Using Clauses when Writing

CLAUSES –> group of related words that contain a subject and predicate

Types of Clauses (TWO)

1. Independent clause (main clause) –> can stand alone (simple sentence)
2. Dependent clause –> cannot stand alone as a sentence, must be joined to an independent clause
3. Subordinate (adverb) clause
   • begins with subordinate conjunction
   • usually answer question about independent clause
   • modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and entire independent clauses e.g. He arrived at the station after the train had left.
4. Adjective clause (relative clause)
   • begins with relative pronoun (who, which, that) or relative adverb (when, where)
   • modifies noun or pronoun (that it follows) (e.g. This is the house that Jack built).
   • Notes:
     • Use who, whom, whoever, whomever, when antecedent is person (or animal with name)
     • Use which or that when antecedent is thing or animal
     • either which or that can be used to begin a restrictive clause (although using which is becoming less acceptable)
     • sometimes that may be omitted (implied), clause is then called an elliptical clause e.g. The shoes she bought were red.
     • use which to begin nonrestrictive clause
5. Noun clause
   • begins with same words as adjective clause, plus when, where, whether, why, & how
   • function as nouns (e.g. What she says is not always true).
6. Elliptical clause
   • when the beginning word is merely implied can be either noun or adjective clause
   • Note: be careful since meaning may be not clear or sentence may be more difficult to understand:
     • e.g. I know Dale Smythe, who won a car in a raffle, is selling it.
     • e.g. I know that Dale Smythe, who won a car in a raffle, is selling it.

Category: Communications, Essay Writing