Clauses

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.

Types of Clauses

Independent Clause

Can stand alone as a complete sentence and gives complete meaning.

Examples: 

1. She is reading a book. 

2. He plays football.

Dependent Clause

Cannot stand alone and depends on an independent clause to complete its meaning.

Examples: 

1. because she was tired 

2. when the bell rang

Types of Dependent Clauses

A. Noun Clause

Works like a noun in a sentence.

Joining words: that, what, who, whom, whether, if

Example: I know that he is honest.

B. Adjective Clause

Describes a noun or pronoun.

Joining words: who, whom, whose, which, that

Example: She is the girl who won the prize.

C. Adverb Clause

Modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb.

Joining words: when, where, because, if, although, since, until, unless

Example: I will wait until you come.

How to Identify a Clause

Find the subject.

Find the verb.

Ask its function:

Acts as a noun → Noun Clause

Describes a noun → Adjective Clause

Modifies verb/adjective/adverb → Adverb Clause

Common Joining Words

Noun Clause:

that, what, whether, if 

Adjective Clause:

who, whom, whose, which, that 

Adverb Clause:

when, because, if, although, unless