Clauses
1. What is a Clause?
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject (who/what the sentence is about) and a predicate (the verb and the rest of the information about the subject).
Example: She sings well.
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Subject = She
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Predicate = sings well
2. Difference between Clause and Phrase
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Clause: has both a subject and a predicate.
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Phrase: is just a group of words without both subject and predicate.
Example: -
Phrase: in the park (no subject, no predicate)
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Clause: She plays in the park (subject = she, predicate = plays in the park).
3. Types of Clauses
Clauses are mainly divided into two categories:
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Independent Clause (Main Clause)
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Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause)
4. Independent Clause
An independent clause expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.
Example: I enjoy reading books.
5. Dependent Clause
A dependent clause cannot stand alone. It depends on an independent clause to make sense.
Example: because I enjoy learning (not a complete thought).
6. Main Types of Dependent Clauses
Dependent clauses are further classified into three main types:
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Noun Clause
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Adjective Clause (Relative Clause)
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Adverb Clause
7. Noun Clause
A noun clause acts as a noun in the sentence. It can be a subject, object, or complement.
Example: What she said is true.
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Here, What she said = subject of the sentence.
8. Adjective Clause
An adjective clause (also called a relative clause) describes a noun or pronoun. It usually begins with words like who, which, that, whose.
Example: The book that I bought yesterday is interesting.
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Adjective clause = that I bought yesterday (describes the noun book).
9. Adverb Clause
An adverb clause modifies (adds meaning to) a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It answers questions like when, where, why, how, under what condition.
Example: I will call you when I reach home.
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Adverb clause = when I reach home (tells when).
10. Examples Showing All Types
Sentence: I know that she is honest because she always speaks the truth.
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Independent clause = I know
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Noun clause = that she is honest (object of "know")
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Adverb clause = because she always speaks the truth (gives reason).
11. Coordinating Conjunctions in Independent Clauses
Two independent clauses can be joined using coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor.
Example: I was tired, but I finished my homework.
12. Subordinating Conjunctions in Dependent Clauses
Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like because, although, if, when, since, unless, while.
Example: I stayed at home because it was raining.
13. Relative Pronouns in Adjective Clauses
Relative clauses often use pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, that.
Example: The girl who won the race is my friend.
14. Essential vs Non-Essential Adjective Clauses
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Essential clause: gives important info (no commas). The man who lives next door is a doctor.
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Non-essential clause: extra info (use commas). My brother, who lives in Delhi, is an engineer.
15. Finite and Non-Finite Clauses
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Finite Clause: verb changes according to tense/subject. Example: She says that he is honest.
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Non-Finite Clause: verb does not show tense. Example: She wants to go.
16. Simple Sentence vs Clause
Every simple sentence has at least one independent clause.
Example: He runs fast. = 1 independent clause.
17. Complex Sentence
A complex sentence has 1 independent clause + at least 1 dependent clause.
Example: I left early because I was tired.
18. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence has 2 or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
Example: I wanted to play, but it started raining.
19. Compound-Complex Sentence
This type has at least 2 independent clauses + 1 dependent clause.
Example: I was late, but I still attended the class because it was important.
20. Elliptical Clauses
These are shortened clauses where some words are left out but still understood.
Example: She is taller than I [am tall].
21. Nominal Relative Clause
Acts like both a noun and an adjective.
Example: What you said surprised me.
22. Conditional Clauses
Used to express conditions with if, unless.
Example: If you work hard, you will succeed.
23. Purpose Clauses
Show purpose, often introduced by so that, in order that.
Example: He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear him.
24. Result Clauses
Show result, introduced by so...that, such...that.
Example: She was so tired that she could not walk.
25. Importance of Clauses
Clauses are building blocks of sentences. By combining them, we create simple, compound, or complex sentences, making communication clear, detailed, and powerful.
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