STRUCTURES OF ENGLISH

PREPOSITION
Are used to show casual relationship between nouns and other parts of the
sentence. It indicates the action conducted on something or someone by
something or somebody. In other words it is used to express relation between the
noun (doer, thing or instrument) and an action.
A preposition is a word that helps you to express the relation between a noun
(agent) and its situation. Nouns, verbs, and adjectives are called agents in
grammar. Agents are generally separated from their situations by using
prepositions (also known as adverbs in English). The word “preposition” means
“to put before” or “of placing.”
The Prepositions of Agents or Things are divided into five main categories:
Agents: Prepositions of Agents describe how a person or entity is actively acting
or causing an action or event. Common examples of prepositions of Agents
include: by, through, with, from, on, and against.
Possession: Prepositions of Possession describe ownership or control. Common
examples of prepositions of Possession include: of, in, at, and for.
Responsibility: Prepositions of Responsibility describe who is responsible for an
action or event. Common examples of prepositions of Responsibility include: to,
by, and for.
Cause and Effect: Prepositions of Cause and Effect describe how one action causes
another. Common examples of Cause and Effect prepositions include: because of,
due to, and resulting from.
Purpose: Prepositions of Purpose describe why an action or event occurs.
Common examples of prepositions of Purpose include: for, to, and so that.
Usage of Prepositions of Agents or Things
Of -This preposition is used to indicate belonging or Possession. For example,
“This is a picture of my family.”
For-This preposition indicates the Purpose of an action or the recipient of
something. For example, “I bought this dress for my daughter.”
By-This preposition is used to indicate the agent or thing that acts. For example,
“The painting was created by the artist.”
With-This preposition is used to indicate the thing that is used to act. For example,
“He opened the door with his key.”
About -The preposition “about” indicates the agent of an action, such as the
person or thing responsible for it. For example, “He wrote about his experience in
the army.”
Phrasal Prepositions
Phrasal Prepositions are words that sit in front of a noun, pronoun, or phrase and
increase wordiness in a sentence making it sound interesting. Phrasal Prepositions
are not independent and make incomplete sense on their own; hence they are
used with an accompanying noun, pronoun, or phrase to express the thought with
complete meaning. Some common phrasal prepositions include in addition to, in
favor of, etc.
Here are some phrasal prepositions:
Because of, in case of, instead of, by way of, on account of, in care of, in spite of.
Example:
I stop smoking cigarette because of the bad result of it.
They take the bus to Phnom Penh instead of riding motor bicycle.
How can you tell when it’s a phrasal verb?
Usually, phrasal verbs don’t make sense without an object. Many times the
particle (the second part of the phrasal verb) cannot be moved.
For example:
1. She picked up. She picked up what? She picked up the pencil.
2. He figured out. He figured out what? He figured out the problem.
He is standing in front of the building. (In this sentence, “in front of” is a phrasal
preposition indicating location. It is not a prepositional phrase because it is not
modifying a noun or pronoun.)
The book on the shelf is mine. (In this sentence, “on the shelf” is a prepositional
phrase modifying the noun “book.” It begins with the preposition “on” and ends
with the noun “shelf.”)
PREPOSITION OF TIME
It used to help indicate when something happened, happens or will happen. Basic
examples of time prepositions include: at, on, in, before and after. It can get a
little confusing though, as many different prepositions can be used.
For example:
I was born on July 4th, 1982.
I was born in 1982.
I was born at exactly 2am.
I was born two minutes before my twin brother.
I was born after the Great War ended.
Before and after should be much easier to understand than the other examples of
prepositions of time. Both are used to explain when something happened,
happens or will happen, but specifically in relation to another thing.
List of Prepositions of Time
During-used when something happens within the time something else is
happening.
For-used for a period of time.
Until/till-means up to a certain time.
Since-refers back to the point in time when something began.
By-used when we want to say “not later than.”
PREPOSITION OF PLACE
A preposition of place is a preposition which is used to refer to a place where
something or someone is located.
Prepositions of place examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy
identification.
The cat is on the table.
The dog is under in the table.
We can meet at the crossroads.
The guidelines can be broken down as follows:
On is used when referring to something with a surface.
In is used when referring to something that is inside or within confined
boundaries.
At is used when referring to something at a specific point and location.
Lot’s of other prepositions of place, such as under, over, inside, outside, above
and below.
PREPOSITION OF DIRECTION
Prepositions of direction help us define where a noun is going. Like prepositions
of place, they help us relate a noun to another noun. However, these prepositions
also include an aspect of motion, as they let us know where the noun is headed,
where it’s coming from, etc.
From refers to the starting point of departure .
Other more specific prepositions of movement include: through, across, down
and into.
Example:
Mike travelled across America on his motorcycle.
Through refers to moving directly inside something and out the other end.
Into refers to entering or looking inside something.
Up, over, down, past and around indicate directions of movement.
 CONJUNCTIONS
A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases, and clauses.
There are many conjunctions in the English language, but some common ones
include and, or, but, because, for, it, and when.
There are three basic types of conjunctions: Coordinating, Subordinating, and
Correlative.
COORDINATING CONJUNCTION
This type of conjunction is used to connect items that are grammatically equal:
two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. A conjunction of this type
is placed between the items that it links together.
F.A.N.B.O.Y.S
There are seven coordinating Conjunctions in English, and you can remember
them using the mnemonic device ‘FANBOYS’: For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
For – to introduce a reason
And – to show additional idea
Nor – negative form of or
But – to limit or contrast
Or – to show choices or options
Yet – to limit or contradict
So – to introduce an effect or result
Words
Coordinating Conjunctions can join two nouns, verbs, adjectives, or other types of
word.
For example:
The data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews.
Phrases
Coordinating conjunctions can also join different types of phrases.
For example:
She usually studies in the library or at a cafe.
Independent clauses
A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. An
independent clause can stand on its own as a full sentence, expressing a complete
thought.
For example:
Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists, but she
achieved little fame during her lifetime.
Punctuating Coordinating Conjunctions
•When joining two words or phrases with a coordinating conjunction, do not use
comma.
•When joining two independent clauses, however, use a comma before the
conjunction.
•When two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction are
nicely balanced or brief, many writers will omit the comma.
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION
Subordinating conjunctions are words used to combine an independent clause
and a dependent clause in a sentence. They help in forming complex sentences.
The must come at the beginning of the dependent clause.

Formula:
Independent clause + SC + dependent clause.
SC + dependent clause + independent clause.
The subordinating conjunction defines the relationship between the clauses. The
table below shows some common subordinating conjunctions and the
relationships they express, but note that this is not a complete list.
CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS
Correlative conjunctions are paired conjunctions that work together to link words,
phrases, and clauses that have equal importance in the sentence.
The most common correlative conjunctions are: both...and, either...or,
neither...nor, not only...but also, whether...or, etc.
Remember:
SVO is important to make the sentence make sense.
Two singular objects verb must be also singular.
However when using correlative pair conjunction both and , we can use a plural
form.
Two plural subjects the verb used must be a plural one.
One singular and one plural subject, the verb used must agree to the or subject it
is placed closest to in the sentence.

INTERJECTION
Is a word that is used to convey or express sudden feelings and emotions.
Important things to know about Interjections:
Interjections function independently in a sentence.
Interjections don’t have any grammatical relation to any word or group of words
in a sentence.
PUNCTUATING INTERJECTIONS
Punctuating marks:
Coma- a comma is used to set off interjections from the rest of the sentence.
Exclamation point- an exclamation point are used to convey strong emotions like
surprise, excitement or urgency.
REMINDER:
When an exclamation point is used to punctuate an interjection, the word that
comes next must begin with a capital letter.
Em Dash-Em dashes are not commonly used within interjections. This can be used
to set off an interjection or an abrupt interruption to create emphasis or to show a
sudden break in thought or speech.
Question mark- question marks are used in interjections when the interjection
itself forms a question or when the speaker is expressing uncertainty or seeking
information.
Ellipsis- an ellipsis can indicate hesitation or a trailing-off in the interjection, often
used for a more contemplative or uncertain tone.
STRUCTURES OF INTERJECTION
Single words- these are stand alone words expressing emotion or reaction.
Repetition- these interjections involve repeating a word to emphasize a particular
emotion or reaction.
Phrases- some interjection are longer phrases. These phrases can convey a higher
level of emotion or reaction.
Combining with other words- interjection can be combined with other words to
form more complex expression.
Onomatopoeia- mimic sounds associated with certain emotion.
INTERJECTION can be found in the beginning middle or end.

PUNCTUATION
Punctuation is as important or rather a little more important than the words you
use, the way you structure your sentences, and the content you are trying to
convey. The term ‘punctuation’ refers to the system that allows a writer to let the
audience know where the sentences end, where there is a short pause or a long
pause, and also to show if the writer is questioning, explaining or providing some
extra information. Since the writer is not directly speaking to the audience,
punctuation is the only way to make the reader see it the way the author put it.
Importance of punctuation
Marks of punctuation play very important role in giving intended meaning to the
language. Use of wrong mark of punctuation or even wrong placement of mark of
punctuation can change the meaning of the sentence completely and sometimes
even convert the sentence to complete nonsense.
The comma is considered a real villain among marks of punctuation. Wrong
placement of comma can give different meaning to sentence depending upon
where it is placed.
Consider following sentences:
Let us eat, daddy.
Let us eat daddy.
Purpose of punctuation
Knowing how to use punctuation properly is not just a matter of fussiness or
pedantry. Appropriate punctuation acts like a set of ‘road signs’ to guide the
reader through the ideas expressed in your sentences. Punctuation marks can tell
the reader when to slow down, speed up and stop. By breaking up your
sentences, they contain and structure your ideas.
TYPES OF PUNCTUATION MARKS
Here are 10 common punctuation marks in English.
1. The Full Stop (.)
2. The Question Mark (?)
3. Quotation Marks/Speech Marks (” “)
4. The Apostrophe (‘)
5. The Comma (,)
6. The Hyphen (-)
7. The dash (en dash (–) em dash (—))
8. The Exclamation Mark (!)
9. The Colon (:)
10. The Semicolon (;)
Common Punctuation Errors
Grammar Focus – Punctuation refers to the symbol we use in writing that help
make our sentences clearer. Punctuation includes the comma (,) , the period (.) ,
parentheses (), brackets [].
The Comma Splice – where as periods or full stops (.) indicate a long pause in
speech, commas (,) indicate a slight pause.
Comma splice
Native speakers often use commas in writing to indicate a brief pause:
I ordered pizza, it’ll come in 30 minutes.
However, in formal writing, we are not supposed to use commas to join two
complete sentences, such as “ I ordered pizza” and “it’ll come in five minutes.”
Using a comma like this is called a “comma splice”
To fix this, you can change the comma to a semicolon (;) or a period (.) or use a
conjunction after the comma.
Apostrophe for possession
When we want to indicate the plural of something, we do not use an apostrophe:
These kittens are so cute! (kittens = (plural)
These kitten’s are so cute! (incorrect: kitten’s = possessive)
We can only use apostrophes to indicate possession.
This is the kitten’s ball. (this ball belongs to the kitten)
This is the girl’s computer. (this computer belongs to the girl)
When there is more than one owner and the word ends with an “s” after the
apostrophe.
This is the girls’ computer. (this computer belongs to the girls)
This is the girls’s computer. (would be incorrect)
Apostrophe for contraction
We can also use apostrophes to indicate missing letters from contactions. (making
some words shorter)
SENTENCE TYPES, STRUCTURES , AND FUNCTIONS
The Elements of Sentence:
1. Subject
2. Predicate
3. Objects
4. Complements
5. Subject Complement
6. Object Complement
7. Adjective Complement
8. Verb Complement
Kinds of Sentence according to use and functions:
1. Declarative Sentence
2.Imperative Sentence
3.Exclamatory Sentence
4.Interrogative Sentence
Kinds of Sentence according to structure :
1.Simple Sentence
2.Compound Sentence
3.Complex Sentence
4.Compound Complex Sentence.
Sentence is word or group of words that expresses a complete thought. It is an
independent clause that contains a subject and a verb.
THE ELEMENTS OF SENTENCE
•Subject- it tells what a sentence is about or the topic of the sentence. The
subject of a sentence is the person, place or thing that is performing the action of
the sentence.
•Predicate- tells something about the subject and contains the verb. It is the part
of a sentence, or a clause, that tells what the subject is doing or what the subject
is.
•Objects- is part of a phrase in a sentence and it can be a noun, pronoun, or a
group of words that act as a noun in the verb phrase.
COMMON TYPES OF OBJECTS
Direct Object- the thing or the person that receives the action is called direct
object in the sentence.
Subject + Verb + “what or whom” = Direct Object
Indirect Object- the thing on which or person whom the action is performed is
called an Indirect Object in the sentence.
The two rules for Indirect Object
1. We cannot have an indirect object without a direct object.
2. The indirect object will always come before the direct object in the
sentence.
•Complements- is a word or group of words added to complete an incomplete
sentence.

Subject Complement- is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and identities
or explains the subject.
Object Complement- a word or group of words that appears in the predicate of a
sentence and describes or renames the direct object of the verb in a way that is
essential to completing the meaning of the sentence. a word or group of words
that appears in the predicate of a sentence and describes or renames the direct
object of the verb in a way that is essential to completing the meaning of the
sentence.
Adjective Complement- are words, phrases, or clauses that follow and provide
additional information about an adjective in a sentence.
There are 3 types of Adjective Complement.
The following 3 things can function as an adjective complement in a sentence.
Prepositional phrase-a prepositional phrase starts with a preposition — such as
“with,” “about,” “on,” or “in” — and is followed by a noun, pronoun, noun phrase,
pronoun phrase, or noun clause. Examples of prepositional phrases include: with
the car.
Infinite phrase- They can be used to modify adjectives. For example: We're happy
to know you ! I'm glad to be of service .
Any verb that is preceded by the word 'to' is an infinitive. Here are some
examples: 'to love, to eat, to run, to believe, to follow, to laugh, to stare, to
wonder.
Noun clause- A noun clause is a type of subordinate clause (dependent clause)
that acts as a noun in a sentence. In the noun clause example, “I like who you
are,” the noun clause “who you are” acts as a single noun, specifically the direct
object of the verb like.
Noun clauses most often begin with the subordinating conjunction that. Other
words that may begin a noun clause are if, how, what, whatever, when, where,
whether, which, who, whoever, whom and why.
Example:

Linking Verb Complement

Linking verbs also need complements in sentences to form a complete thought in
the sentence. Linking verb complements are two types: predicate nominative and
predicate adjective.
Predicate nominative
The predicate nominative (abbreviated PN) completes the verb and renames the
subject of the verb.
If the basic meaning of the sentence stays the same, then it contains a predicate
nominative. For example, “Ben is a fireman” can read “Ben equals a fireman”
without changing the point. In this example, fireman is the predicate nominative.

Predicate Adjective
The predicate adjective (abbreviated PA) completes the verb and describes the
subject. The predicate complement is also called the subject complement because
it restates or describes the subject.
Like the other adjectives we know and love, predicate adjectives describe things.
Predicate adjectives also tend to appear after a linking verb and provide more
information about the subject of a sentence. For example, in “Jack is handsome,”
Jack is the subject, and handsome is the predicate adjective.
n some cases, there might even be multiple predicate adjectives in the same
sentence. For example, in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou writes,
“I was happy, Dad was proud, and my new friends were gracious.” This sentence
has three predicate adjectives, each located after a linking verb. Each describes
one of the subjects in the sentence. Predicate adjectives typically complement the
linking verbs be, become, make, seem, or feel.

Kinds of Sentence According to Use and Function

A sentence is a complete set of words that conveys meaning. A sentence can
communicate:
A statement (I am studying.)
A command (Go away.)
An exclamation (I’m so excited!)
A question (What time is it?)
There are four main sentence functions in the English language:
1. Declarative – used to convey information or make statements.
2. Interrogative – used to ask questions.
3. Imperative – used to issue orders or directives.
4. Exclamatory – used to make exclamations.
Kinds of Sentence According to Structure
Simple Sentence- simple sentence has only one clause (main or independent
clause). It is simply one main clause and has no dependent clause, contains a
subject and a verb, and it may also have an object and modifiers.
Simple sentences are, unsurprisingly, the easiest type of sentence for students to
grasp and construct for themselves. Often these types of sentences will be the
first sentences that children write by themselves, following the well-
known Subject – Verb – Object or SVO pattern.
Compound Sentence- a compound sentence contains at least two independent
clauses. These two independent clauses can be combined with a comma and
a coordinating conjunction or with a semicolon
The coordinating conjunctions used to join the main clauses are the FANBOYS (for,
and, nor, but, or, yet, and so).
The decision to join two sentences together into one longer compound sentence
is made because there is a strong relationship between the two.
Complex Sentence- a complex sentence contains at least one independent clause
and at least one dependent clause. However, these clauses are not joined by
coordinating conjunctions. Instead, subordinating conjunctions are used.
Dependent clauses can refer to the subject (who, which) the sequence/time
(since, while), or the causal elements (because, if) of the independent clause.
If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, note the comma after this clause. If,
on the other hand, the sentence begins with an independent clause, there is not a
comma separating the two clauses.
Subordinating Conjunctions: After, although, as, as long as, because, before,
even if, if, in order to, in case, once, that, though, until, when, whenever, wherever,
while.

Compound Complex Sentence- a compound-complex sentence contains at least

two independent clauses and one or more dependent clause.
To join your dependent clauses, use subordinating conjunctions like before, as, or
although. For joining independent clauses, you’ll need a coordinating
conjunction, like for, yet, or so.
 SYNTAX: PHRASES AND CLAUSES

Syntax is the branch of linguistics that deals with the rules governing the structure
of sentences. It involves the arrangement of words to create well-formed and
meaningful sentences.
PHRASES AND CLAUSES
• A phrase does not have a subject and a predicate.
• A phrase is not complete, cannot make sense or convey meaning if it stands on
its own.
There is an unidentified vehicle in front of our house.
• A clause has a subject and a predicate.
• In some cases, a clause can look complete, convey meaning and make sense
when separated from the sentence.
Dependent and independent

PHRASE AND TYPES OF PHRASES

A phrase is a group of related words within a sentence that complements the
overall structure of the sentence. This group of words does not include the subject
and the object. Therefore, a phrase cannot stand alone as a sentence because it
(as an alone part) cannot
Give a complete meaning. See the following example.
I saw a joker in the street.

A PHRASE can act as a noun, an adjective ,a preposition or an adverb within a

sentence. The function of a phrase depends upon its construction and place in a
sentence. Based on its function in a sentence, the phrases are divided into various
types: 1) Noun Phrase, 2) Verb Phrase, 3) Adjective Phrase, 4) Adverb Phrase, 5)
Gerund Phrase, 6) Infinitive Phrase, 7)Prepositional Phrase, and8) Absolute
Phrase.
NOUN PHRASE is a group of words that functions as a noun in a sentence. It can
be as simple as a single noun, or it can be more complex and include modifiers,
determiners, and other words that provide additional information about the
noun.

Noun Phrase = noun+ modifiers (or determiners)

PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE a phrase comprising a preposition and an object of the
preposition (noun or pronoun)is called a prepositional phrase. It may also contain
other modifiers.

E.g., near a wall ,on a table ,in the room, under a tree, at the door etc.
ADJECTIVE PHRASE a phrase that acts like an adjective in a sentence is called an
adjective phrase. Like an adjective, it modifies (gives more information about) a
noun or a pronoun. It consists of adjectives, modifiers and other words modifying
the noun or pronoun.

ADVERB PHRASE that acts as an adverb in a sentence is called an adverb phrase.

Like an adverb, it modifies (gives more information about) a verb or other
adverb in the sentence. It contains an adverb and other words (e.g., noun,
preposition, modifiers) which, as a whole, acts as an adverb phrase.

Examples:
He drives a car at a very high speed. (modifies verb: drive).
He was running very fast. (modifies verb: run).
She always speaks in a respectful way. (modifies verb: speak).
They walked along the wall. (modifies verb: walk).
VERB PHRASE is a group of main verb and helping verbs
(auxiliaries) within a sentence.
Examples:
She is writing a letter
He has passed the exam.
The students must reach on time for the lecture.
INFINITIVE PHRASE contains an infinitive (to + 1st form of a verb) and modifiers or
other related words linked to the infinitive. An infinitive phrase acts as a noun, an
adjective or adverb in a sentence.
Examples:
I like to drive a car. (as noun).
To get success in the exam is the ambition of every student. (as noun).
The government made a plan to help the poor. (as adjective modifying noun:
plan).
GERUND PHRASE is a group of a gerund (verb + ing ), modifiers and other related
words linked to the gerund. A gerund phrase functions as a noun in the sentence.
Examples:
I enjoy listening to the music. (as noun/object).
Sitting in the sun helps the body absorb vitamin D. (as noun/subject).

PARTICIPLE PHRASE is a group of a present-participle (verb + ing) or a past-

participle (2nd form of verb), modifiers and other linked words. A participle phrase
is punctuated with a comma or commas. It always acts as an adjective (modifying
a noun) in a sentence.
Examples:
She got a mail, stating about her exam. (modifies noun: mail).
The chair, made of plastic, looks very beautiful. (modifies noun: chair).
Wandering through the woods, my friends and I reminisced about our
Last trip and the time we spent together.
ABSOLUTE PHRASE is also called a nominative phrase. It consists of a noun or a
pronoun, a participle and linked modifiers. It modifies (adds information to) the
sentence. It looks like a clause but lacks a true finite verb. It is separated by a
comma in a sentence.
Examples:
She is looking very much happy, her face expressing a shine of happiness.
She, having books in her hand, was going to college.
The wrestler, having anger in his eyes, looked at the opponent wrestler.
CLAUSE - a clause is the main unit of grammatical structure. It usually consist of a
subject and a predicate. It consists of one or more groups.
Structure of clause:
A typical structure of a clause is SPCA – subject, predicator, complement, adjunct.
The cat is sitting on the mat in the sun.
Subject: The cat
Predicate: is sitting
Complement: on the mat
Adjunct: in the sun.

TYPES OF CLAUSE
INDEPENDENT CLAUSES can stand alone as complete sentences. They typically
have a subject-verb-object structure and express a complete thought.
The dog barked.
I love to eat pizza.
The sky is blue.
DEPENDENT CLAUSES, also known as subordinate clauses, cannot stand alone as
complete sentences. They rely on an independent clause to make sense.
Dependent clauses can be used to modify nouns, verbs, or adjectives.
TYPES OF DEPENDENT CLAUSES:
Adjective clauses modify nouns. They are introduced by relative pronouns (who,
which, that, whose) or subordinating conjunctions (when, where, why, how).
The dog who chased the cat barked. (Modifies "dog")
I love to eat pizza that is topped with mushrooms. (Modifies "pizza")
Noun clauses function as nouns in a sentence. They are introduced by
subordinating conjunctions (that, whether, if).
I wonder if it will rain today. (Subject of the sentence)
I believe that honesty is important. (Direct object of the verb "believe")
Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. They are introduced by
subordinating conjunctions (when, where, why, how, because, although, if).
When I saw the dog, I knew he was lost. (Modifies "saw")
The girl ran as fast as she could. (Modifies "ran")
I was tired because I had not slept well. (Modifies "tired")

OTHER TYPES OF CLAUSES:

Principal clauses- are independent clauses that are not connected to any other
clause by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
The dog barked. The cat ran away.
Coordinate clauses- are independent clauses that are connected by a coordinating
conjunction.
The dog barked, and the cat ran away.
Non-finite clauses do not have a finite verb. They can be participial phrases,
gerund phrases, or infinitive phrases.
The dog, barking loudly, chased the cat. (Participial phrase)
I enjoy cooking, especially trying new recipes. (Gerund phrase)
I want to travel to Europe next year. (Infinitive phrase)
FUNCTION OF CLAUSE
Clauses have several functions in a sentence. They can act as the subject,
predicate, object, or modifier.
•Subject : A clause can function as the subject of a sentence if it contains a noun
phrase and a verb phrase. For example, in the sentence “The dog barked,” the
clause “The dog barked” is the subject.
•Predicate: clause can function as the predicate of a sentence if it contains a verb
phrase and expresses the action or state of being of the subject. For example, in
the sentence “I love to eat pizza,” the clause “love to eat pizza” is the predicate.
•Object: A clause can function as the object of a verb if it is acted upon by the
verb. For example, in the sentence “I believe that honesty is important,” the
clause “that honesty is important” is the object of the verb “believe.”
•Modifier: A clause can function as a modifier if it modifies a noun, verb, or
adjective. For example, in the sentence “The dog who chased the cat barked,” the
clause “who chased the cat” modifies the noun “dog.”

CONDITIONALS
Conditionals are formed by using different verb tenses in the condition part of the
sentence and the result part of the sentence, depending on the type of
conditional being used.
Conditional sentences are natural language sentences that express that one thing
is contingent on something else, e.g. “If it rains, the picnic will be cancelled.”
They are so called because the impact of the main clause of the sentence is
conditional on the dependent clause. A full conditional thus contains two clauses:
a dependent clause called the antecedent (or protasis or if-clause), which
expresses the condition, and a main clause called the consequent (or apodosis or
then-clause) expressing the result.
Importance of Conditionals in Language
Conditionals are extremely important in the English language because they help
us express things that may happen in the present and future. Conditionals serve
many purposes and take several different forms. They can be used to give advice,
express regret and discuss facts, among other things.
Types of Conditionals