Clauses

Front

What is a clause?

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A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be independent (able to stand alone) or dependent (cannot stand alone).

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It does not express a complete thought.

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What are coordinating conjunctions?

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Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The most common are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so (FANBOYS).

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What is the purpose of a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

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A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction to separate two independent clauses in a compound sentence.

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is a compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between the two.

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What is the function of a relative pronoun in a clause?

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A relative pronoun introduces a relative clause and relates it to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Examples include who, whom, whose, which, and that.