Clauses Explained A 15-slide presentation on the basic types of clauses with examples. Independent clause Dependent clause Relative clause Nonrestrictive clause Restrictive clause

What is a clause? Clauses are complete sentences or parts of sentences that contain a subject and verb and any related modifiers.

Types of Clauses Independent clause Dependent clause Relative clause Nonrestrictive clause Restrictive clause

Independent Clause An independent clause is the only kind of clause that can stand alone as a sentence. Independent clauses can be joined together to form a compound sentence.

Independent Clause examples My favorite books include realistic action and believable characters. Vivid details and a sense of place are also important to a good story.

Dependent Clause A dependent clause, also called a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence, even though it has a subject and a verb. Dependent clauses function as noun, adjective, and adverb clauses.

Dependent Clause examples What I already know about the book is enough to convince me to read it. I remember the old days when there was no such thing as e-books. After I’m done reading the book, I’ll let you borrow it.

Relative Clause A relative clause is introduced by a relative pronoun: who, whom, which, and that. It is a type of dependent clause.

Relative Clause examples The plot of the story had many twists and turns, which I found exciting. The antagonist was a shopkeeper, who spread damaging rumors.

Nonrestrictive Clause A nonrestrictive clause adds information to the antecedent, but is not essential to the meaning. It is a type of dependent clause.

Nonrestrictive Clause examples The main character, who had six children, ran away from her small community. One of the children, a blue- eyed blonde, tried to follow.

Restrictive Clause A restrictive clause gives essential information about the antecedent, and is necessary for the meaning of the sentence. It is a type of dependent clause.

Restrictive Clause examples The townspeople who had spread the gossip felt guilty when she abandoned her children. The child who tried to follow her disappeared.

Clauses vs. Phrases The difference between clauses and phrases is that clauses have a subject and verb, whereas phrases do not.

Clauses vs. Phrases examples Clause When the boy with the red shoes came to town, it was the last straw. Phrase When the boy with the red shoes came to town, it was the last straw.

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