clause

(noun)

Typically contains at least a subject noun phrase and a finite verb. The two main categories are independent and subordinate (or dependent).

Related Terms

  • complements,
  • tone
  • object
  • simple predicate
  • sentence fragment
  • predicate
  • subject
  • fragment
  • phrase
  • complement
  • Object
  • Complement
  • Clause
  • Phrase
  • rhetorical question
  • modifier

(noun)

The smallest grammatical unit that can express a complete proposition.

Related Terms

  • complements,
  • tone
  • object
  • simple predicate
  • sentence fragment
  • predicate
  • subject
  • fragment
  • phrase
  • complement
  • Object
  • Complement
  • Clause
  • Phrase
  • rhetorical question
  • modifier

Examples of clause in the following topics:

  • Semicolons

    • Semicolons are used to link related clauses and to separate clauses that contain additional punctuation.
    • Semicolons, like colons and commas, indicate pauses within a sentence to show relationships between words and clauses.
    • Semicolons also link clauses of equal importance, but unlike commas, do not always require a coordinating conjunction.
    • Semicolons can join closely related independent clauses that are not linked with a coordinating conjunction:
    • Semicolons can also be used between independent clauses linked with a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb.
  • Using Varied Sentence Lengths and Styles

    • The two main categories of clauses are independent clauses and subordinate (or dependent) clauses.
    • A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause with no subordinate clauses.
    • A compound sentence consists of multiple independent clauses with no subordinate clauses.
    • A complex sentence consists of at least one independent clause and one subordinate clause.
    • This sentence contains two independent clauses (one before and one after the comma) and each independent clause contains a subordinate clause ("what you eat" and "what you are").
  • Eliminating Comma Splices and Fused Sentences

    • Once you discover where the two independent clauses are "spliced," you can then decide how best to separate the clauses:
    • You can use a semicolon between the two clauses if they are of equal importance; this allows your reader to consider the points together.
    • Or, you can add a word to one clause to make it dependent.
    • If you locate a run-on sentence and find where the two independent clauses "collide," you can then decide how best to separate the clauses.
    • Or, you can add a word to one clause to make it dependent.
  • Components of a Sentence

    • (adjective clause)
    • The following are examples of clauses:
    • If the clause could stand by itself—that is, form a complete sentence with punctuation—we call it an independent clause.
    • The following are independent clauses:
    • The following are dependent clauses:
  • Introduction to Commas

    • When joining two independent clauses, or clauses that could stand on their own as full sentences, place a comma before the conjunction.
    • Sometimes a dependent clause can be used to introduce a sentence.
    • In this situation, use a comma after the dependent clause.
    • Only use a comma to separate a dependent and independent clause if the dependent clause is first!
    • Occurring at the end of a sentence, cumulative clauses hook up to a main clause and add further information.
  • Common Comma Mistakes

    • Do not use a comma before a dependent clause that comes after an independent clause.
    • Or, you can add a word to one clause to make it dependent.
    • The independent clauses may not have any punctuation separating them, or they may have a coordinating conjunction between them, but without the comma that needs to accompany it to separate the independent clauses.
    • If you locate a run-on sentence and find where the two independent clauses "collide," you can decide how best to separate the clauses.
    • Or, you can add a word to one clause to make it dependent.
  • Verb Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, and Imperative

    • Usually, the subjunctive mood is used in a dependent clause.
    • [Main clause "I wish" is factual and in indicative mood; dependent clause "Paul would eat" is hypothetical and in subjunctive mood.]
    • [Main clause "I suggest" is factual and in indicative mood; dependent clause "we wait until" is hypothetical and in subjunctive mood.]
  • Structure of a Sentence

    • A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause with no subordinate clauses.
    • A compound sentence consists of multiple independent clauses with no subordinate clauses.
    • A complex sentence consists of at least one independent clause and one subordinate clause.
    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • This sentence contains two independent clauses (one before and one after the comma), and each independent clause contains a subordinate clause ("what you eat" and "what you are").
  • Introduction to Pronouns

    • As you can see, relative clauses can be useful in streamlining your writing and improving your flow.
    • Be sure to ask yourself whether the clause actually clarifies a sentence or makes it too long and complicated.
    • Relative pronouns introduce what are called subordinate clauses.
    • Subordinate clauses are phrases within a sentence that modify the subject of the sentence.
    • Similarly, in the phrase "The desk that fell apart," the subordinate clause "that fell apart" helps to identify which desk the writer is talking about.
  • Conjunctions: Coordination, Correlation, Conjunction, and Subordination

    • In English grammar, a conjunction is a part of speech that connects two words, sentences, phrases, or clauses.
    • Coordinating conjunctions are conjunctions that join, or "coordinate," two or more items (such as words, clauses, or sentences) of equal importance.
    • Subordinating conjunctions are conjunctions that join two separate clauses.
    • A correlative conjunction is just one type of conjunction, which is a part of speech that connects two words, sentences, phrases, or clauses.
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