English clause syntax

That is, the ways of combining and ordering constituents such as verbs and

noun phrases to form a clause.

Clauses can be classified as : independent (main clauses) dependent (subordinate clauses)

A typical sentence consists of one independent clause, possibly augmented by

one or more dependent clauses.

 An independent clause can be classified according to the sentence type; it

may be :

declarative (making a statement) interrogative (asking a question) imperative (giving an order).

 In interrogative main clauses, unless the subject is or contains the interrogative word, the verb precedes the subject: Are you hungry? Where am I?

 In most

imperative clauses

the subject is absent:

Eat your dinner! However imperative clauses may include the subject for emphasis: You eat your dinner !. The form of the verb is the base form of the verb, such as eat, write, be. Modal verbs do not have imperative forms. The imperative here refers to second-person forms; constructions for other persons may be formed periphrastically. Let's (let us) go; Let them eat cake.

 A dependent clause may be finite. a clause that augments an independent clause with additional information, but which cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses either modify the independent clause of a sentence or serve as a component of it. Wherever she goes, she leaves an item of luggage behind. (The adverbial clause wherever she goesmodifies the verb leaves.) Rodge enjoyed the movie more than I did. (The adverbial clause than I did modifies the adverb more.)A subordinating conjunction can also introduce anoun clause: I know that he likes me. (The noun clause that he likes me serves as the object of the main-clause verb know.)

 A non-finite clause is one in which the main verb is in a non-finite form. Namely an : Infinitive (agree, begin, decide, hope, intend, like, plan, and propose.) past participle ( Faced with an angry bull,John decided to jump over the wall . Founded 20 years ago, the club is more popular today than ever before ) or -ing form (present participle or gerund)

 Present participial clause : such as being in good health. When such a clause is used as an adjunct to a main clause, its subject is understood to be the same as that of the main clause; when this is not the case, a subject can be included in the participial clause: The king being in good health, his physician was able to take a few days' rest.

This has the same form as the above, but serves as a noun rather than an adjective or adverb. I remember Mary's performing the concert. God willing, we shall succeed. Never flog a willing horse.