Clauses

A clause is a higher grammatical unit than a phrase. A clause is a meaningful group of words; phrase also
means the same but the basic difference between Phrase and Clause is that the clause takes its own subject
and verb, whereas phrase is doesn’t, for example,
1. Shashwat is a sincere boy. (Word)
2. All the boys in the class are attentive. (Phrase)
3. What makes me happy is his cooperative nature. (Clause)
I. Meaning:
Clause is a group of word which has subject and verb of its own and it can’t be a sentence because it’s a
part of the sentence. One or more than one clause, they come together and becomes a sentence.
II. Types of Clauses:
There are two types of clauses.
A. Main Clause/ Independent Clause.
B. Subordinate Clause/ Dependent Clause.
1. Noun Clause
2. Adjective Clause
3. Adverb Clause
Main Clause Subordinate Clause

I read a book which was very interesting.

In the above given example ‘I read a book’ this part gives a complete meaning and doesn’t have to rely
on any other part of sentence that’s why it is called Main Clause. On the other hand ‘which was very
interesting’ is Subordinate Clause because it cannot express the complete meaning on its own it has to
rely on the Main Clause. Observe the following example. The part of the sentence which is in bold, is a
subordinate clause.
1. I like tea because it stimulates me.
2. I will give you a call when I get time.
3. Before I start my topic, let me distribute the papers.
4. I will help you if you help me.
A. Main Clause:
In the above given sentences, the parts of sentences which have not done bold are Main Clauses. A
group of words which has its subject and verb and gives the complete meaning without any other part
of the sentence.
Main Clause can stand alone in a sentence without a Subordinate Clause. A sentence when it comes
only with one clause that is main clause, that sentence is called a simple sentence.
B. Subordinate Clause:
This clause always comes with Main clause. In the above given example, the bold parts of the sentences
are subordinate clauses. Subordinate clause contributes the main clause to express additional meanings
in the sentences. Subordinate Clause is joined to the main clause with the help of connectives/
Subordinating Conjunction like when, which, that, before, if, what, where etc.

SHREE 1
Unit I- English Grammar & Usage/ BCA FY/ Communication & Soft Skills-I 2016-17/COCSIT, Latur
 On the basis of function in a sentence, Subordinate Clauses are subdivided into three types, they are as
follows.
1. Noun Clause
2. Adjective Clause
3. Adverb Clause
1. Noun Subordinate Clause:
When subordinate clause in a sentences functions as Subject and Object of a sentence that clause
is called Noun Subordinate Clause. Identify the Noun Subordinate Clauses and their different
functions in the following examples.
 Why he behaves like this is the mystery. (Subject of the sentence)
 I earn whatever I can. (Object of the sentence)
 I don’t know what he wants. (Object of the sentence)
 What he said was true. (Subject of the sentence)
2. Adjective Subordinate Clause:
When subordinate clause in a sentences functions as an Adjective or tell us more about noun in
the main clause, that part of the sentence is called Adjective Subordinate Clause. Identify the
Adjective Subordinate Clauses and their different functions in the following examples
 People who eat too much die early. (telling about noun at subject place)
 I read a book which was very interesting. (telling about noun at object place)
 The reason why failed is obvious. (telling about noun at subject place)
 We love those who love us. (telling about noun at object place)
3. Adverb Subordinate Clause:
When subordinate clause in a sentences functions as an Adverb or tell us more about verb in the
main clause, that part of the sentence is called Adverb Subordinate Clause. Know the different
kinds of adverb clauses as given below and identify the Adverb Subordinate Clauses and their
different functions.
 I will do it when I think it fit. (Time of the action in the main clause)
 I have out it where I can find it. (Place of the action in the main clause)
 I play cricket because I like that game. (Reason of the action in the main clause)
 I watch TV if I find time from study. (Condition of the action in the main clause)
In this way the clauses play a vital role in a sentence. On the basis of clause pattern a sentence take,
we have divided a sentence into the three main types, such as Simple Sentence, Compound Sentence
and Complex Sentence. Details of the sentences will be discussed in the next chapter.

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A short note type question will be asked on this chapter. The following questions may be asked, please
prepare the short notes on the following. Five marks for each short note.
1. Clauses
2. Noun Clause
3. Adjective Clause
4. Adverb Clause

SHREE 2
Unit I- English Grammar & Usage/ BCA FY/ Communication & Soft Skills-I 2016-17/COCSIT, Latur