Clauses
There are two main categories of clauses: independent and dependent (subordinate).
Independent clauses can stand alone; in other words, they are complete on their own.
Example: Thomas and Janet went to the mall to buy a birthday present.
Dependent clauses cannot stand on their own; in other words, they must be connected to one or more independent clauses.
Characteristics of dependent clauses:
1)Contain a subject and verb separate from those of the base sentence
2)Begin with an introductory word
There are three specific dependent clauses: noun, adjective, and adverb
Noun clause: (1) Usually begins with one of the following words: who, whom, whose, which, that, whoever, whomever, whosoever, whichever, wherever, why, how; (2) Contains a subject and verb; (3) Serves as a noun in the base sentence; (4) Serves a specific sentence function
Examples:I want to know who broke the vase. (Noun clause/direct object.)
Whoever sings best gets the lead in the play. (Noun clause/subject)
I want to think about how the glass got damaged.
Adjective clause: (1) Usually begins with one of the following words: who, whom, whose, which, that, where; (2) Contains a subject and verb; (3) Serves as an adjective modifying a noun/pronoun
Examples:The girl who goes to UVA is a freshman.
Coffee, which comes from beans, is a popular morning drink.
That is the house where I was raised.
**Note** The introductory word might or might not serve as the subject in the noun clause or the adjective clause.**
Adverb clause: (1) Begins with a subordinate conjunction: List of common subordinating conjunctions: as, after, although, as if, as long as, as soon as, as though, because, before, being that, considering that, if, in case, in order that, inasmuch as, insofar as, just so, lest, since, though, unless, until, when, whenever, whereas, wherever, whether, while; (2) Contains a subject and verb; (3) Serves as an adverb telling why, how, when, where, or under what conditions
Examples:After I leave school today, I will go to a conference.
You must submit your homework unless you are absent.
Just so you know, I will be here early tomorrow!
John was late, but after he explained, I admitted him to class.
**Note** The introductory word in an adverb clause will never serve as the subject of the clause.**
Quick check! Are there clauses in these sentences?
- I am angry at her because of her attitude!
- I will wait for you until 2:00.
- Who are you?
- After lunch, we will leave for the beach.
- I have always wanted to be a teacher.