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Grammar- Clauses

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
_________________|__________________
| |
DEPENDENT/SUBORDINATE INDEPENDENT/MAIN
____________ |______________
| | |
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.

2) Dependent Clause/Subordinate Clause:


a) Cannot stand alone in a sentence
b) Depends on the main clause
c) Often modifies the main clause.
d) Usually begins with subordinating conjunctions.

Types of Dependent Clauses


There are a few types of dependent clauses, each of which functions as a part of speech: noun
clause, adjective clause, and adverb clause.

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Grammar: Clauses

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.

Since a noun clause does the work of a noun it can be:


1. The subject of a verb: Where destiny will take me is uncertain.
1. The object of a transitive verb: She says that she won’t go.
3. The object of a preposition: Listen carefully to what I am going to say.
4. In Apposition to a Noun or Pronoun: It is feared that he will kill his brother.
5. The Complement of a verb of incomplete predication: This is where she lives.

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).

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Grammar: Clauses

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)

Kinds of Adverb Clauses

a) Adverb Clauses of Time:


They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like whenever, when, while, after, before,
since, as, etc.
You can go to play when you finish your homework.
Please concentrate while you are working.
From the time he has come there has been no peace at home.

b) Adverb Clauses of Place:


They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like where, whereas, whence, whither,
there, etc.
He has gone into hiding where no one can find him.
His dog follows him wherever he goes.
She want to live in a place where there is no pollution.

c) Adverb Clauses of Purpose:


They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like that, in order that, so that, lest, etc.
He fought till his last breath, so that his family could be saved.
He studied hard in order to pass the exam.
She crept softly into the room, lest he wakes up. (lest is followed by the infinitive without
preposition to).

d) Adverb Clauses of Cause or Reason:

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Grammar: Clauses

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.

e) Adverb Clauses of Condition:


They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like if, whether, unless, etc.
If you get time, please come for the party.
Unless there is peace, we will not survive.
Whether you like the medicine or not, you must take it.

f) Adverb Clauses of Result or Consequence:


They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like that. Frequently, so or such precedes
that in the main clause.
She danced in such a manner that everyone was amazed.
The rains were so heavy that many people lost their homes.
He came home so late that there was no food left for him.

g) Adverb Clauses of Comparison:


They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like than or relative adverbs like as. The
comparison may be one of degree or manner.
She is more intelligent than all other students in her class.
This year’s budget was more controversial than that which was presented last year.
The novel did not end as I expected.

h) Adverb Clauses of Supposition or Concession:


They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like though, although, even if, etc.
Although he was weak in studies, he passed the exam.
Though she was carrying an umbrella, she got wet.
Even if he is unable to make it, I shall definitely come.

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