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What is a 'clause'?

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By Venugopal Bandlamudi ( Psychologist )




Shall we learn what a clause is?

Clause : A clause is a group of words which resembles a phrase, but it has its own subject and predicate.

Types of clauses: Clauses can broadly be divided into two types.

1. Independent Clause.

2. Dependent Clause.


1. Independent Clause: An Independent Clause is a group of words in a sentence which has complete meaning and can stand on its own. It is also called the main clause of the sentence. The Independent Clauses can combine with other clauses and form complex and compound sentences.

Examples: 

Roshni ate some noodles when she got hungry yesterday.

We love this restaurant because the service here is excellent.

Raveena switched on the TV to divert her son’s attention.


2. Dependent Clause: A Dependent Clause can’t stand on its own but depend upon the main clause to make complete sense.

Examples: 

If you practise hard, you will win the game.

Tommy was extra careful while crossing the road.

Everybody stayed inside because there was heavy snow.


Dependent Clauses can again be divided into many types. They are:

a) Noun Clause

b) Adverb Clause

c) Adjective Clause

d) Conditional Clause

e) Relative Clause


(We shall discuss these Dependent Clauses in detail elsewhere on this website.)


Practice

Identify whether the following highlighted clauses are dependent or independent

1. If I were PM, I would provide free education and health facilities to all the citizens of our country. 

2. They came here yesterday to meet him. 

3. Call 101 in case of fire accident. 

4. The robbers fled the place as they heard the police siren. 

5. Naresh is sad because his father has scolded him. 



                 


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