A clause is comprised of a group of words that include a subject and a verb.
The two types of clauses in English are the Independent clause and the Dependent clause. The
independent clause is also referred to as the principal clause or main clause. It has a subject as well as
a verb, and it can also be used as a sentence.
Examples-
1. She is intelligent.
2. I want to buy a phone.
The dependent clause is also called the subordinate clause and it needs an independent clause for
providing the complete meaning to the sentence. The dependent clause doesn’t act as the sentence as
they need support from the independent clause.
Examples-
1. He cried since he fell down the stairs.
2. I know the man who stole the watch.
Example- He had to give up work because he injured his foot.
TYPES OF DEPENDENT CLAUSES-
1. Adjective Clause/ Relative Clause- It is a type of dependent clause that modifies a Noun or
pronoun. Basically, Adjective Clauses have similar qualities as Adjectives that are of
modifying Nouns and hence the name, Adjective Clause. These are also called Relative Clauses
as they start with relative pronouns such as which, who, that, whom, where etc. (they usually
sit right after the Noun).
Ex- I’m looking for the red book that went missing last week.
He is the one who stole the car.
2. Noun Clause- Dependent Clauses acting as Nouns in sentences are called Noun Clauses. These
often start with WH-words (What, Who, Where, When, Why, Which, Whose and Whom), if,
whether etc. The noun clause usually follows the main clause. The answer you in the form of a
noun.
Ex- I like what I hear.
They don’t know when they will arrive.
3. Adverb Clause- By definition, these are Dependent Clauses acting as Adverbs. It means that
these clauses have the power to modify the Verbs. They give us some information about the
main clause. The adverb clause can go both before or after the dependent clauses.
Ex- I will go if you go as well.
As it’s his birthday, let’s book a nice restaurant.
