Grammarkup
Clauses

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.

  1. Students have to finish their assignments by 6 p.m.
  2. The cafe that is located across the street serves the best coffee.
  3. She doesn't like the men who smoke.
  4. I doubt that it'll rain tomorrow.
  5. Nick's aunt, who speaks 5 languages, lives in Spain.
  6. Apple pies that don't have a lot of apples in them are not worth my attention!
  7. My mom wants to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower.
  8. I will keep on fighting until I reach my goals.
  9. I'd rather stay at home tonight; the weather is depressing.
  10. The teacher was asking questions but no one answered.