English Grammar: Phrases and Clauses

Phrases and Clauses

Independent Clauses

• A independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate.
• It expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
• Typically, an independent clause begins with a capital letter and ends with a period.
• Examples:
  • I went to the store.
  • She ate breakfast.

Dependent Clauses

• A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, but cannot stand alone as a sentence.
• It does not express a complete thought and relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning.
• Typically, a dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g. because, although, if).
• Examples:
  • Because I was tired.
  • Since I forgot my wallet.

Adjective Clauses

• An adjective clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun.
• It typically begins with a relative pronoun (e.g. who, which, that) and provides more information about the noun or pronoun.
• Examples:
  • The book, which was on the table, is mine.
  • The student who answered the question correctly won a prize.

Relative Clauses

• A relative clause is a type of adjective clause that provides more information about a noun or pronoun.
• It is introduced by a relative pronoun (e.g. who, which, that, whom) and functions as an adjective.
• Examples:
  • The book that I read was interesting.
  • The teacher whom I respect is very kind.

Noun Clauses

• A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun in a sentence.
• It can act as a subject, complement, or object of a verb.
• Typically, a noun clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g. that, what, whether).
• Examples:
  • What she said was very interesting.
  • The fact that he is tired is irrelevant.
  • The question is whether we will arrive on time.