• Simple sentence
• Compound Sentence
• Complex Sentence

One of the similarities of the three kinds mentioned above is that all of them are made up of at least one clause.

So what is a clause anyway?

In its simplest sense, a clause is the most basic grammatical unit which conveys a complete preposition. Just like a sentence, it is also a group of words composed of a subject and a verb.

Different Types of Clauses

Now that you already have an idea on what a clause is, the different types of clauses will now be discussed.

1. Independent Clause

The independent clause, also called the main clause, is the type which can stand on its own. It expresses a complete thought, and every kind of sentence structure must contain at least one independent clause (or else, the group of words will just be a sentence fragment instead of an actual sentence).

Formula: independent clause= subject + verb

Examples:

• The pretty girl stumbled across the stage.

This whole simple sentence is the independent clause. The subject is the “girl,” while the verb is “stumbled.”

Note: All simple sentences are composed of one independent clause.

• Because my sister is lactose intolerant, she only drinks goat’s milk.

In this complex sentence, the italicized part is the independent clause. You can notice that it has a subject (she) and a verb (drinks), and it expresses a complete thought even without the first part of the sentence.

• I enrolled in the Italian class, and my brother took the French class.

In this compound sentence, there are two independent clauses (italicized parts) joined together by the clause connector “and.” For the first independent clause, the subject is “I,” while the verb is “enrolled.” On the other hand, the second independent clause has “brother” as the subject, and “took” as the verb.

2. Dependent Clause

Unlike the first type, a dependent clause (subordinate clause) cannot stand on its own, even though it has its own subject and verb.

Formula: dependent clause= subordinate conjunction + subject + verb

Examples:

• As the days passed by, he began to understand what the old woman said.

In the italicized dependent clause, the subject is “days,” and the verb is “passed.”

• Because the weather is too bad, my dad decided to postpone the trip.

In this sample sentence, you can notice that although the italicized part has a subject (weather) and  a verb (is), it still needs the latter part of the sentence in order to make complete sense.

3. Relative Clause

Also called an adjectival clause, the relative clause functions as an adjective, and cannot stand on its own.

Formulas: relative clause= relative pronoun (whom, who, which, whose, that) + subject + verb

relative clause= relative adverb (where, why, when) + subject + verb

relative clause= relative pronoun acting as a subject +               verb

Example:

• To calm her best friend, Monica offered a cookie which Rachel did not accept.

The relative pronoun in this sentence is “which,” the subject is “Rachel,” and the verb is “did accept” (“not” is an adverb).

4. Noun Clauses

As the name suggests, this type refers to any clause that acts as a noun.

Example:

• You really do not want to know what the old man does inside that rugged cabin.

(The italicized part is the noun clause.)

Final Thoughts

A strong grasp on the concept of clauses is necessary for you to understand compound sentences and complex sentences. It can also help you in determining the appropriate clause connector to use, when to use commas, and avoid sentence fragments or run-on sentences. Needless to say, a deep understanding of clauses can increase the clarity of your writing, and significantly improve your overall writing style.

1. Adjective

This word is classified under adjectives if it is used to modify a noun or a pronoun by indicating similarities in qualities or characteristics. For example, in the sentence below:

You’re not talking about like things when you compare football and golf.

The word “like” is used as an adjective that describes the noun “things.”

Definition:

a. having the same or similar qualities

• Example:
• I responded in like manner.

2. Preposition

Another common function of the word “like” is as a preposition that also means “for example” or “similar to.” In the sample sentence below:

Their house is like a barn.

The word “like” is used as a preposition that indicates that the “house” is similar to a “barn.”

Definition:

a. having the same characteristics or qualities as

• Example:
• There were other suits like mine in the shop.

b. used to draw attention to the nature of an action or event

• Example:
• We apologize for coming over unannounced like this.

c. such as; for example

• Example:
• They discussed books like 1984 and Animal Farm.

3. Adverb

The word ”like” can also be categorized as an adverb if it is used to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Take for example, the sentence below:

The distance is more like 750 miles.

In this sentence, the word modifies the adjective “750,” and is therefore considered as an adverb.

Definition:

a. nearly; approximately

• Example:
• It was like 8 feet deep.

b. used in speech as a meaningless filler or to signify the speaker’s uncertainty about an expression just used

• Example:
• There was this funny smell—sort of dusty like.

4. Conjunction

There are also some cases wherein the word “like” is used as a conjunction that connects two clauses to form one sentence. For instance, in the sample sentence below:

I hate girls who change boyfriends like they change clothes.

The word “like” serves as a conjunction that links together the clauses “I hate girls who change boyfriends” and “they change clothes.”

Definition:

a. in the same way that; as

• Example:
• They raven down scenery like children do sweetmeats.

b. as though; as if

• Example:
• I felt like I’d been kicked by a horse.

5. Noun

Other times, the word “like” is considered as a noun, which refers to something of the same kind. In the example:

Did you ever hear the like?

The word “like” is used as a noun that is used to indicate a thing of the same kind.

Definition:

a. a thing or things of the same kind

• Example:
• We will never see anyone of her like again.
  

6. Verb

The word “like” is also typically used as a verb that indicates a state of being. Take for example, the sentence:

He likes baseball more than anything.

In this sentence, the word suggests the state of being of the pronoun “he,” and is therefore considered as a verb.

Definition:

a. to enjoy (something); to get pleasure from (something)

• Example:
• I like all Dan Brown’s books.
  

b. wish for; want

• Example:
• Would you like a cup of tea?

1. Conjunction

This word is most commonly used as a conjunction because it can connect two clauses to form a single sentence by presenting the conditional clause. Furthermore, the word “if” can also mean “whether.” In the sample sentence below:

You can walk, if the rain stops.

The word “if” is categorized under conjunctions because it connects the clauses “you can walk” and “the rain stops.”

Definition:

a. introducing a conditional clause

• Example:
•  This would never have happened, if you had stayed.

b. whether

• Example:
• I doubt if I’ll pass the test.

2. Noun

In other cases, the word “if” is considered as a noun, which refers to a condition. For example, in the sentence below:

There are a lot of ifs in the policy.

The word “if” is classified as a noun that also means “conditions.”

Definition:

a. a condition or supposition

• Example:
• I don’t need your ifs scenarios.

1. Adverb

This word is categorized as an adverb if it is used to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb in a particular sentence. Furthermore, this adverb is typically used to emphasize that something is of a high degree or intensity. For instance, in the sample sentence below:

She worked very quickly.

The word “very” is considered as an adverb because it modifies another adverb “quickly.”

Definition:

a. to a great degree

• Example:
• It is the very best store in the city.

2. Adjective

There are also other times wherein the word “very” is considered as an adjective because it can modify a noun. When used as an adjective, this word typically means “exact” or “precise.” Take for example, the sentence:

Those were her very words.

The word “very” is categorized under adjectives because it describes the noun “words.”

Definition:

a. actual; precise

• Example:
• I found it at the very heart of the city.

b. being the same one

• Example:
• That is the very woman you were looking for.

c. emphasizing an extreme point in time or space

• Example:
• I knew it from the very beginning of the movie.

1. Adjective

This word is commonly classified as an adjective if it is used to introduce a noun or a noun phrase. In the sample sentence below:

What time is it?

The word “what” introduces the noun “time,” and is therefore considere d as a adjective.

Definition:

a. asking for information specifying something

• Example:
• What books did you buy?

2. Adverb

In some cases, the word “what” is considered as an adverb if it modifies a verb. For instance, in the sample sentence below:

What does he care?

The word “what” functions as an adverb because it modifies the verb “care.”

Definition:

a. in what way

• Example:
• What does it matter?

3. Pronoun

The word “what” is also normally categorized as a pronoun if it is used for asking questions about something or if it is used to substitute a noun. For example, in the sentence below:

What we need is commitment.

This “what” word is classified under pronouns because it replaces a thing or a noun.

Definition:

a. asking for information specifying something

• Example:
• What is beauty?

b. used to describe a question

• Example:
• What is this?

c. the thing or things that (used in specifying something)

• Example:
• I want to do what I can to make a difference.

4. Interjection

Other times, this word is classified under interjections because it can be used to express sudden emotions. Take for example, the sentence:

What a suggestion!

In this sample sentence, the word “what” is used to exclaim and express a burst of emotion regarding the noun “suggestion.”

Definition:

a. emphasizing something surprising or remarkable

• Example:
• What a charming lady!

1. Preposition

This word can be categorized as a preposition when it is used to indicate movement to a specific location, or, the subject of something written or spoken. For example, in the sentence below:

I read a book about decoupage.

The word “about” is used to indicate the subject of the “book” that is being talked about in the sentence.

Definition:

a. on the subject of; concerning

• Example:
• I was thinking about her.

b. used to indicate movement within a particular area

• Example:
• He looked about the room.

2. Adverb

The word “about” can be considered as an adverb if it is used to modify a verb or another adverb. For instance, in the sample sentence below:

I saw the kid floundering about in the water.

The word is categorized as an adverb because it modifies the verb “floundering.”

Definition:

a. used to indicate movement in an area

• Example:
• There were snakes crawling about in the grass.

b. almost or nearly

• Example:
• He was about to join the army.

3. Adjective

In some cases, the word “about” is also categorized under adjectives if it tells something about a noun or a pronoun. Take for example, the sentence below:

Shane’s up and about again, but he may still not be able to drive for months.

In this example, the word “about” serves as an adjective that describes the noun “Shane.”

Definition:

a. being out of bed

• Example:
• He’s always up and about  at 5 in the morning.

1. Preposition

This word can be classified as a preposition because it can be used to indicate position in time or place. For instance, in the sample sentence below:

My kids go to bed at nine o’clock. 

The word “at” is considered as a preposition because it is used to specify the time “nine o’clock.”

Definition:

a. expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position

• Example:
• They live at Winterfell.

b. expressing the time when an event takes place

• Example:
• The desert is cooler at night.

c. denoting a particular point or segment on a scale

• Example:
• The prices start at $100.

1. Preposition

This word is commonly used as a preposition because it can help state the location or the date. For example, in the sentence below:

The gun is lying on the table.

The word “on” is categorized as a preposition because it expresses where the “gun” is located.

Definition:

a. physically in contact with and supported by (a surface)

• Example:
• The freshly baked cookies are on the counter.

b. indicating the day or part of a day during which an event takes place

• Example:
• The crime was reported on June 24.

c. having (the thing mentioned) as a topic

• Example:
• I found an interesting book on mental disorders.

d. used as a function word to indicate a source of attachment or support

• Example:
• It is much better if you would just attach it on a string.

          2.    Adverb

The word “on” can also serve as an adverb on various instances, when it modifies a verb. Take for example, the sentence below:

He put his new shoes on.

In this sentence, the word “on” modifies the verb “put,” and is therefore considered as an adverb.

Definition:

a. in or into a position of continuance

• Example:
• I ordered him to switch the lights on.

          3.    Adjective

There are also some cases wherein the word “on” is categorized under adjectives because it can modify nouns. For example, in the sentence below:

Pressure will build up inside when the cover is on tight.

The word “on” functions as an adjective because it modifies the noun “cover.”

Definition:

a. attached to or covering something

• Example:
• Water loss is slower when the lid is on.

b. being in operation

• Example:
• I studied while the radio is on.

c. taking place or being broadcast

• Example:
• The game is on.

d. performing or speaking in public

• Example:
• The band will be on in 30 minutes.

1.  Preposition

“From” is categorized under prepositions because it can be used to indicate the time or location. For example, in the sentence below:

The accident occurred 10 meters from the intersection.

The word “from” is used to indicate the location of the “accident.”

Definition:

a. used to indicate the starting point of a physical movement or action

• Example:
• They came here all the way from the Netherlands.

b. indicating the point in time at which a particular process, event, or activity starts

• Example:
• The show will run from 6 to 9.

c. indicating the point at which an observer is placed

• Example:
• You can see the lighthouse from here.

d. used to indicate the place where someone lives or was born

• Example:
• I’m from the United States.

e. used as a function word to indicate physical separation or an act or condition of removal, abstention, exclusion, release, subtraction, or differentiation

• Example:
• It can provide protection from the sun.

f. used as a function word to indicate the source, cause, agent, or basis

• Example:
• I just received a call from my boss.

1. Pronoun

In all cases, the word “who” acts as a pronoun because it can take the place of a noun. It can be used to ask a question about which person, or it can also start the clause that provides additional details regarding someone. For instance, in the sample sentence below:

That is the woman who gave me the address.

The word “who” is used to introduce the clause that provides further information about the “woman.”

Definition:

a. what or which person or people

• Example:
• Who is that man?

b. used to introduce a clause giving further information about a person or people previously mentioned

• Example:
• Christopher plays the teenager who killed his own parents.