What Is Clause In – English Grammar with Examples
A clause is a group of words that forms part of a sentence that has a subject and a finite verb of its own. for example.
The teacher told him. it is also called the principal clause / Independent clause as this clause makes complete sense.
This clause is called subordinate or dependent clause as by itself, it does not make complete sense. it is dependent on the main clause for its complete sense.
A subordinate clause that acts as a noun in a sentence is called a noun clause.
The clauses underlined are all noun clauses.
NOTE : Noun clauses are generally introduced by
- that
- if/whether
- wh -question words like who, why , what, etc
A subordinate Adjectives clause is which qualifies a noun or a pronoun in the main clause and does the work of an adjective. it is also known as a Relative Clause.
The underlined clauses above are all Adjective Clauses
- relative pronouns like which, which,who,whom,that
- relative adverbs when and where
Examples :
The underlined clauses, above are Adverb Clauses Adverb clauses are introduced by the following subordinate conjunctions,
1. Adverb Clauses of place : Conjunctions where, wherever
(a) Wherever you may go, I shall be able to find you.
(b)The child will go where his mother goes.
2.Adverb clause of Time Conjunctions: when, while, before, after, since, whenever, till, until, as, as soon as, so long as
(a) The mother was cooking while the children were dancing.
(b) As soon as the robbers saw the police , they ran away.
3. Adverb clause of contrast. conjunctions: although, even if, even though.
(a) He will not clear the exams, even if he works very hard.
(b) Although he is younger, he looks older.
4. Adverb clause of Manner. Conjunctions: as, as if, as though, as…so
(a) She behaves as though she were a queen.
(b) Don’t treat me as if I am your servant.
5. Adverb clause of purpose. Conjunctions: so that, in order that, lest.
(a) Work hard lest you should fail.
(b) The laborers worked hard so that they could earn a living.
6. Adverb clause of Reason. Conjunctions: Since, as, for, because.
(a) Since you were absent, your name is not in the list.
(b) He died because he lacked the will to survive.
7. Adverb clause of Comparison. Conjunctions: as, than.
(a) My mother is wiser than my father.
(b) He is not as tall as his friend.
8. Adverb clause of Condition. Conjunctions: if, unless, provided that, in case.
(a) If she extends an invitation, i will certainly go.
(b) I will sign the agreement provided you give me the cheque.
9. Adverb clause of extent . Conjunctions: so far as, as far as.
(a) As far as my knowledge of him goes, he is a miser.
(b) So far as I am concerned. I am willing to contribute.
10. Adverb clause of Result/Effect/Consequence. Conjunctions: so, so… that
(a) The beggar is so poor that he hardly gets anything to eat.
(b) He got up late, so he missed his school bus.
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