THE CLAUSE

What is a clause?• A clause is a word group that contains a verb and its

subject and that is used as a sentence or part of a sentence

The Independent Clause• An independent (or main) clause expresses a complete

thought and can stand by itself as a sentence• Ex.

• Ms. Santana works in a law office in downtown Concord.• Ms. Santana works in a law office that has a view of downtown

Concord

• Ms. Santana works in a law office in downtown Concord, and she has a successful practice.• Each bold clause has its own subject and verb and expresses a

complete thought

The Subordinate Clause• A subordinate (or dependent) clause does not express a

complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a sentence• Words like when, whom, because, which, that, if and until

signal that the clause following them are likely subordinate• Examples

• When you arrive at the airport in Dallas• Which grow only locally• That he had granted us an interview

• When you arrive at the airport in Dallas, call us.

• These wildflowers, which grow only locally, are of interest to scientists.

• Did you know that he has granted us an interview?

The Adjective Clause• An adjective clause is a subordinate clause that modifies

a noun or pronoun• Usually tells us what kind or which one• Examples

• This is the new music video that I like best.• Griffins, which are mythological beasts, are included

on many coats of arms.

The Adverb Clause• An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a

verb, an adjective, or an adverb• Generally tells how, when, where, why, how much, to what

extent, or under what conditions• Examples

• After I had proofread my paper, I input the corrections• Because crepes are delicious, Joy makes them on special

occasions.• You and your brother may come with us if you want to.

The Noun Clause• A noun clause is a subordinate clause that is used as a

noun• May be used as a subject, as a complement, or as the

object of a preposition• Examples

• They did not know who it could be.• Show us what you bought.• What you learn is your decision.• She wished that she were older.