Sentence Clause
A clause is a combination of words containing a subject and a predicate
A clause is a combination of words containing a subject and a predicate.
Example
Peter goes to the gym. (one clause)
Peter goes to the gym after he finishes this work. (two clauses)
There are two types of clauses in English:
- an independent (main) clause contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a finished thought. Thus it can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Example
Pam likes drawing and painting.
Andy is currently unemployed.
Note
The independent clause is a simple sentence when dependent clauses within one sentence are absent.
- a dependent (subordinate) clause gives additional information to the main sentence, thus it cannot stand alone as a separate sentence.
Example
Mr. Klarkson, whose works are critically acclaimed, has published a new book.
Mary started laughing when she saw a pug wearing a costume.
An independent clause forms a complex sentence together with a dependent clause.
Example
I'd like to know why I can't book a room at this hotel.
The woman stood crying as people were passing by.
Guided Practice
An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a finished thought. A dependent clause gives additional information to the main sentence.
Underline dependent clause.
-
Since you refused to come with me, I'll go alone.
-
The weather is wonderful; everyone is outside.
-
John's grandpa, whose kind words were like a guiding light, passed away.
Rewrite the sentences so that there is an independent and a dependent clause.
I don't want to go outside; it's raining.
Finish you work and call me.
Short Story using Sentence Clause
–Have you decided where you'd like to go this summer?
–I haven't asked my family if they plan on doing a huge family gathering.
–Well, until you get the details, we can't book anything.
–I understand that. I promise that I'll call my parents today. You can join us; everyone is super friendly.
–I'm not sure that I'm ready to meet your huge family yet.
Independent Practice
Mark independent clauses as I and dependent ones as D.
- Students have to finish their assignments by 6 p.m.
- The cafe that is located across the street serves the best coffee.
- She doesn't like the men who smoke.
- I doubt that it'll rain tomorrow.
- Nick's aunt, who speaks 5 languages, lives in Spain.
- Apple pies that don't have a lot of apples in them are not worth my attention!
- My mom wants to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower.
- I will keep on fighting until I reach my goals.
- I'd rather stay at home tonight; the weather is depressing.
- The teacher was asking questions but no one answered.