Last updated on November 16th, 2024 at 07:34 pm
Sometimes we become confused about identifying a clause or differentiating between a clause and a phrase. But we can identify a clause quickly by learning its definition and types. We will discuss the three types of clauses in this lesson, including their definitions and examples.
A clause always contains a subject and a finite verb. However, without wasting time, let us know the definition of a clause.
What is a Clause?
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A clause consists of a subject and a predicate. In other words, we can say a clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a finite verb. Clauses are the foundation of sentence structure, helping us to convey complete thoughts. They can stand alone as sentences or be combined with other clauses to form more complex sentences. We can see some examples to get a clear picture of clauses:
- I had a sweet sister.
- Though she loved me, I forgot her.
- She obeyed her responsibility, but I failed to follow this.
- I was incapable of paying proper tribute to her.
- Now I repent for everything.
Note: All of the above sentences consist of a subject and a finite verb.
Difference Between Clauses and Phrases
It’s easy to differentiate between a clause and a phrase. We already know a clause combines some words with a subject and a finite verb, e.g., I love playing football. On the other hand, A phrase is a group of words that doesn’t contain a finite verb, e.g., apart from it. A clause expresses a complete thought, while a phrase does not.
Types of Clauses
Clauses are categorized into three types in English grammar. They are:
- Principal Clauses
- Subordinate Clauses
- Co-ordinate Clauses
1. Principal/Independent Clauses
A principal or independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It can express a complete thought and include both a subject and a predicate. Further, it can be used independently without any assistance or stand alone. Let us see some examples to learn more about it:
- I accept your friend request.
- She ordered a bike from an online shop.
- He sells an apartment.
- Naomi shows her performance.
- Austen knew the true story.
Subordinate/Dependent Clauses
Unlike an independent clause, a subordinate clause doesn’t have any independent meaning. Instead, a subordinate clause helps the independent clause to complete the sentence. Let us see some examples to learn more about it:
- I recognized the person whom I saw yesterday.
- If you act for me, I will provide you with enough assistance.
- When you meet a stranger, you need to respect him.
- He is the person who supports me in my bad times.
- We should follow him when we make any decision.
Subordinate or dependent clauses are divided into three types. They are:
- Noun Clauses
- Adjective Clauses
- Adverbial Clauses
Noun Clauses
A clause that works as a noun is called a noun clause. A noun clause is applied in the same way as a noun in a sentence. Let us see some examples to learn more about it:
- I know who the culprit is.
- When she comes is unpredictable.
- I assumed that he would discover the place.
- Can you tell me when he leaves the place?
- He takes a break whenever he gets an opportunity.
Note: A noun clause can be used as a subject, object, object to a preposition, compliment, and appositive in a sentence.
Adjective/Relative Clauses
An adjective or relative clause is used as an adjective in a sentence to modify a noun or a pronoun. A clause that works as an adjective is called an adjective clause. Let us see some examples to learn more about it:
- The man who arrived here is my father.
- This is the same boy whom you know is responsible for this offense.
- The older man whom you saw last night is my grandfather.
- The car which I drive is made by the Tesla company.
- The shirt that you bought from the new market looks gorgeous.
Adverbial Clauses
A clause that works as an adverb is called an adverbial clause. An adverbial clause is applied as an adverb in a sentence to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
An adverbial clause expresses time, place, cause, reason, effect or result, manner, comparison, contrast, condition, and purpose. Let us see some examples to learn more about it:
- I will be waiting for you until you come.
- I am ready to go where you live.
- My sister could not attend the meeting because she suffered from a severe fever.
- He is so hungry that he can not walk properly.
- She behaves as if she were the CEO of the company.
Now let us see the different types of linkers of adverbial clauses:
| 1. Adverbial clause of time | When, while, after, before since, till, until, etc. |
| 2. Adverbial clause of place | Where, wherever, etc. |
| 3. Adverbial clause of cause | As, because, since, etc. |
| 4. Adverbial clause of result | that, so….that, etc. |
| 5. Adverbial clause of purpose | So that, in order that, lest, etc. |
| 6. Adverbial clause of comparison | As….as, so….as, such….as, etc. |
| 7. Adverbial clause of condition | If, whether, unless, in case, etc. |
| 8. Adverbial clause of contrast | Though, although, etc. |
| 9. Adverbial clause of extend | As far as, so….as, etc. |
| 10. Adverbial clause of manner | As, as if, etc. |
| 11. Adverbial clause of concession | Whoever, however, whatever, whether, etc. |
Co-ordinate Clauses
A clause that contains two principal clauses by joining conjunction (and, but, or) is called a co-ordinate clause. Let us see some examples to learn more about it:
- I am going to my campus, and I will meet with my friends.
- She was cured of the disease, but she suffered some injuries.
- I know the boy, but I cannot remember his name.
- You have to work hard, or you will lose a lot of things.
- Jamal is a doctor by profession, and his son is an engineer.
Final Thoughts
Clauses help us to form complete sentences and convey our thoughts more clearly. That’s why we need to learn these three types of clauses mentioned above. By understanding each type of clause, we’ll be one step ahead to mastering English grammar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a clause in English?
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought.
What are the types of clauses?
Clauses are of three types. They are principal or independent clauses, subordinate or dependent clauses, and coordinate clauses.
What is the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause?
An independent clause can stand alone and express a complete thought as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.
Types of Clauses Quiz
Azizul Hakim is the founder & CEO of englishfinders.com. He is a passionate writer, English instructor, and content creator. He has completed his graduation and post-graduation in English language and literature.