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CLAUSES Sum-up / English Literature 1

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- Clause is a group of words containing a finite verb. Unlike phrases, they communicate
complete meaning. To understand lengthy sentences it is necessary to study the clauses
closely.

Theoretically it can serve as [a source] of ideas and insights which are of particular
relevance for the formulation of principles: ideas emerging from disciplines devoted to the
sudy of language and learning which might bear upon the definition of language as subject.

There are two types of clauses: Independent clauses and dependent clauses.

A. Independent Clauses / Main Clauses

Independent clauses / main clauses can stand by themselves as complete sentences. An
independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and makes complete sense.
Examples:
1. The letters are types and the files are in order.
In the above example, there are two independent clauses.
2. I have finished the report but have not written the report.
In the above example, the subject ‘I’ is understood in the second clause.

Clauses are connected mainly in two ways: Coordination and Subordination.

Coordination means joining independent clauses with the use of a coordinating conjuction.
(for, or, noy, yet, so and but).
Examples:
1. Rita thought about joining the dance class, but she did not speak to her parents about it
2. I was told not to interfere or I would certainly have solved the matter
3. My mother told me sleep a little longer for it was still dark
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Subordination means making a subordinate clause with the use of subordinating conjuction.
When the clause starts with a subordinating conjunction, it is called a subordinate or a
dependent clause because it depends on the independent clause for its meaning.
Examples:
1. Although Rita often thought about joining the dance class, she did not speak to her
parents about it.
2. Rita did not speak to her parents about joining the dance class, because she was afraid
they would reprimand her.
3. Yash, who is Rita’s brother, told Rita to join the dance class no matter what their parents
said.

B. Dependent Clauses / Subordinate Clauses

Dependent Clauses / Subordinate Clauses cannot stand by themselves as they do not make
complete sense. Therefore, they have to be combined with an independent clause in order
to form a sentence.
Example: Ravi recognised the woman who was standing in the garden.
In the above example the colored sentence cannot stand on its own. It depends on the
previous clause for its meaning.

Types of Dependent Clauses:

1.Adjective Clause
Adjective clause modifies a noun or a pronoun. It begins with a relative pronoun like whose,
who, whom, that and which OR a subordinate conjunction like where and when.
Examples:
1. That is the man who scolded Gopal.
2. The Lion which was caged has escaped.
3. The car which he had bought us was green.
The adjective clause must be placed very close to the word modified by it. If the adjective
clause is misplaced, the sentence becomes confusing to the reader.
Incorrect: He rode the cycle in the garden which was bought by his father.
Correct: He rode the cycle, which was bought by his father, in the garden.

In the above example, the misplaced word “which” gives an impression that the garden was
bought by his father. The sentence can be corrected by placing “which” before the adjective
clause.

2.Adverb Clause
An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that functions like an adverb. It answers the
questions like where, when, why, under what conditions and with what results.
Examples:
An adverb clause modifies an adverb, verb or an adjective in the main clause.
1. Adverb clause of time (tll, after, when etc)
I will write the assignment after I read the instructions care fully.
2. Adverb clause of place (whereas, where, etc)
You can tell him where to meet you.
3. Adverb clause of supposition (though, even if, although etc)
Although he smiled, he was angry.
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4. Adverb clause of cause/reason (so that, inorder , because , since that etc)
Because of some technical errors , Chatgpt visitors decreased in an incredible way.
5. Adverb clause of condition (whether, if etc)
If they offer you a better salary, you should join them immediately.
6. Adverb clause of consequence (that etc.)
He hit the ball so hard that it landed outside the stadium.
7. Adverb clause of comparison (than, as, etc)
He is stronger than I (am).

3.Noun Clause
A noun clause is a subordinate clause that functions as a noun. A noun clause can be a
predicate, subject, nominative, appositive, direct object, object of preposition or an indirect
object.
Useful Hint: Substitute “something or someone” in the place of the clause. If the meaning is
clear then it is a noun clause.
Examples:
1. I hope I pass the test. [I hope “something” , here the sentence still making sense]
2. He wanted to know what had taken place in the market. 3. He does not understand what
you speak.
In the above examples, the words in colored text act as nouns as they are the objects of a
verb. A noun clause can take the place of a subject, object or a complement of the subject.

Certain clauses can act in all the three ways. Thus, a noun clause is identified by its function
in the sentence.
Examples:
1. Why he did not arrive is the question. (Subject of a verb)
2. We have said that this is not the right way. (Object of a transitive verb).
3. Pay attention to what the teacher is saying (Object of a preposition).
4. His conviction that she would stand first at the examination encouraged her to study
harder. (In opposition to noun/pronoun).
5. My conviction is that she would stand first. (Complement of a verb).

Good Luck !
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