A clause is a group of words that includes the subject (who or what the sentence is about) as well as the verb (describing the main action of the subject). There are two kinds of phrases: independent and dependent. Simply expressed, an independent clause may stand alone and constitute a full sentence, but a dependent clause cannot (at least, not alone).
To put it another way: The independent category is analogous to a cup of coffee, while the dependent phrase is analogous to your favourite caffeinated beverage. Caffeine addicts rely on coffee, thus the two can (with great pleasure) be joined to make a coherent entity. Likewise, two cups of coffee or two distinct categories can be merged. However, you can’t bring two caffeine addicts together and expect them to create a productive atmosphere without coffee. It just does not work. They require caffeine.
The same is true for sentences. A dependent clause and an independent clause can be joined. So, let’s go a little further and look at some examples of independent and dependent clauses.
What are Independent Clauses?
A title (as well as who or what the phrase is about) and a predicate are included in an independent clause (which tells us something about a topic, such as what a title does).
As previously stated, these clauses can function as entire sentences on their own, but they can also be coupled with other clauses (either independent or dependent) to make longer sentences.
Consider this example: The coffee was brewing because it was early morning.
This statement may be divided into two pieces. The coffee was brewing in the first portion. This is an independent sentence because it has a subject and a verb: the subject is coffee, and the verb phrase is/was brewing.
Examples of Independent Clauses
Let us look at a few more examples of independent clauses:
- The squirrels are busy preparing for the winter by hoarding nuts.
- To keep in shape, I prefer to swim laps.
- Brushing your teeth twice a day is really essential.
- We are looking forward to the film’s release.
- Our solar system revolves around the sun.
- The lecturer is always well-prepared for class.
- To start with the most difficult tasks is a good task.
- Cheetahs are the world’s fastest terrestrial animals.
- My favourite summer hobbies are hiking and riding.
- She wishes to go throughout the world and experience amazing places.
What are Dependent Clauses?
The dependent clauses, as you’ve seen, cannot stand alone in a sentence, just as exhausted individuals can’t work without coffee. To create a full sentence, a dependent clause (or subordinate) begins with a subject, such as if, after, before, because, or although, and requires the support of an independent clause.
Let’s look at the several sorts of dependent clauses: adjective clauses, adverbial clauses, and noun clauses.
1. Adjective Clauses
A dependent clause that defines a noun in another portion of a phrase is known as an adjective paragraph. Adjective clauses start with nouns that describe who or what. They can also begin with where, where, and why extensions.
2. Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses are dependent clauses that explain why, when, how, and under what circumstances something happens.
3. Noun Clauses
Noun clauses start with terms like what, why, who, and that and can be either the subject or the object of a phrase.
Examples of Dependent Clauses
Let us look at a few examples of dependent clauses:
- The girl’s actions are not particularly helpful.
- After months of investigation, he eventually finished his work.
- The winner of the race receives the trophy.
- While I was sleeping, the cat knocked down the plant.
- There are two protons in a helium nucleus, but only one in a hydrogen nucleus.
- What happened to the ice cream that was supposed to be in the freezer?
- No one wanted to eat after Mike sneezed all over the hamburger patties.
- I was born in a town which is located on the east coast.
- Whatever it takes, we’ll do it.
Continue browsing EnglishBix to learn about the many sorts of clauses we use to construct our sentences in English.
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