Clauses - Definition, Types and Uses with Examples.

CLAUSE

A clause is comprised of a group of words which includes a subject and a verb. A clause contains only one subject and it's own predicate. 

Types of Clause

Clauses are mainly of two types:

1. Independent Clause.
2. Dependent Clause.

1. Independent Clause

An independent clause functions on its own to make a meaningful sentence and looks much like a regular sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It is independent and can stand alone as a complete sentence.

In a sentence two independent clauses can be connected by the coordinating conjunction : and, but, so, or, nor, for, yet.etc.

Example:

• He is a wise man.
• I like him.
• Can you do it?
• Do it please. (Subject you is hidden)
• I read the whole story.
• 
  
• I want to buy a phone, but I don’t have enough money. (Two independent clauses)
• 
  
• He went to Agra and visited the taj mahal. (Subject of the second clause is ‘he,' so “he visited the Taj mahal” is an independent clause.)

2. Dependent Clause.

A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but it does not express a complete thought. It is dependent on a main clause and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

A dependent clause alone cannot form a complete sentence. Dependent clauses help the independent clauses complete the sentence. 

Dependent clauses start with a subordinate conjunction : after, as, became, till, until, by, whom, if, that, etc.

Example:

• When I was dating kavya, I had an accident.
• I know the man who stole the watch.
• He bought a car which was too expensive.
• I know that he cannot do it.
• He does not know where he was born.
• If you don’t eat, I won’t go.
• He is a very talented player though he is out of form.

Adjective, Adverb, and Noun Clauses.

Adjective, adverb, and noun clauses contain a subject and a verb. They function as adjectives, adverbs, and nouns using pronouns or subordinating conjunctions.

Adjective Clauses.

An adjective clause is also known as a relative clause. It contains a subject and a verb but it does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. This clause provides a description and functions as an adjective. Adjective clauses are placed after the noun it is modifying. Adjective clauses start with a pronoun.

Examples 

• The kids who live in this neighborhood take the bus to school. (Modifies kids)
• 
  
• Pankaj who is my best friend lives in that hostel. (Modifies pankaj) 
• 
  
• The rabbit that ate my garden vegetables lives next door. (Modifies rabbit)
• 
  
• Priya whose father is a English professor. (Modifies priya) 
• 
  
• The bike that I won at the raffle got a flat tire. (Modifies bike)

Adverb Clauses.

An adverb clause provides a description and functions as an adverb. It contains a subject and a verb but it does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Adverb clauses answer questions of how, when, where, and why. Adverb clauses start with a subordinating conjunction.

Examples

• Call me when you get home. (Answers when) 
• 
  
• I cooked dinner while the kids were playing outside. (Answers when) 
• 
  
• This is the store where the robbery took place. (Answers where) 
• 
  
• Bring extra clothes since we might get wet at the beach. (Answers why)
• 
  
• You can have another cookie if you tell me your secret. (Answers how)

Noun Clauses.

A noun clause plays the role of a noun. It contains a subject and a verb but it does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Noun clauses start with a pronoun or subordinating conjunction.

Examples

• That store is where I bought your favorite shoes.
• 
  
• You get to choose which restaurant we go to tonight.
• 
  
• The reason we were late is because my car ran out of gas.
• 
  
• Pari is the only one who knows my secret. 
• 
  
• My dog will sleep wherever he wants.