Clauses

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can express a complete thought (independent clause) or an incomplete thought (dependent clause).

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and a verb.

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It does not express a complete thought and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

"She enjoys reading books." This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

"Although she enjoys reading books," This clause cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to complete its meaning.

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between the two. Examples include 'although', 'because', 'since', and 'when'.

The independent clause is "the sky turns orange." It can stand alone as a complete sentence.

The dependent clause is "If it rains tomorrow." It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Clauses function as the building blocks of sentences, providing essential information and helping to convey complete thoughts.

A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun and usually begins with a relative pronoun such as 'who', 'which', or 'that'.