CLASS VIII - ENGLISH -2021-22
CLAUSES
WHAT IS A CLAUSE ?
A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb. (A clause functions as an adjective, an
adverb, or a noun.) A clause can be distinguished from a phrase, which does not contain a subject
and a verb. A clause can function as a simple sentence, or it may be joined to other clauses with
conjunctions to form complex sentences. It may be either a complete sentence (also known as an
independent or main clause) or a sentence-like construction within another sentence (called a
dependent or subordinate clause).
EXAMPLES –
I graduated last year. (One clause sentence) – I – subject , graduated – verb
When I came here, I saw him. (Two clause sentence) – I – subject , came and saw – verbs
When I came here, I saw him, and he greeted me. (Three clause sentence) – I and he – subjects ,
came , saw and greeted – verbs
PHRASE, CLAUSE AND SENTENCE
TYPES OF CLAUSES
1. Independent clauses
2. Dependent clauses
3. Subordinate clauses (noun clause, adjective clause, adverb clause)
1. INDEPENDENT CLAUSES
An independent clause functions on its own to make a meaningful sentence and looks much like a
regular sentence. In a sentence two independent clauses can be connected by the conjunctions : and, but,
so, or, nor, for*, yet*.
Example:
He is a wise man.
I like him.
I want to buy a phone, but I don’t have enough money. (Two independent clauses)
2. DEPENDENT CLAUSES/SUBORDINATE CLAUSES
A dependent clause cannot function on its own because it leaves an idea or thought unfinished. It is
also called subordinate clause. Dependent clauses help the independent clauses complete the
sentence. A dependent clause alone cannot form a complete sentence.
The subordinators do the work of connecting the dependent clause to another clause to complete
the sentence.
Example:
I know the man who stole the watch.
He bought a car which was too expensive.
If you don’t eat, I won’t go.
a. Adverb Clauses
Adverb clauses, also referred to as adverbial clauses, are dependent clauses that function like an
adverb. They modify verbs, other adverbs or adjectives. These clauses are typically used to elaborate
when, where, why, how, how much, or under what condition the action of the sentence took place.
Example :
Since it's just me, I'll eat in tonight.
My dog, although she is shy, loves people.
I keep a suitcase packed, in case I find a great flight to Ireland.
b. Adjective Clauses
Adjective clauses are dependent clauses that modify nouns and pronouns. These clauses tend to begin
with pronouns such as who, whose, that, or which.
Example :
The winners, whose names are posted on the bulletin board, will receive round trip airfare to
Mexico City.
Money that is well spent will last forever.
Exercise, which many people dislike, is good for you.
c. Noun Clauses
A noun clause is a group of words that band together and act like a noun. Nouns clauses are used when
a single word isn't enough. They're always dependent clauses. They often begin with words like how,
that, what, when, where, which, who, and why. ( ask the question ‘what’)
Example :
How he behaved was not acceptable.
She didn't know where she was.
Her favorite part of the book was when the dragon turned into a boy.
PRACTICE EXERCISES
1. Underline the clauses in the given sentence.
a. The bankers need to know what they should do.
b. The books, which are lost, are not really necessary.
c. Whether you like it or not, you have to go to bed now.
d. Students who are intelligent get good grades.
e. When I was younger, I thought so.
2. For each sentence below, write independent if the group of words is an independent clause
or dependent if the group of words is a dependent clause.
a. I went to the beach last Saturday.
b. I borrowed an old bathing suit from a friend.
c. Because I had forgotten to bring my own bathing suit.
d. While the waist on my borrowed suit would have been tight on a doll.
e. My friends were waiting for me to join them.
3. Each sentence contains a clause. Underline the clause and state whether it is dependent or
independent.
a. If you don't fix the car, it will continue to leak oil. ___________
b. While the car is being fixed, we will need to take the bus. _______________
c. It isn't necessary to cram all night if you have studied a little each day. __________
d. Before you begin studying for the exam, you will probably want to rest. ___________
e. I can't go to the movies since i don't have any money. ____________
4. Find the noun clauses in the following sentences.
a. I do not know where he is going to stay.
b. How rich I am should concern no one except me.
c. That I should get a haircut is Mother's idea.
d. I wonder where my shoes are.
e. The money goes to whoever wins the race.
5. Find the adverb clauses in these sentences.
a. You act as if I enjoy punishing you.
b. The contractor roughened the concrete while it was still wet.
c. My sister is smarter than I.
d. The manager talked with the workers after listening to their suggestions.
e. Before returning to work, he ate his lunch.
6. Combine the following sentences using an adjective clause using the introductory
words who, whose, whom, which, that, when, and where.
a. The doctor examined the patient. The patient had fallen from a cliff.
b. The mechanic repaired my sister's car. The car had a warped block.
c. The restaurant had closed permanently. The customers were shot there.
d. The day was a wonderful day. Terri was married on that day.
e. The parents had great respect for the teacher. The teacher had taught their children.
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