENCE
COMPOUND SENTENCE
COMPOUND SENTENCE SENTENCE
SIMPLE SENTENCE