Clause Notes

Independent Clauses A clause is a group of words that contains a verb and its subject and is used as a part of a sentence. An independent clause or main clause expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence. When an independent clause stands alone, it is called a sentence. Example: I woke up late this morning. The alarm clock never rang.

Subordinate Clauses A subordinate clause or dependent clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone. A subordinate clause must be joined with at least one independent clause to make a sentence and express a complete thought. Subordinate clauses contain a subject and a verb, but because they begin with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun, they cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Subordinate Clause Examples I have liked you since the day we met. We gave our hamster the food that the veterinarian recommended. If the dress is too long, we will hem it. Since I missed the bus, my mother drove me to school.

Adjective Clauses An adjective clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun or a pronoun. An adjective clause contains a subject and a verb, but it modifies a noun or pronoun. An adjective clause usually follows the noun or pronoun it modifies and tells which one or what kind.

An adjective clause is almost always introduced by a relative pronoun. Relatives pronouns are that, which, who, whom, whose. They are called relative pronouns because they relate an adjective clause to the noun or pronoun that the clause modifies.

Adjective Clause Examples A snorkel is a hollow tube that lets a diver breathe underwater. The team’s mascot, which is a horse, is called Renegade. Gwendolyn Brooks is the writer who is the poet laureate of Illinois. Those whose library books are overdue must pay fines.

Adverb Clauses An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that is used as an adverb. An adverb clause may modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. An adverb clause answers the questions where, when, how, under what condition, to what extent Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions. (a list of subordinating conjunctions can be found in your conjunction notes or on page 524 in your grammar book)

Adverb Clause Examples Before the sun had risen, we left for the cabin. Around 1900, as the buffalo became nearly extinct, conservationists fought for its protection. After I finish painting my bookcases, I will call you. I will paint until my mom comes home.