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CLAUSES
A clause is a group of words consisting of a subject, a predict and a verb. Sometimes, the
subject is not explicitly given. A clause is either a whole sentence, or in effect, a sentence
within a sentence.
TYPES OF CLAUSES
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DEPENDENT/SUBORDINATE INDEPENDENT/MAIN
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NOUN ADVERB ADJECTIVE
1) Independent/Main Clause:
a) Independent
b) Conveys the meaning by itself.
c) By itself is a grammatically correct sentence.
Ramu didn’t know that the thief was hidden in the courtyard.
Here Ramu didn’t know is the main clause because it conveys an idea that is complete in
itself.
d) Multiple independent clauses can be joined usually with a comma or a coordinating
conjunction to form a compound sentence.
He is shouting as he is angry.
Please agree with me or you shall regret.
I want to confess, I am worried.
In all these sentences, if we remove the conjunctions we see that the two parts of the
sentences can stand alone.
e) Independent clauses can also be joined with the help of conjunctive adverbs.
Firstly, sleeping affects health; secondly, it affects sub conscious.
The young man was mesmerized by the beauty of the girl; in fact, he kept staring at her for a
long time.
1) Noun Clause: A noun clause is a group of words, which contains a subject and a
predicate of its own, and does the work of a noun. Eg. It hurts me that she has
spoken offensively. It hurts me is the main clause with it as the subject and that she
has spoken offensively is the dependent noun clause and is the object of the verb
hurts.
2) Adjective Clause:
An adjective clause is a group of words which contains a very, a subject and a predicate
of its own and does the work of an adjective. Adjective clauses generally modify
antecedent noun phrases, and, thus, do not begin a sentence.
He is the man who fought till the end.
The dress, which is brown, is mine.
The course that I am doing is tough.
Case 1:
An adjective clause is generally introduced by a relative pronoun or by a relative adverb.
The house where the cylinder had burst is nearby.
The reason why she took up this project is obvious.
Case 2:
Sometimes, however, a relative pronoun introduces a coordinate clause.
I met Harish, who gave me your phone.
Here we are using the relative pronoun who to introduce a coordinate clause.
Case 3:
Sometimes the relative pronoun or the relative adverb, introducing an adjective clause is not
stated explicitly.
Where is the money (which) he left for me?
Case 4:
But is equivalent to a relative pronoun followed by not and serves to introduce an adjective
clause.
There was not a single lady present but feared the imminent catastrophe. (Here but means
who did not fear).
Case 5:
Than is sometimes used as a preposition before a relative pronoun in the adjective clause.
We shall follow Queen’s English than which England knows no better language.
Case 6:
The infinitive with to is often used as the equivalent of an adjective clause.
I have the whole exercise to learn.(which I must learn).
3) Adverb Clause:
An Adverb Clause refers to a group of words which contains a subject and a predicate of its
own and does the work of an adverb.
He won the elections because people loved him.(Adverb clause of reason)
When she saw the dog, she ran away.(Adverb clause of time)
If you sincerely work hard, you will definitely pass the exam. (Adverb clause of condition)
They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like because, as, since, that, etc.
He was arrested because he instigated riots in the city.
I could not go to the party, as I was not feeling well.
She missed the play since she was out of town.