There are Thirteen Types of Clauses in English Grammar
A clause is a grammatical unit that typically consists of a subject and a predicate.
THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF CLAUSES, INCLUDING:
1) Independent clause
2) Dependent clause
3) Noun clause
4) Adjective clause
5) Adverbial clause
6) Relative clause
7) Conditional clause
8) Imperative clause
9) Exclamatory clause
10) Gerund clause
11) Infinitive clause
12) Participle clause
13) Absolute clause
1) INDEPENDENT CLAUSE:
An independent clause is a grammatical unit that can
stand alone as a sentence and expresses a complete thought. It typically
consists of a subject and a predicate, and can be used to form a simple
sentence.
EXAMPLES OF INDEPENDENT CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "I am studying grammar." (subject:
"I", predicate: "am studying grammar")
2) "The cat sat on the mat." (subject:
"the cat", predicate: "sat on the mat")
3) "She will arrive at the station at 6pm."
(subject: "she", predicate: "will arrive at the station at
6pm")
Independent clauses can also be combined with other
clauses to form more complex sentences, such as compound and complex sentences.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "I am studying grammar, and I am also learning
new words." (two independent clauses joined by a conjunction)
2) "Although I am tired, I will continue to study
grammar." (one independent clause and one dependent clause)
2) DEPENDENT CLAUSE:
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate
clause, is a grammatical unit that cannot stand alone as a sentence and is
dependent on an independent clause to make sense. A dependent clause typically
begins with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun and has a subject
and a predicate, but it does not express a complete thought.
EXAMPLES OF DEPENDENT CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "When I finish studying grammar" (beginning
with the subordinate conjunction "when", subject: "I",
predicate: "finish studying grammar")
2) "because I am tired" (beginning with the
subordinate conjunction "because", subject: "I", predicate:
"am tired")
3) "who is learning grammar" (beginning with
the relative pronoun "who", subject: "who", predicate:
"is learning grammar")
Dependent clauses can be used to form complex sentences,
where it is used to add more information or explanation to the independent
clause.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "I am studying grammar, because I want to improve
my writing skills." (one independent clause and one dependent clause)
2) "I will continue to study grammar, even though I
am tired." (one independent clause and one dependent clause)
3) NOUN CLAUSE:
A noun clause is a type of dependent clause that
functions as a noun and refers to a person, place, thing, or idea. A noun
clause typically begins with a conjunction or a relative pronoun, has a subject
and a predicate, and is used to add more information or explanation to the
independent clause.
EXAMPLES OF NOUN CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "That I am studying grammar is important."
(beginning with the conjunction "that", subject: "I",
predicate: "am studying grammar")
2) "Whatever you decide to do is fine with me."
(beginning with the pronoun "whatever", subject: "you",
predicate: "decide to do")
3) "How you study grammar is up to you."
(beginning with the conjunction "how", subject: "you",
predicate: "study grammar")
Noun clauses can be used in a variety of grammatical
roles in a sentence, such as the subject, the direct object, the object of a preposition,
or the predicate nominative.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "What I need is a good grammar book." (noun
clause as the subject)
2) "I am not sure if I understand the
explanation." (noun clause as the object of a preposition)
"It is clear that you have a good grasp of
grammar." (noun clause as the predicate nominative)
4) ADJECTIVE CLAUSE:
An adjective clause, also known as a relative clause,
is a type of dependent clause that functions as an adjective and modifies a
noun or pronoun. It typically begins with a relative pronoun such as "who,"
"whom," "whose," "that," or "which" and
has a subject and a predicate.
EXAMPLES OF ADJECTIVE CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "The book, which I am currently reading, is about
grammar." (beginning with the relative pronoun "which", subject:
"I", predicate: "am currently reading")
2) "The person who gave me this book is my
teacher." (beginning with the relative pronoun "who", subject:
"the person", predicate: "gave me this book")
3) "The grammar rules that I find most confusing are
the subjunctive mood." (beginning with the relative pronoun
"that", subject: "I", predicate: "find most
confusing")
Adjective clauses are used to provide more information
about the noun or pronoun they modify, they can be set off by commas, and they
can be found in the middle or end of a sentence.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "The students, who were very motivated, were able
to finish the course." (adjective clause modifying the noun
"students")
2) "The grammar textbook, which I found on sale, was
a good buy." (adjective clause modifying the noun "grammar textbook")
3) "The teacher, whom I admire, is very
knowledgeable." (adjective clause modifying the pronoun
"teacher")
5) ADVERBIAL CLAUSE:
An adverbial clause is a type of dependent clause that
functions as an adverb and modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb. It typically
begins with a conjunction such as "when," "while,"
"because," "since," "if," "although,"
"unless," "until," "where," "how,"
"as," "than," etc. and has a subject and a predicate.
EXAMPLES OF ADVERBIAL CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "I will study grammar after I finish my
homework." (beginning with the conjunction "after", subject:
"I", predicate: "finish my homework")
2) "Although it is late, I will keep studying."
(beginning with the conjunction "although", subject: "it",
predicate: "is late")
3) "I will go to the library if I need more grammar
books." (beginning with the conjunction "if", subject:
"I", predicate: "need more grammar books")
Adverbial clauses are used to provide information
about the time, reason, purpose, condition, or manner in which the action of
the main clause takes place. They can be found in the middle or at the
beginning of a sentence and are often set off by commas.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "I will start studying grammar, when I finish my
work." (adverbial clause modifying the verb "will start")
2) "Since I have a test tomorrow, I will review my
grammar notes tonight." (adverbial clause modifying the verb "will
review")
3) "You should study grammar, if you want to improve
your writing." (adverbial clause modifying the verb "should
study")
6) RELATIVE CLAUSE:
A relative clause, also known as an adjective clause,
is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. It typically
begins with a relative pronoun such as "who," "whom,"
"whose," "that," or "which" and has a subject and
a predicate. The noun or pronoun that is modified by the relative clause is
called the antecedent.
EXAMPLES OF RELATIVE CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "The book, which I am currently reading, is about
grammar." (beginning with the relative pronoun "which", subject:
"I", predicate: "am currently reading")
2) "The person who gave me this book is my
teacher." (beginning with the relative pronoun "who", subject:
"the person", predicate: "gave me this book")
3) "The grammar rules that I find most confusing are
the subjunctive mood." (beginning with the relative pronoun
"that", subject: "I", predicate: "find most
confusing")
Relative clauses are used to provide more information
about the noun or pronoun they modify, and they can be found in the middle or
at the end of a sentence. They can also be set off by commas.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "The students, who were very motivated, were able
to finish the course." (relative clause modifying the noun
"students")
2) "The grammar textbook, which I found on sale, was
a good buy." (relative clause modifying the noun "grammar
textbook")
3) "The teacher, whom I admire, is very
knowledgeable." (relative clause modifying the pronoun
"teacher")
It's important to note that relative clauses are also
known as adjective clauses because they function as adjective in a sentence.
7) CONDITIONAL CLAUSE:
A conditional clause is a type of dependent clause
that expresses a condition or possible action. It typically begins with a
conjunction such as "if," "whether," "unless,"
and has a subject and a predicate. The action or event in the conditional
clause is dependent on the condition expressed in the independent clause.
EXAMPLES OF CONDITIONAL CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "If I finish studying grammar, I will pass the
test." (beginning with the conjunction "if", subject:
"I", predicate: "finish studying grammar")
2) "Whether you believe it or not, grammar is
important." (beginning with the conjunction "whether", subject:
"you", predicate: "believe it or not")
3) "I will not go to the party unless I finish my
homework." (beginning with the conjunction "unless", subject:
"I", predicate: "finish my homework")
Conditional clauses are often used to express possible
future events or actions that are dependent on certain conditions or
circumstances. They can be found in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence
and are often set off by commas.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "I will call you, if I finish my work on
time." (conditional clause modifying the verb "will call")
2) "You will get a good grade, if you study
hard." (conditional clause modifying the verb "will get")
3) "He will be able to come to the meeting, if he
finishes his work." (conditional clause modifying the verb "will be
able")
It's important to note that conditional clauses are
also known as "if" clauses because they usually start with the
conjunction "if" and express a condition.
8) IMPERATIVE CLAUSE:
An imperative clause
is a type of independent clause that gives a command or request. It typically
uses an imperative form of the verb and does not have a subject, since the
subject is understood to be "you" (the person being addressed).
EXAMPLES OF IMPERATIVE CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "Study grammar
before the exam."
2) "Please pass the
salt."
3) "Be sure to
submit your homework on time."
An imperative clause can be used to give commands, make requests, give advice, make suggestions or give instructions. They can be found at the beginning of the sentence.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "Close the door
when you leave." (imperative clause giving a command)
2) "Bring me a
glass of water, please." (imperative clause making a request)
3) "Take a break,
you look tired." (imperative clause giving advice)
It's important to
note that when the sentence is in the negative form, the imperative clause is
used to give a prohibition, for example: "Don't forget to take your keys
with you."
9) EXCLAMATORY CLAUSE:
An exclamatory clause is a type of independent clause
that expresses strong feelings or emotions. It typically begins with an
interjection, such as "what," "how," "such," or
"so," and is used to express surprise, admiration, or other intense
emotions.
EXAMPLES OF EXCLAMATORY CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "What a beautiful day today!"
2) "How clever you are!"
3) "Such a beautiful sunset!"
An exclamatory clause can be found at the beginning of
a sentence and it is usually followed by an adjective or an adjective phrase.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "What a great idea!" (exclamatory clause
expressing admiration)
2) "How cold it is today!" (exclamatory clause
expressing surprise)
3) "So happy to see you!" (exclamatory clause
expressing joy)
It's important to note that exclamatory clauses can
also be formed by using "what" or "how" before a noun
phrase, for example: "What a mess! " or "How beautiful it
is!"
10) GERUND CLAUSE:
A gerund clause is a type of dependent clause that
starts with a gerund and functions as a noun. A gerund is a form of a verb that
ends in -ing and functions as a noun. A gerund clause typically has a subject
and can be used as the subject, the direct object, the object of a preposition,
or the complement of the subject.
EXAMPLES OF GERUND CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "Studying grammar is important for me."
(gerund "studying" is the subject of the clause)
2) "I enjoy reading grammar books." (gerund
"reading" is the object of the preposition "enjoy")
3) "My goal is to improve my grammar." (gerund
"to improve" is the complement of the subject "goal")
Gerund clauses can be found in the middle or end of a
sentence, they can be set off by commas and they can be used to express
purpose, reason, or result of an action.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "I am tired, but I will continue to study
grammar." (gerund clause expressing reason)
2) "His hobby, playing chess, takes a lot of his
time." (gerund clause expressing purpose)
3) "The result of not studying grammar is failing
the test." (gerund clause expressing result)
It's important to note that gerund clauses are also
known as "gerund phrases" because they function as a noun phrase
11) INFINITIVE CLAUSE:
An infinitive clause
is a type of dependent clause that starts with an infinitive and functions as a
noun, adjective, or adverb. An infinitive is a form of a verb that is typically
preceded by "to" and functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb. An
infinitive clause typically has a subject and can be used as the subject, the
direct object, the object of a preposition, or the complement of the subject.
EXAMPLES OF INFINITIVE CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "To study
grammar is my goal." (infinitive "to study" is the subject of
the clause)
2) "I am determined
to improve my grammar." (infinitive "to improve" is the object
of the verb "determined")
3) "He seems ready
to take the test." (infinitive "to take" is the complement of
the adjective "ready")
Infinitive clauses
can be found in the middle or end of a sentence, they can be set off by commas
and they can be used to express purpose, reason, or result of an action.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "I will study
grammar, to improve my writing skills." (infinitive clause expressing
purpose)
2) "He will not be
able to go to the party, unless he finishes his homework." (infinitive
clause expressing reason)
3) "The purpose of
studying grammar is to become a better writer." (infinitive clause
expressing purpose)
It's important to
note that infinitive clauses are also known as "infinitive phrases"
because they function as a noun phrase.
12) PARTICIPLE CLAUSE:
A participial clause is a type of dependent clause that
starts with a participle and functions as an adjective. A participle is a form
of a verb that typically ends in -ing or -ed and is used to form the
progressive and perfect tenses, as well as the passive voice. A participial
clause typically has a subject and can be used to modify a noun or pronoun.
EXAMPLES OF PARTICIPIAL CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "Reading grammar books, she improved her writing
skills." (participial "reading" modifies the subject
"she")
2) "The teacher, grading the papers, looked
tired." (participial "grading" modifies the noun
"teacher")
3) "Having finished the test, the students were
relieved." (participial "having finished" modifies the noun
"students")
Participial clauses can be found in the middle or end
of a sentence, they can be set off by commas and they can be used to express an
action that happened before or at the same time as the main clause.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "Walking in the park, I saw a lot of birds."
(participial clause expressing an action that happens at the same time as the
main clause)
2) "Feeling tired, he decided to go home."
(participial clause expressing an action that happened before the main clause)
3) "Being a language model, I can understand and
generate human language." (participial clause modifying the subject)
It's important to note that participial clauses are
also known as "participial phrases" because they function as an
adjective phrase.
13) ABSOLUTE CLAUSE:
An absolute clause, also known as an independent
nominative clause, is a type of dependent clause that functions as a noun and
is typically set off by a comma from the main clause. An absolute clause
typically includes a subject and a participle and modifies the main clause by
adding additional information about time, condition or manner.
EXAMPLES OF ABSOLUTE CLAUSES INCLUDE:
1) "The storm raging, we decided to stay
indoors." (absolute clause "the storm raging" modifies the main
clause "we decided to stay indoors" by providing additional
information about the condition)
2) "The sun setting, we left the beach."
(absolute clause "the sun setting" modifies the main clause "we
left the beach" by providing additional information about the time)
3) "The results analyzed, the team came to a
conclusion." (absolute clause "the results analyzed" modifies
the main clause "the team came to a conclusion" by providing
additional information about the manner)
Absolute clauses can be found in the middle or end of
a sentence, they can be set off by commas and they are usually formed by using
a participle together with a noun or pronoun.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1) "The storm over, we resumed our journey."
(absolute clause modifying the main clause)
2) "The meeting adjourned, everyone went home."
(absolute clause modifying the main clause)
3) "The project completed, we can finally
relax." (absolute clause modifying the main clause)
It's important to note that absolute clauses are also known as "absolute phrases" because they function as a noun phrase.
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