Explain the types of clause with example.
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Explain the types of clause with example.
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Main Clause & Subordinate Clause
A clause is a combination of related words containing a subject and a verb. It can be a simple sentence or a part of a compound sentence.
Examples:
She laughed. (one clause)
I waited for him, but he didn’t come. (two clauses)
Clauses have two major types:
Independent Clause (Main Clause)
Dependant Clause (Subordinate Clause)
Understanding ‘Main Clauses & Subordinate Clauses’
Read the following sentence:
I saw a man who was crying.
The above sentence has two clauses: ‘I saw a man’ and ‘who was crying’. The first clause ‘I saw a man’ gives a complete meaning and can alone stand as a complete sentence. Such a phrase is called Main or Independent clause.
On the other hand, the second clause ‘who was crying’ does not give a complete meaning and cannot (as alone) stand as a complete sentence. It depends on the main clause to give a complete meaning. Such a clause is called Subordinate or Dependent clause.
Main or Independent Clause:
Main clause or Independent clause is that clause which expresses a complete meaning. It alone can stand as a sentence.
Examples
I saw a man who was crying.
The professor asked many questions but no one could answer.
I met a friend who helped me a lot.
They contacted the customer who had not paid the bill.
He does not like the people who smoke.
We met a man who could speak many languages.
She loves her husband, who never tells a lie.
Subordinate or Dependent Clause:
Subordinate clause or Dependence clause is that clause which (as alone part) cannot express a complete meaning. It alone cannot stand as a sentence because it depends on the other clause (independent clause) to give a complete meaning. It serves a subordinate role in the sentence.
Examples:
I saw a man who was crying.
The professor asked many questions but no one could answer.
I met a friend who had helped me a lot.
They contacted the customer who had not paid the bill.
He does not like the people who smoke.
We met a man who could speak many languages.
She loves her husband, who never tells a lie.
Dependent Clauses have further three types:
Noun Clause
Adjective Clause
Adverb Clause