Clause


Definition of clause:
A group of words that forms part of a sentence, and has a subject and a predicate of its own, is called a Clause.
Kinds of clause:
1.       Principal Clause.
2.       Subordinate Clause.
A.     Noun Clause.
B.     Adjective Clause.
C.     Adverb Clause.
3.       Coordinate Clause.

Details about clause:

Principal Clause: A simple sentence is one which has only one subject and one predicate/finite verb.
Examples:
The moon was bright.
We could see our way.

Subordinate Clause: A complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more subordinate clause.
Examples:
Though he is poor, he is honest.
If you read attentively, you shall understand everything.

Important Note: (so that, if, since, as, when, though, although etc. are generally used in this kind of sentence)

Noun Clause: A noun clause is a group words which contains a subject and a predicate of its own, and does the work of a noun.

Functions of a noun clause:
a)      As a subject of a verb.
b)      As an object of a verb.
c)       As an object of a preposition.
d)      As a complement of a verb.
e)      As noun or pronoun of apposition.
Examples:
That he has much money is known to all   (As a subject of a verb)
I know that he has done the work               (As an object of a verb)
Do not think about what he said                  (As an object of a preposition)
This is what he said                                         (As a complement of a verb)
The fact that he is a thief is clear to all       (As noun or pronoun of apposition)

Adjective Clause: An adjective clause is a group words which contains a subject and a predicate of its own, and does the work of an adjective.
Examples:
I know the man who came.
Tell me the way how you will do it.
This is the man who went there.

Important Note: (In an adjective clause we generally can see- where, when, why, how, who, which, what etc.)

Adverb Clause: An adverb clause is a group words which contains a subject and a predicate of its own, and does the work of an adverb.
Examples:
You may sit, whenever you like.
When I was younger, I thought so.
I shall remain, where I am.
He could not go to school, because he was ill.

Important Note: (In an adverb clause we generally can see- where, whence, wherever, then, while, whenever, because, as, since, that, so that, in order that, lest, such, if, unless, incase, whether, on condition that, provided that, supposing that, though, although, than, even, as…as, the same…as, such…as, so…as etc.)

Coordinate Clause: A coordinate clause is one made up of two or more simple sentence.
Examples:
He came and he saw everything.
I called her but she gave me no answer.
He went there but he could not see the man.

Important Note: (And, and so, but, or, yet etc. are generally used in this kind of sentence)

Difference between Noun Clause and Adjective Clause:
I know who came (noun clause)                     = I know the man who came (adjective clause)
He understands why I say so (noun clause)   = He understands the reason why I say so (adjective clause)
This is who went there (noun clause)           = This is the man who went there (adjective clause)
Tell me how will do it (noun clause)             = Tell me the way how you will do it (adjective clause)

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