Clauses

Clauses, like phrases, are groups of related words, but unlike phrases, it has its own subject and
verb. However, not every clause expresses a complete thought.

Look at these examples.

From the examples above, you could have got an idea on the two different types of clauses-one
conveys a complete thought and the other does not. The two basic kinds of clauses are:
Independent or Subordinate Clause.

Independent Clause

Independent Clause : Complete thought

An independent clause has a subject and a verb and presents a complete idea, and it therefore
can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Subordinate Clause

Subordinate Clause : Incomplete thought

A subordinate or dependent clause begins with either subordinating conjunction or relative
pronoun, and it therefore does not present a complete idea. Although it has a subject and a
verb, subordinate clause cannot stand alone as sentence; it depends on the independent clause
for its meaning.
Following are lists of subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns.
Subordinating
conjunctions
after
althou
gh
as

even wheth
if
er
if

wherea
s

since while

becaus thoug
unless
e
h
before

when than

Relative Pronouns
that

whom

which

whose

whichev whoseve
er
r
who
whoeve
r

whomev
er

Example:

Can it stand alone as a sentence? No. It is because it lacks something for its completeness.
The meaning of a subordinate clause is complete only when the clause is attached to an
independent clause.
Lets try combining this dependent clause with an independent clause.

Lets look at more examples

1. Jones answered the question as if he knew the subject well.
Jones answered the question (Independent clause)
as if he knew the subject well (Dependent clause)
2. Mr. Rex left his position after learning of his companys unlawful practices.
Mr. Rex left his position (Independent clause)
after learning of his companys unlawful practices (Dependent clause)
3. Although it was not easy, Scott finished the test early.
Although it was not easy (Dependent clause)
Scott finished the test early (Independent clause)
When a dependent clause begins a sentence, the clause is followed by a comma.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

Unlike independent clauses, subordinate clauses are said to perform various functions in a
sentence. Within sentences, subordinate clauses act as either adjectives, adverbs, or nouns.
Adjective Clauses
Adverb Clauses
Noun Clauses

Adjective Clause
An adjective clause, also known as relative clause, modifies a noun or a pronoun by telling what
kind or which one. An adjective clause is usually connected to the word it modifies by one of
the relative pronouns.
who people, which things, that both people and things, whom object of a relative clause
whose indicate possession

Examples:

Sometimes, it is connected by a relative adverb such as after, before, since, when, where, or
why.
Examples:
1. The spot where we stood afforded us a magnificent view of the surrounding hills.
2. There are times when I wonder why I quit the job.
Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Adjective Clauses
An adjective clause that is not essential to the basic meaning of a sentence is a nonrestrictive
clause; it is set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.
An adjective clause that is essential to the basic meaning of a sentence is a restrictive clause; a
restrictive clause is not set off.
His best movie, which won several awards, was about the life of slaves.
which won several awards (Nonrestrictive clause)
The underlined clause is nonrestrictive because the information in the clause does not restrict
or limit the noun it modifies. Therefore, it is set off by commas.
Where is the letter that came yesterday?
that came yesterday (Restrictive clause)
In the sentence above, the clause that came yesterday is needed to specify which letter,
since the listener has no other way of knowing which letter is being referred to. As it is essential
to the meaning of the sentence, it is not set off by commas.
Adverb Clause
A subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb is called an Adverb
Clause. It does this by pointing out when, where, how, why, to what extent, or under what
condition.

Examples:

Types of Adverb Clauses

Type of Adverb
Clause
Adverb of Time
Adverb of Place

Subordinating Conjunction
when, whenever, since, while, as, before, after, till,
until, as soon as
where, wherever, whereas

Adverb of Purpose that, so that, in order that

Adverb of Reason since, that, because
Adverb of Manner as, like, as if
Adverb of
Condition

if, whether

Examples:
1. I will go to play after I study my lessons. (Time)
2. We can play where we want to. (Place)
3. Meet me in the office so that we can discuss the project. (Purpose)
4.
5.
6.
7.

I did not go out to play since I had fever. (Reason)

Smith is acting as if he has stolen something. (Manner)
If it rains, the match will be cancelled. (Condition)
Although I studied hard, I could not pass the exam. (Supposition)

Noun Clause
A subordinate clause that acts as a noun in a sentence is called a noun clause. It answers the
question What? Words commonly used to introduce noun clauses include that, what,
whatever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, which, whichever
A Noun clause functions as: Subject, Object, Object of Preposition
Examples:
1. What my teacher said was downright inspiring.
What my teacher said (Subject)
2. The director will give whoever does best in this audition the lead role.

whoever does best in this audition (Object)

3. I was not responsible for what Sally did.
what Sally did (Object of preposition)