Clauses Edit

A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate, and clause is part of a compound sentence.

Jump to: Two KindsAdverbial ClausesSubordinate ConjunctionsKinds of Adverbial ClauseCommon MistakesExerciseAll Lessons

Two Kinds of Clauses

1. Independent clause

An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate. It can stand by itself as a complete sentence. A main clause expresses a complete thought.

I am doing my best.

Group B will cook our meals.

2. Dependent clause

A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate, but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It is only a part of a sentence. A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause; it is usually introduced by a subordinate conjunction or by a relative pronoun. Both of these connecting words communicate that the clause is subordinate, or dependent, to a main clause.

Because my sister borrowed my car.(Dependent clause)

I was unable to visit you because my sister borrowed my car.(Complete sentence)

Types of Dependent Clauses: Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial clauses function as adverbs. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adverbs tell how, when, where, and to what extent the action is performed. Adverbial clauses answer the same questions and, in addition, express several other ideas which the simple adverb does not express.

I always wake up when the alarm clock rings.

Subordinate Conjunctions

A subordinate conjunction is called a connecting word because it makes the idea expressed by its clause subordinate to the main idea in the sentence.

  • An adverbial clause is usually introduced by a subordinate conjunction.
  • It also shows the relation between the subordinate (dependent) clause and the word in the main (independent) clause which the subordinate clause modifies.
  • It is used to show that the clause which it introduces is a subordinate clause, and not a main clause.
  • It also indicates the exact type of relationship that the subordinate clause has to the main clause.

The following are the subordinate conjunctions commonly used to introduce adverbial clauses:

aftereven thoughtill
althoughexceptthough
asifunless
as…asin order thatuntil
as ifprovidedwhen
as long asprovided thatwhenever
as soon assincewhere
as thoughso…aswherever
becauseso thatwhether
beforethanwhile
even ifthat 

They played because they wanted to win the championship.

Kinds of Adverbial Clause

Subordinate conjunctions commonly used in adverbial clauses of the various types:

A. Time

I read the book while I was waiting for you.

Conjunctions: after, before, when, whenever, since, until, as soon as, while

B. Place

Please stand near the fountain where I can see you.

Conjunctions: where, wherever

C. Manner

I tried to speak in front of the crowd as if I were a politician.

Conjunctions: as, as if, as though

D. Degree

She worked as fast as was necessary.

Conjunctions: that, as…as, not so…as, than

E. Comparison

The professor came in later than her usual schedule.

Conjunctions: as, than, so…as, as…as

F. Purpose

She studied very hard so that she will top the exam.

Conjunctions: that, so that, in order that

G. Result

The war is now inevitable so that we will have to evacuate.

Conjunctions: that, so that

H. Condition

I will go to you provided that you invite me.

Conjunctions: if, provided, provided that, unless

I. Concession

Mr. Yani won the chess game although he sacrificed his queen.

Conjunctions: although, though, even if

J. Cause or Reason

The robot was destroyed because your younger brother toyed with it.

Conjunctions: as, because, since

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: I run faster than him.

Incorrect: You can run as fast as us.

In an unfinished clause of comparison, supply the omitted words to check the case of the pronoun.

Correct: I run faster than he (runs).

By supplying the omitted word runs, it is now clear that the pronoun he is the subject of the phrase he runs and should therefore be in the nominative case (he) and not in the objective case (him).

Correct: You can run as fast as we (can run).

Similarly, by supplying the omitted words in the second sentence, it is clear that the pronoun we should be in the nominative case (we) and not in the objective case (us).

You have played longer than I.

Objective case (me)

The letter was sent to me.

My daughter embraced me.

Exercise: Error Detection

Direction: Each item below consists of four sentences. All sentences may be correct or one of them may have an error in grammar. If all sentences are correct, write E on your answer sheet. If one of the sentences contains an error, write the letter of that sentence on your answer sheet.

1

  • A. Salome handed in an assignment this morning but it wasn’t satisfactory.
  • B. Professor Lim told her that she had to do a paper again.
  • C. Xylita discovered that she left but a part of her assignment.
  • D. She blamed herself for her carelessness and promised to be more careful next time.
  • E. No mistakes.
Show answer

C — left but a part should be left out a part.

2

  • A. I didn’t saw Petra in the meeting this morning.
  • B. She was sick but I did not know that.
  • C. Do you think she will be able to come tomorrow?
  • D. I have to know because she was given me the paperback I lent her last week.
  • E. No mistakes.
Show answer

A — didn’t saw should be didn’t see.

Sentence D also has a slip: was given me should be gave me.

3

  • A. If you are truly fond of someone you don’t laugh at his mistakes.
  • B. You don’t become disappointed when he doesn’t seem able to do what has planned.
  • C. If you believe in his ability you help him develop confidence in himself.
  • D. This approach is very satisfying to both of you and will lead to a more pleasant relationship.
  • E. No mistakes.
Show answer

B — what has planned should be what he has planned.

4

  • A. Jonny spent two hours trying to solve the problem assigned to him.
  • B. At first he don’t have any idea what the problem was about.
  • C. After restating the problem he was able to outline the steps he would do.
  • D. From then on, it was smooth sailing for him.
  • E. No mistakes.
Show answer

B — he don’t have should be he didn’t have.

5

  • A. We have lived in Batangas since 1980.
  • B. I think we will be making it our home because father and mother think it is a good place to bring up children.
  • C. Before 1980, my parents live in Aklan where they both taught at one of the schools there.
  • D. We found Malaybalay a peaceful place and a healthful one, free from the distractions of city life.
  • E. No mistakes.
Show answer

C — my parents live should be my parents lived.

Key Takeaways

  • A clause has a subject and a predicate. An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause cannot.
  • An adverbial clause works like an adverb and is introduced by a subordinate conjunction.
  • Adverbial clauses express time, place, manner, degree, comparison, purpose, result, condition, concession, and cause or reason.
  • In a clause of comparison, supply the omitted words to choose the right pronoun case: faster than he (runs).

FAQ

What is the difference between an independent and a dependent clause?

An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause also has a subject and a predicate, but it cannot stand alone.

What is an adverbial clause?

It is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb. It is usually introduced by a subordinate conjunction such as when, because, or although.

Why do we say “faster than he” and not “faster than him”?

Because the clause is unfinished. Supply the omitted word and it reads faster than he runs, so he is the subject of that clause.

More Lessons to Try

Continue improving your English grammar and writing skills with these related lessons: