Clauses are the building blocks of sentences and come in two types: independent and dependent. Independent clauses stand alone as complete sentences while dependent clauses do not. Understanding clauses is essential for anyone who wants to improve their writing or communication skills. In this article, we will explore the different types of clauses and how they are used in sentences. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand what clauses are, and how they function. So let’s get started.
What is a Clause?
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate (verb or verb phrase) and can stand alone as a complete thought or be part of a larger sentence. Clauses can be either independent (also known as main clauses) or dependent (also known as subordinate clauses), depending on their ability to stand alone as a sentence. Independent clauses can form complete sentences on their own, whereas dependent clauses cannot function as standalone sentences and must be attached to an independent clause to make complete sense. For example:
- I am going to the store. (Independent clause)
- She is reading a book. (Independent clause)
- Unless you apologize, I won’t forgive you. (Dependent clause)
- In order to pass the exam, she studied all night. (Dependent clause)
(Here In the first two sentences, “I am going to the store” and “She is reading a book,” we have independent clauses that can stand alone as complete sentences because they express a complete thought.
In the third sentence, “Unless you apologize, I won’t forgive you,” we have a dependent clause, “Unless you apologize,” which relies on the independent clause “I won’t forgive you” to form a complete sentence. It expresses a condition that must be met for the forgiveness to happen.
In the fourth sentence, “In order to pass the exam, she studied all night,” we also have a dependent clause, “In order to pass the exam,” which provides the reason or purpose for the main action in the independent clause, “she studied all night.” It explains why she studied so extensively.)
Types of Clauses
There are two main types of clauses in English: independent clauses and dependent clauses.
Independent Clause (Main Clause)
An independent clause, also known as a main clause, is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought. It consists of a subject and a predicate (verb) and can function independently. It doesn’t rely on any other part of the sentence to make sense.
Examples:
- The sun was shining brightly.
- He played the guitar.
- She went to the store.
- He enjoys reading books.
- They are planning a vacation.
Each of these examples can function as a complete sentence by itself because it contains both a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought or action.
Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause)
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Dependent clauses rely on independent clauses to form complete sentences and convey a clear meaning. They are typically used to provide additional information, add complexity, or show relationships within a sentence.
Examples:
- In order to succeed, you must work hard.
- Before I go to bed, I always brush my teeth.
- I don’t know what you want.
- Although he’s talented, he lacks confidence.
- If you don’t water the plants, they will wither.
|
Aspect |
Independent Clause |
Dependent Clause |
| Can Stand Alone | Can stand alone as a sentence. | Cannot stand alone as a sentence. |
| Complete Thought | Expresses a complete thought. | Does not express a complete thought on its own. |
| Types | Can function as a complete sentence. | Functions as part of a sentence, providing additional information. |
| Subordination | Does not depend on another clause. | Depends on an independent clause for meaning. |
| Examples | “She went to the store.” | “After he fixed the car, it ran smoothly.” |
There are also various types of dependent clauses based on their functions within a sentence:
Adjective Clauses (Relative Clause):
This type of clause describes a noun and usually begins with a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that).
Example: The book that I borrowed is interesting.
Adverbial Clauses:
An adverbial clause functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb in the main clause. These clauses often answer questions like when, where, why, how, and to what extent.
Example: He ran because he was late. (Answers “why” he ran)
Noun Clause:
A noun clause functions as a noun within a sentence. It can be the subject, object, or complement of a verb.
Example: What you said is important. (Noun clause “What you said” is the subject of the verb “is.”)
Conditional Clause:
A conditional clause expresses a condition, and it is often introduced by words like “if” or “unless.”
Example: If it rains, we will stay home.
Purpose Clause:
A purpose clause indicates the purpose or reason for an action and is usually introduced by words like “so that,” “in order that,” or “to.”
Example: She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.
Result Clause:
A result clause shows the consequence or result of an action and is often introduced by words like “so…that” or “such…that.”
Example: It was so hot that we couldn’t go outside.
Infinitive Clauses:
These clauses use an infinitive verb (e.g., “to + verb”) and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. For example:
Example: This is the best time to visit.
Time Clause: A time clause indicates when an action takes place and is introduced by words like “when,” “while,” “before,” and “after.”
Example: I will call you when I get home.
Non-restrictive vs. Restrictive Clauses:
Non-restrictive (or non-defining) clauses provide additional, non-essential information and are set off by commas. They do not restrict the meaning of the noun they modify.
Restrictive (or defining) clauses provide essential information and are not set off by commas. They restrict the meaning of the noun they modify.
Example: My sister, who is a doctor, lives in New York.
(The clause “who is a doctor” is non-restrictive.)
Example: The doctor who lives next door is very friendly.
(The clause “who lives next door” is restrictive; it specifies which doctor is being referred to.)
Usage
Here are seven basic tips and rules for using and punctuating clauses:
Use Punctuation Correctly: Use appropriate punctuation to separate independent clauses when joining them together. You can use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (e.g., “and,” “but,” “or”) or a semicolon.
Use Commas for Clarity: Use commas to set off non-essential clauses. If the clause adds extra information but isn’t necessary for the sentence’s core meaning, use commas.
Example: The book, which I borrowed from the library, is fantastic.
No Commas for Essential Clauses: Do not use commas with essential (restrictive) clauses that are necessary for the sentence’s meaning.
Example: The book that I borrowed is fantastic.
Use Subordinating Conjunctions: When using dependent clauses, introduce them with subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “although,” and “if” to indicate their relationship with the main clause.
Parallel Structure: Maintain parallel structure within a sentence, especially when using multiple clauses. Keep verb forms consistent and use the same structure for similar elements.
Example: He likes to swim, hike, and bike.
Avoid Comma Splices and Fused Sentences:
Don’t use a comma to connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. This creates a comma splice. Similarly, avoid running independent clauses together without any punctuation, which results in a fused sentence.
Coordinate Clauses
Coordinate clauses are independent clauses that are joined together using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or semicolons.
Examples:
- She likes coffee, but he prefers tea.
- I’ll go to the store, you can stay here.
- He works hard, but he doesn’t get paid much.
- He’s tired, so he’s going to take a nap.
- She’s busy, and I’m free.
- He’s tall, yet he plays basketball poorly.
- They arrived early, but the event started late.
How to join clauses?
You can join clauses by:
Independent clause:
- Using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet).
- Using a semicolon.
- Using a semicolon with a transitional word (however, therefore, nevertheless, etc.).
- Using a comma with a coordinating conjunction (comma before “and,” “but,” “or,” etc.).
- Using a colon (in some cases).
- Using a dash (in some cases).
- Use a conjunction like “while,” “although,” or “because” to create complex sentences.
- Keeping them as separate sentences (if they are closely related but not necessarily connected).
|
Semicolon |
Independent clause |
; |
Independent clause |
|
Semicolon with transitional words |
Independent clause |
; moreover ; however ; indeed ; therefore ; nevertheless ; consequently |
Independent clause |
|
Comma and coordinating conjunctions |
Independent clause |
, for , and , nor , but , or ,yet ,so |
Independent clause |
Dependent clause:
- Use a subordinating conjunction at the beginning of the dependent clause.
- Place a comma after the dependent clause when it appears before the independent clause.
- Do not use a comma when the dependent clause follows the independent clause.
| Independent clause first: | Independent clause | No punctuation | Dependent clause |
| Dependent clause first: | Dependent clause | ( , ) comma | Independent clause |
FAQs
Q1: What is a clause?
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be either independent (a complete thought) or dependent (incomplete and relies on an independent clause).
Q2: What is an independent clause?
An independent clause, also known as a main clause, is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.
Q3: What is a dependent clause?
A dependent clause, also called a subordinate clause, is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to make sense.
Q4: How do I identify a dependent clause?
Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, if) or relative pronouns (e.g., who, which, that). They typically cannot stand alone as sentences.
Q5: What are some common subordinating conjunctions used in dependent clauses?
Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, since, while, if, when, and whereas, among others.
Q6: What is a relative clause?
A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that provides more information about a noun in the main clause. It typically begins with a relative pronoun such as “who,” “which,” or “that.”
