1. definition of the clause
1. Definition of clause
A clause, like a phrase, is a group of related words. The difference is that a clause
is a more complete expression--it contains a subject and a verbThere are two kinds of clauses.
2. Types of Clauses
2.1. Dependent Clause—
has a subject and verb and a dependent word (subordinate conjunction). A dependent clause expresses only part of an idea, and relies upon some other information in the sentence for complete meaning (hence the term "dependent").
e.g.Because the dog barked all night.
We usually use dependent clauses in sentences to express thoughts that are additional or accessory to our main thought in the sentence.
2.2. Independent Clause—
an independent clause is a group of related words that has both a subject (actor) and verb (action) and makes sense to us without needing any additional information. Therefore, an independent clause is also known as a simple sentence. It is not just part of a thought, but is complete on its own.
e.g.The dog barked all night.
subordinate conjunctions
The following are commonly used subordinate conjunctions and
relative pronouns. These words are clues to help us identify and write dependent clauses. It may be easier for you to remember these words as “Dependent Words” because one of these words always appears as the first word of a dependent clause. In other words, if a group of words that has a subject and a verb begins with one of these subordinate conjunctions or relative pronouns (dependent words), the clause is a dependent clause.
Subordinate Conjunctions
(also called “Dependent Words”)
after, although, since, whenever
as, so that, when, even though
as if ,though ,where, provided that
because, unless, whether, whereas
except, until, while, than
what ,before ,that, in order that
once, (meaning “if” or “when”), if ,why
Relative Pronouns
that whoever ,which, whatever,Whom, who, whichever