CLAUSES

 A Clause is a group of words that consist of a Subject and a Verb

– finite verb
 A Phrase is a group of words that neither consist of a Subject nor a
Verb
 The purpose of a phrase is to complement the overall structure of
a sentence or an already existing clause.
 A clause can be either a part of a sentence or a complete
sentence. – A sentence can be made up of one or more than one
clauses.
Eg: 1. He laughed. (one clause)
2. I waited for him, but he didn’t come (two clauses)
3. I like Physics, but my sister likes Biology because she wants to
become a doctor. (three clauses) conjunctions
 A phrase can only be a part of a sentence.
Eg: He is sleeping on the bed.
(Clause) (Phrase)
Types of Clauses
1. Independent Clause (main clause/principal clause)
Contains a subject and a verb – has an independent meaning
subject
Eg: The athlete ran fast.
Verb
2. Dependent Clause
Contains a subject and a verb – doesn’t have a complete meaning
of its own – requires an independent clause to complete its
meaning.
Eg: 1. Every night before I go to bed, I drink milk. Independent Clause
Dependent Clause
2. Because the box was so heavy…
3. When we arrived in class today…
  Mostly begins with sub-ordinating conjunctions – although,
though, eventhough, because, when, while, as, if, until, before, etc.

Sentences can be made up of:

a. Independent clause = Simple Sentence
b. Dependent clause + Independent clause = Complex sentence
c. Independent clause + Independent clause = Compound Sentence
Joining of Sentences
1. Two or more Independent Clauses
Method 1: Independent clause + semi colon (;) + Independent clause
Eg: Jane put a new washer in the bathroom; the tap didn’t work as
expected.
Method 2: Independent clause + comma (,) + co ordinating conjunction
(FANBOYS) + Independent clause
(For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)
Eg: Jane put a new washer in the bathroom, but the tap didn’t work as
expected.
2. Dependent and Independent Clause
Method 1: Independent clause + dependent clause (including the conjunction)
Independent clause Dependent clause with conjunction
Eg: Jason is tired because he slept only for two hours last night.
Method 2: Dependent clause (including the conjunction) + comma (,) +
independent clause
Eg: As/Because Jason slept only for two hours last night, he is tired.

Note: If Dependent Clause comes after the Independent Clause use a comma if
the conjunctions are contrasting – although/though/whereas/ even though
Independent Clause contrasting
Eg: The teacher said that my project could have been better, although she
did appreciate my research work. (Conjunction)