CLAUSES
A clause is a group of related words. There are several different types of clauses that can be used to develop sentences.
An adjective clause describe a noun:
- The new song - The good song - The long song |
A relative clause is an adjective clause describing a noun.
Who - that - which - whose where when Can I have the book that I lent you this morning? |
Adverb clauses express how something occurs:
- when - where - why - how
'I shall do the shopping later'.
- when - where - why - how
'I shall do the shopping later'.
Noun clauses can replace any noun in a sentence, functioning as a subject or object.
An independent clause is one that can stand alone - a simple sentence.
- Helen passed the potatoes.
- Helen passed the potatoes.
A dependent clause is one that cannot stand alone. It joins ideas together and shows the relationship between ideas.
- because - although - where - after
- because - although - where - after
A 'restrictive clause' is part of a sentence that cannot be left out because the meaning of the sentence would change its meaning if the clause were deleted. A 'restrictive clause' is essential for the intended meaning.
- The umbrella that you lent me is in my car.
- The umbrella that you lent me is in my car.
A 'non-restrictive clause' is something that can be left out without changing the meaning of the sentence. These clauses are usually set off between commas.