Study English: THE CLAUSE

Some Terms of English grammar

Letters are written symbols which represent one of the sounds in a language.

A Word a single unit of language that means something and can be spoken or written.

A Phrase is a group of words that works together in a sentence but does not contain a subject or a verb.

A Clause is defined as “a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and forms a sentence or part of a sentence.

A Sentence means a group of words that makes complete sense. It begins with a capital letter and ends with a full stop. It always contains a finite verb. A sentence may be a statement, question, exclamation, or command. It consists of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.

Difference between a Phrase and a Clause

Column A

Column B

1. One of my friends had come to visit me. (NP)

2. The students were given a difficult question. (NP)

3. She was taller than all of her classmates. (AdjP)

4. The question given was too easy. (AdjP)

5. He bakes cakes every Sunday. (AdvP)

6. A truck came at a very high speed. (AdvP)

7. The space under the gray shed is overgrown and needs to be cleared out. (Prep.P)

8. The cat jumped onto the counter. (Prep.P)

9. The dogs have been barking continuously. (VP)

1. I know what you want. (NC)

2. What you want is not my concern. (NC)

3. The girl whose parents died last year was adopted by my uncle. (AdjC)

4. The painting we bought last week is a fake. (AdjC)

5. I will tell the truth wherever I please. (AdvC)

6. He acts like it is a joke. (AdvC)

The italic parts of the sentences given in column A are phrases because they do not contain a subject and a predicate. They are a group of words, which makes sense, but not complete sense.

The italic parts of the sentences given in column B are phrases because they contain a Subject and a Predicate.

Attempt Exercise 1

Types of Clauses

When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.
Although I like him, I hate his dressing sense.

In the examples given above, underlined clauses are the independent clauses.
In the examples given above, italicized clauses are the dependent clauses.

Independent Clause or main clause is a clause that can stand on its own as a distinct sentence.
Dependent Clause or subordinate clause in contrast, is not a complete sentence. These clauses depend on independent clauses to clearly express ideas.

AttemptExercise 2

Functions of Dependent Clause

Subordinate Clauses can perform three distinct functions: They can operate as adverbs, adjectives, or nouns.

Noun Clause

I know what you want.
Here, what you want is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. Therefore, it is a Noun Clause.

Features of a Noun Clause

Many of noun clauses start with "that," "how," or a "wh"-word (i.e., "what," "who," "which," "when," "where," or "why").
It plays any of the functions of a noun (subject, direct object, indirect object, subject complement and object of a preposition).

More Examples:

Function of NC	Example Sentence	Explanation
Subject	What he said surprised everyone.	The noun clause acts as the subject of the sentence, performing the action or being the topic.
Object	She didn't know where he went.	The noun clause functions as the direct object, receiving the action of the verb.
Subject Complement	The truth is that he lied.	The noun clause follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject.
Object Complement	They made him what he is today.	The noun clause renames or describes the object after the verb.
Appositive	The idea that he could win was exciting.	The noun clause renames or gives additional information about another noun.
Object of Preposition	She is interested in whatever he says.	The noun clause follows a preposition and completes the prepositional phrase.

Attempt Exercise 3, 4 & 5

Adjective Clause

The boy I met last week was a thief.

Here, I met last week is a dependent clause that acts like an adjective. Therefore, it is an Adjective Clause.

Features of an Adjective Clause

It starts with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, that, or which) or a relative adverb (when, where, or why).
It tells the quality of the noun.

More Examples:

Function of Adj Clause	Example Sentence	Explanation
Modify Nouns	The book that I borrowed is fascinating.	The adjective clause describes or gives more information about a noun, such as which book.
Modify Pronouns	She is the one who won the award.	The adjective clause provides more information about a pronoun, specifying which person.
Indicate Quantity	They offered all that they could.	The adjective clause specifies the extent or quantity in relation to the noun or pronoun.
Show Possession	The man whose car was stolen is at the police station.	The adjective clause indicates possession or relationship to the noun it modifies.
Ask Questions (Indirect)	Do you know who is coming?	In indirect questions, the adjective clause can provide additional information about the noun.
Emphasize Selection	The students who studied hard passed the exam.	The adjective clause emphasizes specific members within a group, such as which students.

Attempt Exercise 6, 7 & 8

Adverbial Clause

I will have lunch when my brother arrives.

Here, when my brother arrives is a dependent clause that acts like an adverb. Therefore, it is an adverbial Clause.

More Examples:

Function of Adv Clause	Example Sentence
Modify Verbs	She sings because she loves music.
Indicate Time	After the meeting ended, they went out for dinner.
Indicate Place	You can sit wherever you like.
Indicate Frequency	Whenever I see him, he smiles.
Indicate Degree	He is more successful than he ever imagined.
Indicate Purpose	He studies hard so that he can pass the exam.
Indicate Condition	If it rains, we will stay indoors.
Indicate Contrast	Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
Ask Questions (Indirect)	I wonder how he solved the problem.

Attempt Exercise 9, 10 & 11

AttemptExercise 12

Study English

THE CLAUSE