A group of words that forms a part of a
sentence and has a subject and a finite verb
of its own is called a Clause.
The number of finite verbs in a sentence
joined by conjunctions determines the
number of clauses.
Clause
Dependent
Independent
Clause/Subordinate
clause
clause
Definition:
An Independent clause is defined as a
group of words that contains a subject and a
predicate and expresses a complete thought.
Independent clause can stand alone.
For example:
Mary ate Pizza because he was hungry.
Definition:
A group of words that has a subject and a
predicate but does not give a complete meaning
on its own is called a dependent clause. All
dependent clause starts with subordinating
conjunction.
Example:
Because the heavy rains flooded the entrance
to the subdivision.
Sub. Conj. Subject Verb
1. Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at Civitan Park.
2. Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in
math.
3. After the flood, the family moved into a temporary shelter.
4. While walking at the park, John saw a raccoon eating potato
chips.
5. Students enrolled in bachelor's and associate's degree
programs must pass the Regents' Test as a graduation
requirement.
6. Students who fail to show up for the Regents' test must enroll
in the Regents' remediation courses.
7. When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a
walk.
8. Christa left home at 4:00 a.m. since she had to drive to Atlanta
for a meeting.
9. Before completing the assignment, Evan decided to eat a quick
lunch.
1. Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at Civitan
Park. Dependent Clause
2. Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in
math. Dependent Clause
3. After the flood, the family moved into a temporary shelter. Not a
Clause (This is simply a prepositional phrase.)
4. While walking at the park, John saw a raccoon eating potato
chips. Independent Clause
5. Students enrolled in bachelor's and associate's degree programs
must pass the Regents' Test as a graduation requirement. Independent
6. Students who fail to show up for the Regents' test must enroll in the
Regents' remediation courses. Dependent Clause
7. When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a
walk. Dependent Clause
8. Christa left home at 4:00 a.m. since she had to drive to Atlanta for a
meeting. Dependent Clause
9. Before completing the assignment, Evan decided to eat a quick
lunch. Not a Clause
1. When I went to the zoo + I looked at the
animals.
2. He came to class + He forgot his
homework.
3. We studied all night + Therefore, we did
well on the test.
4. She might have been sick + Maybe her car
broke down.
5. They went out to eat + Because they were
hungry.
1. When I went to the zoo, I looked at the
animals.
2. He came to class, but he forgot his
homework.
3. We studied all night; therefore, we did well
on the test.
4. She might have been sick, or maybe her
car broke down.
5. They went out to eat because they were
hungry
Dependent
clauses
Noun Adjective Adverb
Clause Clause Clause
Examine the groups of words in underlined in the
following sentences:-
1. I expect to get a prize. -- [Expect what?]
2. I expect that I shall get a prize.-- [Expect
what?]
Now examine the sentence.
That you have come pleases me.
Def :- A Noun Clause is a group of words
which contains a Subject and a Predicate of
its own, and does the work of a Noun.
Can you guess what I have in my pocket.
I can do whatever I want to do.
Everyone can easily understand that you don’t
know the answer.
I don’t know who you are and how you
perform your duties.
He wants to see, which pen you choose.
I can tell you how he does this magic.
1. I often wonder how you are getting on.
2. I fear that I shall fail.
3. He replied that he would come.
4. Do you deny that you stole the watch?
5. I thought that it would be a fine day.
6. That you should cheat me hurts me.
7. No one knows who he is.
8. He saw that the clock had stopped.
9. That you should say this is very strange.
10. I don't see how you can get out of this
mess.
1. I often wonder how you are getting on.
2. I fear that I shall fail.
3. He replied that he would come.
4. Do you deny that you stole the watch?
5. I thought that it would be a fine day.
6. That you should cheat me hurts me.
7. No one knows who he is.
8. He saw that the clock had stopped.
9. That you should say this is very strange.
10. I don't see how you can get out of this
mess.
1. I cannot understand ---.
2. They all said ---.
3. I think ---.
4. This is just ---.
5. He told me ---.
1. I cannot understand why he robbed his friend.
2. They all said that they wished to go for a
picnic.
3. I think that he is a European.
4. This is what I wanted.
5. He told me that they had deceived him.
Look at the groups of words in underlined
words in the following sentences:-
1. The umbrella with a broken handle is mine.
[Which umbrella?]
2. The umbrella which has a broken handle is
mine. [Which umbrella?]
Def:- An Adjective Clause is a group of words
which contains a Subject and a Predicate of
its own, and does the work of an Adjective
Those students, who focused on their studies
sincerely, passed the exam.
He is my brother, whom you had rejected in the
interview last year.
Nitin,whose father passed away this month, is a
brilliant student.
He loves Karachi because he was born and spent
his childhood.
Where is fan ,which was not working properly?
I have a cute toy that my father had gifted me
when I was a kid.
1. I remember the house where I born.
2. He that climbs too high is sure to fall.
3. The house that I live in belongs to my father.
4. Here is the book you want.
5. I have a little shadow which goes in and out with
me.
6. The dog that bites does not bark.
7. He tells a tale that sounds untrue.
8. It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
9. The boy stood on the burning deck whence all but
he had fled.
10. They never fail who die in a great cause
1. . I remember the house where I born.
2. He that climbs too high is sure to fall.
3. The house that I live in belongs to my father.
4. Here is the book you want.
5. I have a little shadow which goes in and out
with me.
6. The dog that bites does not bark.
7. He tells a tale that sounds untrue.
8. It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
9. The boy stood on the burning deck whence all
but he had fled.
10. They never fail who die in a great cause.
1. I know the place ---.
2. He is the man ---.
3. The house --- is a hundred years old.
4. His offence is one ---.
5. Where is the book ---?
1. I know the place where he lives.
2. He is the man who is true to his word.
3. The house which is referring to is a
hundred years old.
4. His offence is one which can not be
excused.
5. Where is the book which I borrow from
library.
Look at the groups of words in italics in the
following sentences:-
1. They rested at sunset. [Rested when?]
2. They rested when evening came, [Rested
when?]
Def:- An Adverb Clause is a group of words
which contains a Subject and a Predicate of
its own, and does the work of an Adverb.
I completed my work in time because I
wanted to impress my boss.
He was playing football the way professionals
play.
I began to study when my father scolded me.
Since you didn’t adhere to the rules of the
company, you are to blame.
I reached where no one couldn’t even dare to
go.
You may sit wherever you want to.
1. You may sit wherever you like.
2. He fled where his pursuers could not follow.
3. He behaves as one might expect him to do.
4. Because you have done this I shall punish you.
5. As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.
6. If you eat too much you will be ill.
7. He finished first though he began late.
8. Will you wait till I return?
9. Just as he entered the room the clock struck,
10. They went where living was cheaper
1. You may sit wherever you like.
2. He fled where his pursuers could not follow.
3. He behaves as one might expect him to do.
4. Because you have done this I shall punish
you.
5. As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.
6. If you eat too much you will be ill.
7. He finished first though he began late.
8. Will you wait till I return?
9. Just as he entered the room the clock struck,
10. They went where living was cheaper
1. Do not go ---.
2. He is not so clever ---.
3. I was so hurried ---.
4. He ran so fast ---.
5. He always does ---.
1. Do not go till the rains stops.
2. He is not so clever as you are.
3. I was so hurried that I did not mind the
consequences.
4. He ran so fast that I failed to catch him.
5. He always does as I tell him.
1. Come when you like.
2. I know the man who is here.
3. He says that he met your brother.
4. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the
world.
5. Before I die I intend to see Venice.
6. Let us rejoice as we go forward.
7. I was reading a book which I had read before.
8. Perhaps he thinks that I am a fool.
9. As I drew near I saw a very curious sight.
10. Where are the friends whom I knew?
1. when you like-Adverb clause modifying
“Come”
2. who is here-Adjective Clause qualifying “man”.
3. that he met your brother-Noun clause object
of “say”
4. that rocks the cradle -Adjective clause
qualifying “hand”.
5. Before I die -Adverb clause, modifying
“intend”.
6. as we go forward-Adverb clause ,modifying
‘rejoice’
1. He cannot find a place to sleep in.
2. The girl with long hair is my cousin.
3. Have you heard the news?
4. In spite of his efforts he failed.
5. He walked slowly to avoid slipping.
6. This is my home.
7. He cried aloud for joy.
8. I am surprised at your question.
9. He works hard for a living.
10. Being lame he has to use crutches.
1. that he was tired
2. where he was born
3. as he was told
4. what you say
5. whosoever is guilty
1.He talked so long that he was tired.(Adverb
clause of reason modifying “so long”)
2. I asked where he was born (Noun clause
object of “asked”).
3.He did as he was told( Adverb clause of
manner modifying “did”)
4.I don’t believe what you say(Noun Clause
object of “don’t believe”)
5.Whosever is guilty will be punished(Noun
Clause, subject of will be punished)
