Clause:

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It is not a full sentence but a part of a sentence. Sometimes it stands alone while sometimes it depends on another clause. A clause may form part of a sentence or it may be a complete sentence in itself.

Examples:

 

Clause

Clause

 1

She had a long career  f

but she is remembered mainly for one early work.


1. Main Clause/ Independent Clause/ Principal Clause:

 
It does not depend on any other clause. It stands alone and gives complete meaning. It also makes sense on its own. Compound sentences are made up of two or more main clauses.

Examples:


Main Clause

Conjunction

Main  Clause

1. I love sport

and

I'm captain of the local football team.

2. She was born in Spain

but

her mother is Polish.


2. Subordinate clause/ Dependent Clause:

A subordinate clause depends on the main clause for its meaning. Together with the main clause, a subordinate clause forms part of a complex sentence.

Examples:

Subordinate Clause

Main  Clause

1. After we had had lunch,

we went back to work.

Main  Clause

Subordinate Clause

2. I first saw her in Paris,

where I lived in the early nineties. 


3. Conditional clause:

A conditional clause is one that usually begins with if or unless and describes something that is possible or probable.

Examples:

Conditional  Clause

Main Clause

1. If it looks like rain

a simple shelter can be made out of a plastic sheet

Main Clause

Conditional  Clause

2. I'll be home tomorrow

unless the plane's delayed for hours.


4. Relative clause:

A relative clause is one connected to the main clause by a word such as which, that, whom, whose, when, where, or who:

Examples:

Main Clause

Relative  Clause

1. I first saw her in Paris,

where I lived in the early nineties.

2. She wants to be with Thomas,

who is best suited to take care of her.

3. I was wearing the dress

that I bought to wear to Jo's party.


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Easy English Grammar Notes

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