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Types of Clauses
Types of Clauses
Types of Clauses
Independent Clause
Dependent Clause
o Adjective Clause
o Noun Clause
o Adverbial Clause
Non-finite Clause
1. Independent Clause
It functions on its own to make a meaningful sentence. In a sentence, two independent
clauses can be connected by the coordinators: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Example:
o She read the author’s forewords and the whole story. (Simple sentence)
o He went to London and visited the Big Bell. (Simple sentence)
o They want to buy a garden house, but they don’t have enough money. (Compound sentence)
2. Dependent Clause
It cannot form a complete sentence on its own because it leaves an idea or thought
unfinished. It is also called a subordinate clause. These help the independent clauses
complete the sentence.
The subordinators do the work of connecting the dependent clause to another clause to complete
the sentence. In each of the dependent clauses, the first word is a subordinator. Whenever the
Example:
o When he was dating Diana, he already had a big house.
o They know the man who stole the mobile phone.
o He bought a car which was too expensive.
o He is a talented football player though he is a bit short.
It is a Dependent Clause that modifies a Noun. Basically, Adjective Clauses have similar
qualities as Adjectives that are of modifying Nouns and hence the name, Adjective Clause.
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These are also called Relative Clauses and they usually sit right after the Nouns they
modify.
Examples:
o I’m looking for the book that went missing last week.
o Peter is asking for the shoes which used to belong to his dad.
o My friend who rides a huge motorcycle said it’s a great weekend to ride.
Adjective clauses are a way to combine two ideas (simple sentences) into one complex
sentence.
Samir studies at a university. The university Samir studies at a university that is well known for
is well known for its technology programs. its technology programs.
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Function Noun phrase Noun Clause
By definition, these are Dependent Clauses acting as Adverbs. It means that these
clauses have the power to modify Verbs, Adjectives, and other Adverbs.
An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that indicates time, reason, concession,
contrast, condition, purpose, or refutation.
An adverbial clause begins with a connector called a subordinating conjunction, such
as after, although, if, since, and when.
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More examples:
o Alice did the dishes till her legs gave up.
o The pool was installed after they built the deck.
o While we slept, the plane reached its destination.
IF CLAUSE
The “if clause” explains a condition that is necessary for a specific outcome.
It is a type of adverbial clause.
Time If clause/ situation Outcome
General If it is too hot, we turn on the air conditioning.
Future real If it is too hot, we will/can/may turn on the air
conditioning.
Present/ If the restaurant opened at noon, (The we could/would/might eat lunch
Future unreal restaurant does not open at noon.) there.
Past unreal If the students had asked questions they would/might/could have
during the lecture, (They did not ask understood the concepts better.
questions during the lecture.)
3. Non-finite Clauses
They contain a Participle or an Infinitive Verb that makes the Subject and Verb evident
even though hidden. In terms of grammar, the Participle Phrase takes place of the Subject
or Object of the sentence.
Examples:
o He saw the boy staring out of the window.
o She is the first person to enter the office.
o Seeing the fireworks made the children jumped up.