One of the important elements of English grammar is the clause. There are many grammatical terms, and it can sometimes seem difficult to understand them all. In this reference, we are going to take a look at the clause, what it is, the different types of clauses, how they can be used, and practice with some clause exercises.
Clause vs. Phrase
There is sometimes confusion between a phrase and a clause, but once the definitions are understood, it becomes much easier to distinguish between the two.
- A phrase is a group of related words that acts as a single unit in a sentence but does not contain both a subject and a verb.
- A clause is a group of words which has both a subject and a verb.
Types of Clauses
There are many different types of clauses in the English language. Below are the main types, along with explanations and examples.
Noun Clause
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions in the same way as a noun. It can act as a subject, object, or complement. Noun clauses often begin with words such as who, how, what, when, whether, which, whom, why, whenever, whoever, or whatever, and they always contain a subject and a verb.
Here are some examples of noun clauses:
- How she behaved at the wedding was terrible.
- He did not know where he was.
- The best part of the film was when the boy flew.
- Whoever thought of that is so clever.
- We need to figure out how we can make our customers happy.
- Whichever movie you select is OK with me.
- Make sure to send whoever helped you a thank-you card.
- My best trait is that I am hardworking.
- I wonder how long he will be away.
- You can give the money to whoever you want.
- I do not know whether she can run that fast.
Adjective Clause
An adjective clause is a type of clause that modifies a noun or a pronoun. It usually begins with words such as who, that, whose, which, or when.
- The winning team, whose name is posted on the notice board, will be given free tickets to the opera.
- Wages which are spent well are much more valuable.
- Yoga, which a lot of people practice, is a good form of exercise.
- French fries, which many people like, are not a healthy food.
- My mom remembers the days when there was no TV.
- I know someone who fought in World War Two.
- I love telling people about Paul McCartney, whose music I love.
- Never visit a doctor whose plants are not alive.
- This is the teacher who is very smart.
- The Eiffel Tower is a tourist site which is located in Paris.
- This is the dog that bit my son.
Adverb Clause
An adverb clause functions in the same way as an adverb. It modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, and provides information about time, reason, condition, contrast, or manner.
- Since it is only me, I will not eat out tonight.
- My son, although he is timid, loves to play with people.
- I always keep a packed bag in case I find a good deal on a flight.
- Whether she likes it or not, she must write the essay.
- Unless you go quickly, you will miss the train.
- Once it saw the car approaching, the deer ran off the road.
- Now that the people have left the party, we must begin cleaning.
- As soon as he saw her, he knew that she was the one.
- My father, when he is mad, starts shaking.
- Call me up when you are home from your vacation.
- You will not be able to wear those pants unless you have the correct size.
- Eat your dinner before it gets cold.
Independent Clause
An independent clause can be used as a complete sentence on its own or combined with other clauses. It always contains a subject and a predicate.
- He loves opening the door when the wind is blowing.
- Because we liked this movie, we will be sure to pay it forward.
- He drove to the store to buy some bread.
- The singer sang the song well.
- Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land.
- I run.
- I am late to work.
- I love to see the birds when they fly overhead.
- I walk in the park every day because it is pretty.
- I will go home.
- He likes to cycle.
Dependent Clause
A dependent clause relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence. By itself, it does not express a complete thought.
- If that is a burger, I want it.
- She is hostile, mostly because she is not happy.
- Let us go to the beach while the weather is still warm.
- When the Queen arrives, we must take a bow.
- Because he cannot come to the party, she is not going to come either.
- Until it is nighttime, we cannot see the stars.
- If he can work weekends, he will earn much more money.
- This is the car that she gave me.
- The bad acting was why the film was not successful.
- This is the family who live in the city.