Clauses - Definition, Types and Uses with Examples

In the English language, a simple sentence consists of a subject and a predicate. In other words, it can be said that a sentence is composed of clauses. In this article, you will be introduced to what clauses are, their meaning and definition, the types of clauses and how they can be used in sentences. You can also check out the examples given to a much better idea of the same.

Table of Contents

• Clauses in English – Meaning and Definition
• Types of Clauses
• Examples of How to Use a Clause in a Sentence
• Check Your Understanding of Clauses
• Frequently Asked Questions on Clauses in English Grammar

Clauses in English – Meaning and Definition

A clause is a combination of words that makes up a sentence. It consists of a subject and a predicate. It can also be said that a clause should have a subject and a verb. Now, take a look at the definitions of clauses given by different dictionaries to understand what a clause is.

According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, a clause is defined as “a group of words that includes a subject and a verb, and forms a sentence or part of a sentence.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines a clause as “a group of words, consisting of a subject and a finite form of a verb.” “A clause is a group of words containing a verb”, according to the Collins Dictionary. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a clause is defined as “a group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex or compound sentence.”

Types of Clauses

According to how a clause behaves in a sentence, they can be classified into two types. They are:

• Main Clause or Independent Clause – A main clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It is one that can stand alone and makes complete sense. That is why it is called an independent clause.
• Subordinate Clause or Dependent Clause – A subordinate clause is a group of words that consists of a subject, a verb and a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. Unlike main clauses, subordinate clauses cannot stand alone or convey complete meaning when taken separately from the sentence it is a part of. Dependent clauses can be divided into types based on their function. The types of dependent clauses are noun clauses, adjective clauses, adverb clauses, conditional clauses, relative clauses, comparative clauses, verbless clauses and complementary clauses.

Examples of How to Use a Clause in a Sentence

Clauses can be placed in the different parts of a sentence. Take a look at the following examples to understand how clauses are formed and can be used.

Examples of Independent Clauses

• I know how to drive a car, but I enjoy riding bikes.
• Today is Wednesday.
• I was not keeping well, so I took a day off work.
• When I met you, I did not think we would get this close.
• It was my sister’s birthday yesterday; however, she did not want to celebrate.

Examples of Dependent Clauses

• After we reached home, we watched a movie.
• Everybody knows the boy who won the Best Outgoing Student Award.
• My mom asked me to call her as soon as I boarded the bus.
• While we were waiting at the bus stop, we saw a monkey snatching a snack from a little boy.
• Though Malcom did not find the movie interesting, he stayed until the end of the movie.

Check Your Understanding of Clauses

Identify the clauses in the following sentences and state whether they are independent or dependent clauses.

1. Naomi’s mother was out of town, so she took care of everyone at home.

2. I could not study as the lights went out.

3. Since she was absent for over a month, she found it hard to catch up with all that was going on at the office.

4. If you are not able to do it yourself, please feel free to take help from anyone here.

5. Have some pancakes in case you are hungry.

6. She is taller than my brother.

7. I am going to the reception even if you are not coming.

8. Rahman likes songs that are melodious.

9. Although I did not get much sleep last night, I don’t feel tired at all.

10. In addition to your SAT exam preparations, you should also prepare for the interview.

Now, check if you have identified the clauses correctly from the answers given below.

1. Naomi’s mother was out of town, so she took care of everyone at home.

Independent clause – Naomi’s mother was out of town

Independent clause – She took care of everyone at home

2. I could not study as the lights went out.

Independent clause – I could not study

Dependent clause – As the lights went out

3. Since she was absent for over a month, she found it hard to catch up with all that was going on at the office.

Independent clause – Since she was absent for over a month

Dependent clause – She found it hard to catch up with all that was going on at the office

4. If you are not able to do it yourself, please feel free to take help from anyone here.

Independent clause – Please feel free to take help from anyone here

Dependent clause – If you are not able to do it yourself

5. Have some pancakes in case you are hungry.

Independent clause – Have some pancakes

Dependent clause – In case you are hungry

6. She is taller than my brother.

Independent clause – She is taller

Dependent clause – Than my brother

7. I am going to the reception even if you are not coming.

Independent clause – I am going to the reception

Dependent clause – Even if you are not coming

8. Rahman likes songs that are melodious.

Independent clause – Rahman likes songs

Dependent clause – That are melodious

9. Although I did not get much sleep last night, I don’t feel tired at all.

Independent clause – I don’t feel tired at all

Dependent clause – Although I did not get much sleep last night

10. In addition to your SAT exam preparations, you should also prepare for the interview.

Independent clause – You should also prepare for the interview

Dependent clause – In addition to your SAT exam preparations