Clauses - Explanations and Examples

A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb. A clause can form a complete sentence alone, or it can just be part of a larger sentence.

There are two main types of clause:

1. independent clause
2. dependent clause

1. Independent clauses

Below, you see an independent clause (he drinks coffee). It is an independent clause because:

1. it has a subject and a verb
2. it forms a complete idea

An independent clause can form a complete sentence, if we capitalize the beginning (H) and end it with a full stop (.), a question mark (?) or an exclamation mark (!). See the example below:

Here are some more examples of independent clauses as sentences:

• She runs every morning.
• They aren't playing football.
• Who doesn't love reading books?
• He has finished his homework.

2. Dependent clauses

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It needs to be connected to an independent clause to make sense. A dependent clause also has a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought on its own. Dependent clauses usually begin with words like: because, if, when, although, while.

Examples:

• because she was tired
  This clause is incomplete. It does not express a complete thought. (We need more information to understand the full meaning.)
• if it rains tomorrow
  This is also incomplete and does not express a complete thought. (What will happen if it rains?)

Here are some example sentences that include a dependent clause:

• She went to bed early because she was tired.
  (Dependent clause: "because she was tired" is added to the independent clause "she went to bed early")
• I will bring an umbrella if it rains tomorrow.
  If it rains tomorrow, I will bring an umbrella.
  (Dependent clause: "if it rains tomorrow" is combined with the independent clause "I will bring an umbrella")

Types of dependent clause

• adverb clause: modifies a verb, adjective or another adverb. It usually start with words like: because, since, if, although, when
  • I stayed home because it was raining.
• noun clause: acts as a noun in the sentence. It often starts with words like: what, why, that, whether, who, how
  • I don’t know why she left early.
• relative clause (also called adjective clause): "relates" to and describes the noun in an independent clause. It typically starts with a relative pronoun: who, which, that, whom, whose
• Here is the book that I wanted to read.

How we combine clauses

Clauses can be combined in a sentence to create more complex ideas. You can combine:

• Two (or more) independent clauses with a conjunction (and, but, or):
  • She likes coffee, but he prefers tea.
  • I was early and Matt was late, but Tara didn't come.
• An independent clause and a dependent clause:
  • Although she was hungry, she kept working.
  • We missed the bus because we were late.
  • Our dog barks when she hears a noise.
  • Do you know the man who is talking to Mary?

Summary

• Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
• Dependent clauses need an independent clause to make sense.
• Clauses can be combined to form complex sentences.

By understanding clauses, you can build more interesting and detailed sentences in English.

Contributor: Josef Essberger, founder of EnglishClub.com. Originally from London, England, Josef is the author of several books for learners of English including English Prepositions List and Learn English in 7.