A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It may express a complete thought or depend on another clause to complete its meaning.
Start with What Is a Clause in Grammar? for the basic definition, structure, and functions. You can then explore detailed lessons on independent, dependent, noun, adjective, relative, adverbial, and concessive clauses.
A non-finite clause contains a non-finite verb form, such as an infinitive or a participle, rather than a finite verb of its own. It can function as a subject, complement, or modifier, or add information about time, reason, purpose, and…
A reduced relative clause is a shorter construction that modifies a noun without using the full structure of a finite relative clause. It commonly contains an -ing form, a past participle, or a to-infinitive. Compare: The passengers who are waiting…
A clause of result is a dependent clause that expresses a consequence. In English, result clauses often appear in constructions with so … that and such … that, which connect the degree of a quality, action, or quantity with its…
A clause of purpose is a dependent clause that explains what someone intends to achieve by doing something. Finite purpose clauses commonly begin with so that or in order that. The caretaker left the side gate unlocked so that the…
A clause of reason is a dependent clause that explains why something happens, why someone takes an action, or why a statement is considered true. It commonly begins with because, since, or as. Consider: The outdoor concert was postponed because…
A time clause is a dependent clause that tells us when something happens, how long it continues, or how one event relates in time to another. Time clauses commonly begin with when, while, before, after, until, and as soon as.…
A conditional clause is a dependent clause that states a condition under which something happens, becomes possible, or would happen in an imagined situation. It commonly begins with if. Consider: If the replacement parts arrive by Thursday, the workshop will…
A concessive clause is a dependent clause that introduces a fact or circumstance that makes the main statement unexpected. It commonly begins with although, though, or even though. Consider: Although the restaurant had no vacant tables, the manager found room…
An adverbial clause, also called an adverb clause, is a dependent clause that adds information about when, where, why, how, or under what conditions something happens. It can also express purpose, result, comparison, or contrast. Consider: Because the delivery labels…
A relative clause is a dependent clause that identifies or adds information about a person, thing, place, or time. It usually follows the noun it modifies and often begins with who, which, that, or another relative word. Relative clauses are…
An adjective clause is a dependent clause that identifies or adds information about a noun or pronoun. It is also called a relative clause. Consider: The parcel that arrived without a return address is still at reception. The adjective clause…
An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause cannot normally stand alone because it functions as part of a larger grammatical structure. Compare: The concert continued. although the power went out The first is an…