Clause

 

Definition of Clause:

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate (verb). It may or may not express a complete thought.

 

 Types of Clauses:

Clauses are mainly divided into two types:

1. Independent Clause (Main Clause)

• A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Examples :

1.   She loves painting.

2.   The sun sets in the west.

3.   I went to the market.

4.   We watched a movie last night.

5.   He runs every morning.

6.   They are playing football.

7.   I will call you later.

8.   She passed the test easily.

9.   The dog barked loudly.

10.                     You must complete your homework.

 

2. Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause)

• A clause that cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for meaning.

Dependent clauses are further divided into:

NOUN CLAUSE

Definition:

A Noun Clause is a group of words that acts as a noun in a sentence. It usually begins with words like that, what, whatever, who, whom, whoever, whomever, how, why, when, where, etc.

 A Noun Clause can be the subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

 10 Examples of Noun Clauses:

1.   What you said is true. (Subject)

2.   I don’t know where she lives. (Object)

3.   She believes that he is honest. (Object)

4.   Why he left remains a mystery. (Subject)

5.   The fact that you tried makes me happy. (Noun complement)

6.   We are interested in what he discovered. (Object of preposition)

7.   Tell me how you solved it. (Object)

8.   Whoever finishes first will get a prize. (Subject)

9.   I wonder whether they will come. (Object)

10.                     He didn’t hear what the teacher said. (Object)

 

 STATIVE VERBS (Also called State Verbs)

 Definition:

Stative verbs describe a state or condition, not an action. They are often related to:

• Thoughts and opinions (know, believe, understand)
• Emotions (like, love, hate)
• Possession (have, own, belong)
• Senses (see, hear, smell – when used statively)
• Existence and being (be, seem, appear)

 These verbs are not usually used in continuous (–ing) form.

 

 10 Examples of Stative Verbs in Sentences:

1.   I know the answer.

2.   She believes in hard work.

3.   They own a big house.

4.   This book belongs to me.

5.   He seems tired today.

6.   I understand your point.

7.   We love chocolate cake.

8.   He has two brothers.

9.   It smells like roses.

10.                     The idea appears interesting.

 

 1. Verbs of Emotion and Feeling

These express emotions or mental states.

• love
• like
• hate
• prefer
• care
• mind
• want
• need
• desire
• appreciate
• dislike
• fear
• envy

 

 2. Verbs of Thinking and Knowing

These describe mental processes or knowledge.

• know
• believe
• understand
• think(when it means "believe")
• remember
• forget
• mean
• imagine
• suppose
• recognize
• doubt
• agree
• disagree
• realize
• guess
• consider (when it means “believe”)

 

 3. Verbs of Possession

These refer to ownership or relationships.

• have
• own
• belong
• possess
• include
• lack
• consist
• contain

 

 4. Verbs of Senses

These describe perceptions.

• see
• hear
• smell
• taste
• sound
• feel* (when it describes a state, not action)

Example:

·         "The cake smells delicious."  (Stative)

·         "He is smelling the cake."  (Not stative — now it's an action)

 

 5. Verbs of Being and Appearance

• be
• seem
• appear
• look (when it means “seem”)
• resemble
• matter
• exist
• depend
• cost* (when referring to current value)
• weigh* (when stating fixed weight)
• fit
• suit

 

 Note: Some stative verbs can also be dynamic (action) verbs in different contexts. For example:

• "Think" (stative): I think you're right. 
• "Think" (action): I'm thinking about the problem.  (here it's mental activity)

 

 

 

 

Adjective Clause – Definition:

An Adjective Clause (also called a Relative Clause) is a dependent clause that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. It acts like an adjective.

 It usually begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that) or a relative adverb (where, when, why).

 

 Types of Adjective Clauses:

1. Restrictive Clause (Defining Clause):

• Gives essential information about the noun.
• No commas are used.

Example:
The boy who won the race is my cousin.

2. Non-restrictive Clause (Non-defining Clause):

• Adds extra (non-essential) information.
• Commas are used.

Example:
My brother, who lives in Delhi, is a teacher.

 

 Relative Pronouns Used in Adjective Clauses:

Relative Pronoun	Used For	Example
who	People (subject)	The girl who called me is my friend.
whom	People (object)	The man whom you met is my uncle.
whose	Possession	The boy whose phone rang was embarrassed.
which	Animals/things	The book which I read was interesting.
that	People/things	The dress that she wore was beautiful.

 

 Rules for Adjective Clauses:

1.   They must follow the noun they describe.

2.   Use the correct relative pronoun based on the noun type and function.

3.   Use commas for non-defining clauses, not for defining ones.

4.   You can sometimes omit the relative pronoun when it's the object of the clause.

o    Example: The book (that) I bought is expensive.

5.   Don't use "that" in non-defining clauses.

 My father, that is a doctor, is kind.

 My father, who is a doctor, is kind.

 

10 Examples of Adjective Clauses:

1.   The woman who lives next door is a doctor.

2.   The book that I borrowed was very useful.

3.   He wore a hat which was too big for him.

4.   I know the teacher whose car was stolen.

5.   The boy whom we met is my cousin.

6.   This is the place where I grew up.

7.   The movie, which we saw yesterday, was amazing.

8.   My uncle, who is a scientist, is visiting us.

9.   The cake that she baked was delicious.

10.                     I have a friend who can speak five languages.

 

Adverb Clause – Definition:

An Adverb Clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb.

It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, telling us how, when, where, why, to what extent, or under what condition something happened.

It begins with a subordinating conjunction like:
because, although, if, when, while, after, before, as, since, unless, where, so that, etc.

 

General Rules for Adverb Clauses:

1.   An adverb clause must have a subject and a verb.

2.   It must be introduced by a subordinating conjunction.

3.   An adverb clause cannot stand alone; it must be attached to a main clause.

4.   If the adverb clause comes before the main clause, use a comma.

5.   If it comes after the main clause, comma is optional.

 

 Types of Adverb Clauses with  Examples :

 

 1. Adverb Clause of Time

Tells when something happens.
 Conjunctions: when, while, before, after, as soon as, since, until

Examples:

1.   I will call you when I reach home.

2.   Before you leave, turn off the lights.

3.   She was reading while I was cooking.

4.   We went out after the rain stopped.

5.   As soon as he arrived, the meeting began.

6.   I have loved her since I met her.

7.   He waited until she returned.

8.   The phone rang when I was eating.

9.   They stayed inside while it rained.

10.                     We cheered as the team scored.

2. Adverb Clause of Place

Tells where something happens.
 Conjunctions: where, wherever

Examples:

1.   He goes wherever she goes.

2.   Sit where you like.

3.   I will meet you where we first met.

4.   Go where it is peaceful.

5.   This is the house where I was born.

6.   Put it where you found it.

7.   She lives where the road ends.

8.   I stood where I could see clearly.

9.   Go where they sent you.

10.                     Stay where you are safe.

 

3. Adverb Clause of Cause/Reason

Tells why something happens.
 Conjunctions: because, since, as, now that

Examples:

1.   I stayed home because it was raining.

2.   Since you’re here, help me carry this.

3.   He failed the test because he didn’t study.

4.   As it was late, we went to sleep.

5.   I am happy because you came.

6.   Since they were tired, they went to bed early.

7.   He left as he was feeling unwell.

8.   Because she lied, she was punished.

9.   We rested because we were exhausted.

10.                     I couldn’t attend since I was sick.

 

 4. Adverb Clause of Purpose

Tells why something is done (the goal).
 Conjunctions: so that, in order that, that

Examples:

1.   He works hard so that he can succeed.

2.   She left early in order that she could catch the bus.

3.   We study so that we can pass.

4.   I exercise daily so that I stay healthy.

5.   He speaks softly so that no one hears.

6.   I came so that I could see you.

7.   They paused so that we could catch up.

8.   She trains hard so that she wins the race.

9.   We planted trees in order that the area remains green.

10.                     He took notes so that he wouldn’t forget.

5. Adverb Clause of Condition

Tells the condition of an action.
Conjunctions: if, unless, provided that, in case

Examples:

1.   If you work hard, you will succeed.

2.   I will go if it doesn’t rain.

3.   Unless you try, you won’t know.

4.   You can go provided that you behave.

5.   If she comes, let me know.

6.   We’ll start the game if everyone agrees.

7.   Unless you hurry, we’ll miss the bus.

8.   He won’t win unless he practices.

9.   In case you need help, call me.

10.                     If you are free, come with us.

 

6. Adverb Clause of Concession/Contrast

Shows contrast between two ideas.
Conjunctions: although, though, even though, while, whereas

Examples:

1.   Although it was raining, we went out.

2.   She smiled though she was sad.

3.   Even though he is rich, he is humble.

4.   He came although I told him not to.

5.   Though she was tired, she kept working.

6.   While I like tea, he prefers coffee.

7.   He sings well even though he never trained.

8.   Although she’s young, she is wise.

9.   They stayed silent though they knew the answer.

10.                     Whereas I enjoy painting, he likes photography.