Essential Types of Clauses to Know for Intro to English Grammar

Understanding clauses is key to mastering English grammar. They help us build sentences by connecting ideas. Independent clauses stand alone, while dependent clauses rely on them, creating a rich structure for expressing thoughts and information.

1. Independent clauses

   • Can stand alone as complete sentences.
   • Contains a subject and a predicate.
   • Expresses a complete thought.

2. Dependent clauses

   • Cannot stand alone as complete sentences.
   • Requires an independent clause to form a complete thought.
   • Often begins with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although).

3. Subordinate clauses

   • A type of dependent clause that adds additional information.
   • Introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.
   • Functions as an adjective, adverb, or noun within a sentence.

4. Relative clauses

   • A specific type of subordinate clause that modifies a noun.
   • Introduced by relative pronouns (e.g., who, which, that).
   • Provides essential or additional information about the noun.

5. Noun clauses

   • Function as a noun within a sentence.
   • Can act as subjects, objects, or complements.
   • Often introduced by words like that, whether, or if.

6. Adverbial clauses

   • Function as adverbs, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
   • Provide information about time, place, reason, condition, or manner.
   • Introduced by subordinating conjunctions (e.g., when, because, if).

7. Main clauses

   • Another term for independent clauses.
   • Can stand alone and express a complete thought.
   • Forms the backbone of a complex sentence when combined with dependent clauses.

8. Coordinate clauses

   • Clauses that are of equal importance and can stand alone.
   • Joined by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or).
   • Often used to connect similar ideas or contrast different ones.

9. Conditional clauses

   • Express a condition and its possible outcome.
   • Often introduced by "if" or "unless."
   • Used to discuss hypothetical situations or consequences.

10. Restrictive and non-restrictive clauses

    • Restrictive clauses provide essential information to identify the noun (no commas).
    • Non-restrictive clauses add extra information but are not essential (commas used).
    • Both types are often introduced by relative pronouns.