Clauses

A clause is a group of related words that has both a subject and a predicate.
An independent clause presents a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
 Sparrows make nests in cattle barns. (Independent clause)
A dependent clause (also a subordinate clause) does not present a complete thought and cannot
stand alone as a sentence.
 Sparrows make nests in cattle barns because they need to stay warm during the
winter. (Dependent clause)
There are three types of dependent clauses: adverb clauses, adjective clauses, and noun
clauses.
An adverb clause is used like an adverb or modify a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. All adverb
clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction.
 If I study hard, I will pass.
 I will pass if I study hard.
An adjective clause is used like an adjective to modify a noun or a pronoun. Adjective clauses
begin with relative pronouns.
 Tomorrow’s test, which covers the entire book, is half essay and half short answers.
(The adjective clauses modifies the noun test.)
A noun clause is used in place of a noun. Noun clauses begin with relative pronouns and can be
replaced with “it” or “someone.”
 However, the teacher said that the essay questions are based only on the last two
chapters. (The noun clause functions as the direct object)
 That someone took the cookie is undeniable. (The noun clause functions as the subject.
 I talked to whoever was on the other line. (The noun clause functions as the object of
the preposition to)
 That is what I want. (The noun clause functions as the predicate nominative)
Key to determine usage of noun clauses:
Before predicate = subject
After action verb = direct object
After being verb = predicate nominative (danh từ làm vị ngữ)
After preposition = object of the preposition
 Clauses Worksheet #1

Directions: Identify the italicized clauses as independent or dependent in the blank provided.
_______ 1. Because Bishop Jean Marie Latour had once lived in the room, he felt at
home there.
_______ 2. The room had changed remarkably little, even though many years had
passed.
_______ 3. The furnishing that he recalled so well still stood in the room.
_______ 4. The bishop awoke, began to shave, and reflected about the land and why
he felt so content there.
_______ 5. The bishop, who was now an old man, felt almost like a boy again in his
former surroundings.
_______ 6. He experienced a feeling of newness and vigor whenever he breathed the
light, dry morning air of New Mexico.
_______ 7. The source of the invigorating air was the country around him, which was
still untamed.
_______ 8. Other places had once produced this remarkable effect, but they no longer
did.
_______ 9. A sense of newness disappeared after an area was developed.
_______ 10. Although progress brought with it many civilized comforts and pleasures, it
also carried a high price.
_______ 11. Mahalia Jackson was an African American singer who became popular
worldwide as a performer of gospel music.

_______ 12. Although she was strongly associated with religious music, her vocal style
was influenced by jazz.
_______ 13. Jackson grew up in New Orleans, where she sang in a church choir.
_______ 14. When she was sixteen years old, Jackson moved to Chicago.
_______ 15. She worked as a maid and a food packager during the first years that she
lived in the city.
Clauses Worksheet #2
Directions: Identify each italicized group of words by writing P for a phrase and C for clause.
______ 1. Overshoes were once called arctics since they were used in cold climates.
______ 2. The house fly has five eyes located on the upper part of its head.
______ 3. When the sun is close to the horizon, it looks larger.
______ 4. The king issued a proclamation against shooting bears in the region.
______ 5. The growth of a tree splits the bark vertically, producing ridges.
______ 6. While red lights repel birds, white lights attract them.
______ 7. The poet Aeschylus was reportedly killed by a tortoise falling on his head.
______ 8. A full moon appears larger as it emerges from behind clouds.
______ 9. The computer needs to be fixed now.
______ 10. I get worried when other people are sick.
Directions: Identify italicized clauses by writing I (independent) and S (subordinate).
______ 1. When Peter changed his clothes for the party, he forgot to comb his hair.
______ 2. Coney Island once had a hotel that was built in the form of an elephant.
______ 3. Since the Romans were not mathematicians, they contributed little to science.
______ 4. Since Isaiah moved to New York, he has had three jobs.
______ 5. The surgeon was nervous, because the operation had never been done before.
______ 6. After Tony worked all summer, he bought a car.
______ 7. There were no newspapers in America until one was published in Boston.
______ 8. I like to do homework if it is relevant to the subject.
______ 9. I don’t know who did that.
______ 10. Why she bought a new coat is a mystery to me!
Clauses Worksheet #3
Directions: Identify each italicized group of words by writing P for a phrase and I for
independent clause or S for subordinate clause.
_____ 1. In the far western Pacific, just north of the equator, lies a newly formed nation of
islands.
_____ 2. Actually, people have lived on the Micronesian islands for a long time.
_____ 3. Basalt temples on the island of Pompei show that there was a civilized society there as
far back as A.D. 1300.
_____ 4. Administered by Europeans and Americans for about 150 years, the islands have only
recently received their independence.
_____ 5. Spaniards claimed the islands in the 1500’s, although they did not interfere with the
islanders until the late 1800’s.
_____ 6. In 1899, Germany bought the islands to harvest the coconut oil there.
_____ 7. The Japanese took control of them around 1920, after which they settled the islands
heavily.
_____ 8. There are four main island chains, and by 1940 the Japanese made up two-thirds of the
population.
_____ 9. After World War II, Micronesia became a trust territory of the U.S., administered by
the United States government.
_____ 10. When the Federated States of Micronesia formed its own constitution, the nation
began its journey to self-rule.
_____ 11. If you have never snorkeled before, you are in for an exciting adventure.
_____ 12. Masks enable snorkelers to see clearly under water.
_____ 13. To enjoy this wonderful water sport you should seek instruction before you begin.
_____ 14. Snorkeling is easy, but you should familiarize yourself with all the equipment.
_____ 15. Many snorkeling enthusiasts who travel to seas around the world insist that
snorkeling is the best way to discover the mysteries of underwater life.