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A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate. There are two kinds of clauses: main clauses (sometimes called independent clauses) and dependent clauses (sometimes called subordinate clauses).
Main clauses may stand alone or be joined by coordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs, or semicolons. (Also see comma.)
The cobra is a poisonous snake. Its bite is often fatal. [Two main clauses standing alone, separated by a perios.]
The cobra is a poisonous snake, and its bite is often fatal. [Two main clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction and.]
The cobra is a poisonous snake; indeed, its bite is often fatal. [Two main clauses joined by the conjunctive adverb indeed.]
The cobra is a poisonous snake; its bite is often fatal. [Two main clauses joined by a semicolon.]
Dependent clauses are usually introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. Dependent clauses function as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns within a sentence. The exact relation between the thought expressed in a dependent clause and the main clause is indicated by the subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun that joins them.
An adjective clause modifies a noun or pronoun. It often begins with a relative pronoun - who, whom, whose, that, which - that refers to or is related to a noun or pronoun that precedes it. (See comma.)
The trumpet player who left the stage fell asleep in the lounge. [Modifies the noun player.]
Anything that stands on the seafront will be leveled by the storm. [Modifies the pronoun anything.]
Karla is the spy Smiley seeks. [Modifies the noun spy, with the relative pronoun that or whom understood.]
An adverb clause modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. It begins with a subordinating conjuncgtion, such as when, although, whenever, since, after, while, because, where, if, that, or than.
He plays the banjo whenever he is asked. [Modifies the verb plays.]
She studies more effectively than I do. [Modifies the adverb effectively.]
I am happy because he has made new friends. [Modifies the adjective happy.]
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun. It may serve as a subject, predicate nominative, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition. The dependent clause is likely to begin with a relative pronoun. (See complements.)
That life is difficult for some means little to insensitive bureaucrats. [Subject.]
He described what he wanted. [Direct object.]