Dr.
Farheen Javed
******
English Grammar
Clauses are used as the fundamental building blocks of sentences,
combining to create complex expressions that convey meaning. A
clause must contain a subject and a verb. There are two main
types: independent clauses, which can stand alone as complete
sentences, and dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone and
must be attached to an independent clause to make sense.
Types of Clauses and Their Uses
Independent Clause:
Definition: A group of words with a subject and a verb that
expresses a complete thought and can function as a standalone
sentence.
Use: To convey the main idea of a sentence.
Example: "I went to the store."
Dependent Clause (or Subordinate Clause):
Definition: A group of words with a subject and a verb that does
not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone. It often
begins with a subordinating conjunction (like because, if, when,
although).
Use: To add extra information or context to the independent
clause.
Example: "Because I was hungry" (needs an independent clause
to be complete, such as "Because I was hungry, I went to the
store").
How Clauses Build Sentences
Simple Sentences:
Consist of a single independent clause.
Example: "She sings well."
Compound Sentences:
Formed by joining two or more independent clauses with a
coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or), indicating equal
importance.
Example: "She sings well, and he plays the piano."
Complex Sentences:
Formed by combining an independent clause with one or more
dependent clauses.
Example: "Because she practices daily, she sings well."
Compound-Complex Sentences:
Combine two or more independent clauses with one or more
dependent clauses.
Example: "Because she practices daily, she sings well, and he
plays the piano."
In Summary
Understanding clauses is essential for crafting clear, varied, and
meaningful sentences in English. By learning to identify and
combine independent and dependent clauses, writers can
structure their thoughts effectively and build sophisticated
sentences.
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb, while
a sentence is a complete unit of thought that must contain at least
one independent clause and can stand alone. In essence, a clause
is a component part, and a sentence is the complete, self-
contained whole.
Clause
Definition: A clause is a grammatical unit that has both a subject
and a verb.
Types:
o Independent Clause: Contains a subject and verb and expresses a
complete thought, meaning it can stand alone as a simple
sentence.
Example: "The dog barks."
o Dependent Clause (or Subordinate Clause): Also contains a
subject and verb but does not express a complete thought and
cannot stand alone. It relies on an independent clause to make
sense.
Example: "Because it was late, we left."
Function: Clauses form the basic building blocks of sentences.
Types of Clauses
.
1. Independent Clause (or Main Clause)
.
. Definition: A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence
because it has a subject, verb, and a complete thought.
. Example: "She laughed".
.
2. Dependent Clause (or Subordinate Clause)
.
. Definition: A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete
sentence and needs to be connected to an independent clause to
provide full meaning.
. Subtypes:
. Noun Clause: Functions as a noun in the sentence (e.g., as a
subject, object, or complement).
. Example: "What you said" surprised me.
. Adjective Clause (or Relative Clause): Acts like an adjective,
describing or modifying a noun or pronoun.
. Example: The car that he bought is fast.
. Adverbial Clause: Functions like an adverb, telling when, where,
why, or how something happens.
. Example: Because it was late, we left.
Conjunctions are words that join two or more words, phrases, or
clauses together in a sentence, functioning as bridges to create
flow and variety in writing. Common examples include coordinating
conjunctions like "and," "but," and "or," which join elements of
equal rank, and subordinating conjunctions like "because," "if," and
"when," which connect a dependent clause to an independent
clause.
Types of Conjunctions
.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
.
These connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal
grammatical importance.
.
. FANBOYS: is a helpful acronym to remember these conjunctions:
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
. Examples:
. Words: "Mary and Jane went to the Writing Center".
. Phrases: "Mary corrected her essay and handed it in".
. Clauses: "Mary went to the Writing Center, but John went
home".
.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions:
.
These connect a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone) to
an independent clause.
.
. Examples: "If you are going outside, take your jacket", "She went
to the park because she wanted some fresh air".
Creating Coherence
To create coherence in writing, use transitional words and
phrases, repeat key words or phrases, use pronouns and
synonyms, and implement parallel structures to logically link ideas,
sentences, and paragraphs. Additionally, start paragraphs with
clear topic sentences that introduce the main idea, ensure a logical
organization in your outline, and maintain a consistent tone and
style throughout your writing.
1. Use Transitional Words and Phrases
Purpose:
These act as "signposts" to guide the reader and show the
relationship between ideas.
Examples:
For addition: "in addition," "furthermore," "also".
For contrast: "however," "but," "on the other hand".
For cause/effect: "therefore," "because," "as a result".
For sequence: "first," "then," "later," "finally".
2. Employ Repetition and Synonyms
Repetition:
Repeating key words or phrases can reinforce ideas and show
how they connect across sentences and paragraphs.
Synonyms:
Using synonyms (words with the same or similar meanings) adds
variety and helps avoid excessive repetition while maintaining
focus on a central idea.
3. Utilize Pronouns
Purpose:
Pronouns link sentences by referring to nouns that appeared
earlier, eliminating wordiness and improving readability.
Example:
Instead of repeating a noun, a pronoun like "he," "she," "it," or
"they" can be used.
4. Implement Parallel Structures
Purpose:
Using parallel structures (matching words, phrases, or sentence
structures) creates a smooth flow and helps readers process
similar ideas more easily.
Example:
"He likes to read books, to write stories, and to paint pictures"
uses parallel infinitive phrases.
5. Maintain a Clear Structure and Topic Sentences
Outline:
Plan your paper with a logical roadmap to organize your points
effectively before you start writing.
Topic Sentences:
Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces
the main idea of that paragraph and shows how it relates to the
overall topic.
6. Review and Seek Feedback
Revision: Coherence is often developed during the revision
stages.
Feedback: Have peers or supervisors read your work to identify
any areas that lack logical connection or feel disjointed.
