Clauses-F5


 * Week 1/4**


 * I.** **Main** **and Subordinate Clauses**

I. Clauses and Phrases

1. What is the difference between a **clause** and a **phrase**?

A. Definition of a **clause**: A group of words containing a subject and a predicate and forming part of a compound or complex sentence.

1. Examples: (Clauses are bold-faced)

a. As the days grow longer, we find ourselves restless to be outdoors.

b. The last stroke of twelve has ceased to vibrate.

c. Come in, put your coat on that chair, and sit down.

B. Definition of a **phrase**: A syntactic structure that consists of more than one word but lacks the subject - predicate organization of a clause.

1. Examples: (Phrases are bold-faced)

a. I like the title of your book.

b. I like it.

c. The children should watch less television.


 * II. Main (Independent) Clause**

1. What is a **main** **clause**?

Definition: must have a subject and a verb as well as a complete thought

Examples: (main clauses are bold-faced)

a. **Dion ate the chocolate squirrel**.

b. **George drove his car.**

c. **The campers huddled around the camp fire.**

2. How many **main clauses** do I need in each sentence?

Answer: There should be at least one main clause per sentence.

Examples:

a. **Dion skipped his way to school while Gus rode his bike.**

b. **Eleanor enjoyed her dinner and Jacob obediently sat still in his seat.**

c. **Delores walked her dog in the park alongside Alex, who was listening to his cassette player.**

3. What is a **sentence fragment**?

Definition: When a sentence is not lead by a capital letter. When a sentence is not concluded with a period (**.**), question mark (**?**), or exclamation point (**!**). Also, when there is no main clause within the sentence.

Examples:

a. **Ran all the way home**

b. **when I write essays.**

c. **Ate a lot.**

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/mainclause.htm


 * III. Subordinate (Dependent) Clause**

1. What is a **subordinate clause**?


 * Definition**: A **subordinate clause** is usually introduced by a subordinating element such as a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. It depends on the rest of the sentence for its meaning. It does not express a complete thought, so it does not stand alone. It must always be attached to a main clause //that completes the meaning//. Subordinate clauses normally act as single part of speech. They can be either **noun clauses, adjective clauses,** or **adverb clauses.** They are sometimes called **dependent clauses** //because they "depend" on a main clause to give them meaning//. The italicized clauses above are subordinate clauses. The first one is an adjective clause //because it describes a noun// (the word //clause//). The second one is an adverb clause //which describes a verb// (the word **called**).


 * Examples**: (subordinate clauses are bold-faced)

a. **Even though the broccoli was covered in cheddar cheese,** Emily refused to eat it.

b. **Unless Christine finishes her calculus homework**, she will have to suffer Mr. Nguyen's wrath in class tomorrow

c. **While Bailey slept on the sofa in front of the television**, Samson, the family dog, gnawed on the leg of the coffee table.

2. What is a **subordinating conjunction**?

Definition:

Examples: (subordinating conjunctions are bold-faced)

a. **After** Amy sneezed all over the tuna salad

b. **Once** Adam smashed the spider

c. **Until** Mr. Sanchez has his first cup of coffee

3. What is a **relative pronoun**?

Definition: A **relative pronoun** "relates" a subordinate clause to the rest of the sentence. It may be found in adjective and noun clauses. A relative pronoun is only found in sentences with more than one clause. In modern English there are **five** relative pronouns: **that, which, who, whom,** and **whose.** All but **that** can also be interrogative pronouns. **That** may also be a demonstrative pronoun. In addition, these pronouns may take the suffixes **-ever** and **-soever.**

Examples: (relative pronouns are bold-faced)

a. **Who** left their candy over on the table?

b. **That** man over there is really tall!

c. **Which** pumpkin is yours?

Source: http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateclause.htm**


 * IV. Noun Clauses, Adjective Clauses, Adverb Clauses

1. What is a noun clause?

Definition: Noun Clauses are clauses that take place of noun's in other clauses or phrases. They are often used as the subject, object of the verb, or object of a preposition, answering "who(m)" or "what”, but in most cases are used pose an indirect question.

Examples: (noun clauses are bold faced)

a. **At what time the couple was** supposed to arrive was uncertain.

b. **Whoever scores lowest** will be eliminated from the game.

c. All of the students hope **that school will be cancelled due to the snow.**

2. What is an adjective clause?

Definition: Adjective clauses are clauses that take place of adjectives

in other clauses or phrases. They are used to modify a noun or pronoun,

answering "which?" or "what kind of". In formal writing they must also begin with the relative pronouns "who (m)", "that" or "which".

Examples: (adjective clauses are bold-faced)

a. They are talking about the convict **that was proven innocent years after his execution**.

b. That coat **which is purple and pink and made out of denim** looks funny.

c. Did i tell you about that actor **who threw a temper tantrum on live T.V.**?

3. What is an adverb clause?

Definition: Adverb Clauses are dependent clauses that take place of adverbs in other clauses or phrases that can both begin a sentence, and be in the middle of one. They answer "when?", "where?", "why?", "with what goal/result?", and "under what conditions?"

Examples: (adverb clauses are bold-faced)

a. The young man became a lawyer **because he believed his father expected him be one**.

b. **After the young man's father died**, he began to study law.

c. He attended the school **where some of 's greatest minds come to gather and learn**