Kinds of Clauses
- Main and Subordinate
We know a clause is a group of words with a subject and a finite verb, and every sentence must contain at least one clause (and any other words). Also, a sentence may be made up of more than one clause connected by a coordinating or subordinating conjunction.
Coordinating conjunctions join clauses of equal rank and same grammatical structure. The two clauses connected by them are main clauses that can convey complete meaning independently. The coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so.
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause that makes sense only when required to an independent or the main clause. Some subordinating conjunctions are when, after, before, whenever, while, until, if, unless, although, though, still, because, since, as, where and wherever.
For example:
There were tremors felt in our city but, fortunately, there was no damage caused. (coordinating conjunction)
The firefighters arrived before it was too late. (subordinating conjunction)
Main/Independent Clause:
The main clause of a sentence is always an independent clause that makes complete sense and can stand alone as a sentence. It must have a finite verb.
For example:
All the citizens laughed. (subject - all the children; finite verb - were laughed)
His friends were painting the fence. (subject - his friends; finite verb - were painting)
In an imperative sentence, the subject is understood and the base form of the verb is used.
For example:
(You) Sit here. (verb-sit)
(You) Let the phone ring. (verb-let)
Subordinate/Dependent Clause:
The main clause may be liked with one or more clauses by using a subordinating conjunction. The clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction is a dependent clause. It depends on the main or Independent clause to convey its meaning. A dependent clause cannot form a complete sentence on its own.
For example:
The harvest this year was better because the farmers had used organic fertilisers.
The spectators cheered Gaurav when he hit a century.
She lost the race because she tripped when she was very close to the finishing line.
Some subordinating clauses can be placed before the main clause.
For example:
For example:
I went into my study after the guests left.
After the guests left, I went into my study.
He will not spend a penny although he has earned enough.
Although he has earned enough, he will not spend a penny.
A. Read these sentences about Grandma's visit to a park. Identify if the underlined clause in each sentence is a main clause or subordinate clause.
1. Grandma sat on a bench where she would be fairly undisturbed.
= Subordinate clause.
2. Grandma watched the sun playing hide-and-seek behind the tree as the leaves swayed in the breeze.
= Main clause.
3. She observed the playful squirrel as it scramble up and down a tree.
= Subordinate clause.
4. She witnessed a chameleon wait patiently before it struck its pray.
= Subordinate clause.
5. Although Grandma could not see the lark , she heard it sing high up in a tree.
= Subordinate clause.
6. While Grandma was sitting there, she noticed a pigeon bob its head and waddle on the grass.
= Subordinate clause.
7. As she walked around barefoot, she felt the dew under her feet.
= Subordinate clause.
8. She saw a red spotted ladybird crawling up a rose bush where she was sitting.
= Main clause.
B. Complete the sentences by adding main clauses to each.
1. We left for home after the game was over.
2. Do not got out till you have completed it.
3. Before I had tried it, he solved the sum.
4. We should help each other because we all are friends.
5. We can come to me whenever you can.
6. Although it may be difficult, I will try my best to resolve the matter with ease.
7. You have failed many times still we will allow you.
8. Unless you solve it, you will not be allowed to be promoted to the nest class.
9. Although Hira's grades in school were very good, she could not pass the entrance test of the college.
10. Since it was already the middle of July, the monsoon has yet not come.
C. Rewrite these sentences about living in a big city, by forming subordinate clauses. Use suitable conjunction from the brackets. Begin at least five sentences with a subordinate clause each.
1. I love living in a big city. It is a modern city. (because/though)
= Though it is a modern city, I love living in a big city.
2. I can view the whole city. I stand in the balcony of the apartment. (when/where)
= I can view the whole city when I stand in the balcony of the apartment.
3. There are tall skyscrapers. You may look in any direction. (whichever/as)
= Whichever direction you may look, these are tall skyscrapers.
4. The city has wide busy roads. It also has a good network of the Metro. (unless/although)
= Although the city has wide busy roads, it also has a good network of the Metro.
5. You will love the city for its restaurants with food from just about every country. You are a foodie. (if/when)
= If you are a foodie, you will love the city for its restaurants with food from just about every country.
6. The city offers every type of entertainment. Some options are quite expensive for the common man. (though/because)
= The city offers every type of entertainment though some options are quite expensive for the common man.
7. There are big, sprawling malls. You cannot resist shopping. (until/where)
= There are big, sprawling malls where you cannot resist shopping.
8. You can not get bored in a big city. You are a real loner. (unless/although)
= Unless you are a real loner, you can not get bored in a big city.
9. Also, it is easy to fall sick in a big city. The best medical care is available there. (since/when)
= Since it is easy to fall sick in a big city, the best medical care is available there.
10. So friends, join me in the city. It gets too full. (after/before)
= So friends, join me in the city before it gets too full.