What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate (verb).
It may or may not express a complete idea.

Types of Clauses Based on Meaning and Function

There are two main categories:

1. Principal (Main/Independent) Clause

2. Subordinate (Dependent) Clause

1. Principal Clause (Main Clause)

Definition:

A principal clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence. It expresses a full and independent thought.

Examples:

1. She went to the market, though it was raining.
   → “She went to the market” is a principal clause.

2. We stayed at home, because the weather was bad.
   → “We stayed at home” is the main clause.

3. I will call you, when I reach.
   → “I will call you” is the principal clause.

2. Subordinate Clause (Dependent Clause)

Definition:

A subordinate clause cannot stand alone. It depends on the main clause to complete its meaning.

It usually begins with subordinating conjunctions (because, when, if, although, etc.) or relative pronouns (who, which, that, etc.).

Examples:

1. She went to the market, though it was raining.
   → “Though it was raining” = subordinate clause.

2. I know that she is honest.
   → “That she is honest” = subordinate clause.

3. You can come if you want to.
   → “If you want to” = subordinate clause.

Kinds of Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate Clauses are classified into three main types:

1. Noun Clause

2. Adjective (Relative) Clause

3. Adverbial Clause

1. Noun Clause

Definition:

A noun clause does the work of a noun. It can act as a subject, object, or complement.

Common Introducers:

that, what, who, whom, why, how, whether, if, when, where

Examples in Different Roles:

A. As Subject:

1. What he said was interesting.

2. That she won the award surprised us all.

3. Whether we succeed depends on our effort.

B. As Object:

1. I know that he is right.

2. She asked what time it was.

3. We don’t know where he has gone.

C. As Complement:

1. My belief is that hard work pays off.

2. The truth is that he lied.

3. The idea is that we should leave early.

2. Adjective Clause (Relative Clause)

Definition:

An adjective clause (also called a relative clause) modifies a noun or pronoun, just like an adjective does.

Introduced by:

who, whom, whose, which, that, when, where, why

Examples:

A. With People:

1. The boy who topped the class is my cousin.

2. The woman whom I met yesterday was very kind.

3. The teacher whose car broke down came late.

B. With Things:

1. This is the book that I was looking for.

2. The painting which he bought is expensive.

3. The house that Jack built is old.

C. With Time, Place, Reason:

1. I remember the day when we first met.

2. This is the place where I was born.

3. Do you know the reason why she left?

3. Adverbial Clause

Definition:

An adverbial clause works like an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It tells us how, when, where, why, to what extent, or under what condition something happens.

Introduced by:

when, while, after, before, because, although, since, if, unless, until, as, as soon as, so that, though

Examples by Function:

A. Time:

1. I will call you when I reach home.

2. She was cooking while I was studying.

3. After the movie ended, we went for dinner.

B. Reason:

1. He was punished because he was late.

2. Since it was raining, we stayed indoors.

3. They cancelled the trip as the weather was bad.

C. Condition:

1. If you work hard, you will succeed.

2. You can’t leave unless you finish your work.

3. Provided that he agrees, we’ll go ahead.

D. Contrast/Concession:

1. Though he is rich, he is humble.

2. She smiled even though she was tired.

3. Although it was raining, they played outside.

E. Purpose:

1. He studies hard so that he can top the class.

2. They hurried in order that they might catch the train.

3. She worked overtime so that she could save money.