Clauses
A clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a predicate. Every complete sentence is made up of at least one clause.
Independent Clause:
An independent clause is a complete sentence; it contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought in both context and meaning.
For example: The door opened.
Independent clauses can be joined by a coordinating conjunction to form complex or compound sentences.
Michael bought a new computer. (One independent clause)
Michael bought a new computer, but he still has the old one. [Two independent clauses (Coordinating conjunctions don't count as part of the clause.)]
Although he still has his old one, Michael now has a new computer. (Only the second clause is independent.)
Dependent Clause:
A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) does not make sense by itself. It does not express a complete thought.
Although he still has his old one. (Without the independent clause, a dependent clause is a sentence fragment.)
A dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction, a relative pronoun, or some other word that causes it to become dependent.
A dependent clause will make sense only when attached to an independent clause.
Although he still has his old one. (Although is a subordinating conjunction.)
He still has his old one. (Without the conjunction, the clause becomes independent.)
Michael now has a new computer although he still has his old one. (Combined with an independent clause, the dependent clause makes sense.)
Dependent clauses can come after, before, or in the middle of the independent clause.
Always remember:
|
Co-ordinating Conjunctions |
Sub-ordinating Conjunctions |
|
and |
after |
|
or |
before |
|
yet |
since |
|
but |
though |
|
not |
whenever |
|
for |
until |
|
so |
whereas |
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