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A clause
is a group of words that
includes a subject and a predicate. There are two types of clauses: independent
and dependent. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a
dependent clause must be accompanied by an independent clause.
Independent Clauses
Two independent clauses can be connected by:
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a coordinating conjunction:
Today is Tuesday and our papers are due Wednesday.
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a conjunctive adverb or another transitional
expression:
I need to study for my test; in fact I am going to the library now.
(In this case, use a semicolon to separate the two clauses.)
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correlative conjunction:
George not only finished his paper on time, but he also
got an A+.
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semicolon:
This is one of English classes; Shakespeare is my
other.
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colon (sometimes):
She received the assignment: it is to be turned in
next Friday.
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Dependent Clauses
Dependent clauses can be either adjective, adverb, or noun
clauses based on how they are used in a sentence.
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Adjective, or relative,
clauses modify nouns or pronouns and, in order to make the
relationship clear, follow the noun or pronoun they modify.
Example:
Our class, which meets at 9:00 in the morning, discusses the
importance and use of grammar in our schools. (An adjective clause modifies the noun class.)
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Adverb clauses
modify single words
(verbs, adjectives, or adverbs) or entire phrases or clauses. They always
begin with a subordinating conjunction. Adverb clauses answer the questions how?
where? when? why? and to what extent? Adverb clauses appear in
any of several places in the sentence as long as the relationship is clear
and its position conveys the intended purpose.
Example:
Confused, after class was over, Susan decided to meet with her
group to discuss the paper.
(An adverb clause modifies the participle confused.)
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Noun clauses
act
as nouns in sentences (subjects, direct objects, indirect
objects, or compliments). They may begin with a relative pronoun
or by, whether, when, where, why, or how.
Examples:
Whoever wins the race will receive the trophy.
(A noun clause serves as the subject of the sentence.)
This grade is what I deserve.
(A noun clause serves as the subject complement.) |
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