Types of Clauses in English: Independent Clause & Dependent Clause

Concessive clause

Example

Although

Although it was raining, my friends decided to go for a walk. 

Even though

Even though Maria studied hard, she didn't perform well on the exam. 

Though

Although the movie received mixed reviews, many people enjoyed it. 

In spite of

In spite of the heavy traffic, they arrived at the airport on time. 

Despite

Despite having a busy schedule, Alex managed to find time for his hobbies. 

WH-ever

Whatever you decide, I'll support you. 

No matter

No matter how hard Robert tried, he couldn't lift the heavy box. 

However

However tired Anna was, she refused to take a break until the work was done. 

Clauses of reason

Example

Because

Lenny stayed indoors because it was raining heavily. 

As

As it was getting late, they decided to leave the party. 

Since

Since Tom is not feeling well, he decided to take a day off today. 

Seeing that

Seeing that the prices were reduced, Loana decided to buy a new laptop. 

Conditional clause

Usage

Example

Conditional sentence type 1

Describe a possible future action, event or situation that would occur if a certain condition was met beforehand.

If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home. 

Conditional sentence type 2

Describe an action or event that may not happen in the future depending on a hypothetical condition in the present not being true.

If I had enough time, I would help you do housework. ➡ Actually, I'm busy.

Conditional sentence type 3

Describe an action or event that did not happen in the past as the stated condition did not occur in the past.

If they had left earlier, they would have caught the train.

Time clause

Example

When

I will call you when I arrive at the airport. 

While

Alex listened to music while he was doing his homework. 

Before

Finish your homework before you go out to play. 

After

After Anna had finished her meal, she went for a walk. 

Since

They have been friends since elementary school. 

As

As the sun set, the sky turned various shades of orange and pink. 

Till/until

I will wait for you until you finish your meeting. 

As soon as

As soon as Maria heard the news, she called her friend. 

Just as

Just as Jerry was about to leave, the phone rang. 

Whenever

I feel happy whenever I listen to music. 

Clauses of result

Example

So…that

The rain was so heavy that the streets were flooded. 

Such…that

It was such a hot day that everyone was looking for shade. 

Enough…to

Ms. Anna is old enough to drive a car. 

Too…to

The box was too heavy for him to lift. 

As a result

Daisy worked hard, and as a result, she received a promotion. 

Therefore

John forgot his umbrella at home, and therefore, he got wet in the rain. 

Adjective clause/ relative clause

Usage

Example

Defining relative clause

To provide the necessary information to identify the noun that precedes it. Without this clause, the noun being referenced could not be adequately determined - be it a person, place, thing, or idea.

Do you know the phone number of the boy who gave me an apple at your company yesterday? 

➞ The clause "who gave me an apple at your company yesterday" is a defining relative clause used to specifically identify "the boy". Without this clause, the listener would not be able to determine which particular boy was being referred to.

Non-defining relative clause

To provide additional information for the noun preceding it, can be omitted but the sentence still has meaning.

The film, which I and my boyfriend saw yesterday, is very interesting. 

➞ The clause "which I and my boyfriend saw yesterday" is a non-defining relative clause that provides additional context about "the film" but can be omitted without essential loss of meaning to the sentence.

Reduced relative clauses

Relative pronouns are omitted to make sentences shorter.

It is the best movie that my mother and I have ever seen. ➡ It is the best movie my mother and I have ever seen. 

The comic which was bought by my younger brother is very interesting. ➡ The comic bought by my younger brother is very interesting. 

Clause

Sentence

Definition

Clauses are the basic units of grammar, which must contain a verb. Typically, a clause is formed by a subject, a verb, and sometimes additional complements.

Clauses can have complete meaning (independent clauses) or incomplete meaning (dependent clauses).

A sentence is a grammatical unit that contains at least one main clause. It can contain more than one clause.

The sentence always has complete meaning.

Example

I'm fine with whichever movie you choose. 

➡ “Whichever movie you select” is a dependent clause, as it does not have complete meaning standing alone on its own.

I looked at Anne and he smiled at me. 

➡ This sentence contains two clauses: "I looked at Anne" and "he smiled at me", connected by the conjunction "and".

Clause

Independent clause

Dependent clause

1. We need to figure out how we can make our customers happy

2. I enjoy sitting by the fireplace and reading.

3. French fries, which many people like, are not a healthy food.

4. The Eiffel Tower is a tourist site which is located in Paris.

5. The professor always comes to class fully prepared.

Clause

Independent clause

Dependent clause

✅

❌

✅

✅

❌

Noun clause

How she behaved at the wedding was terrible.

I wonder how long he will be.

Adjective clause

Yoga, which a lot of people practice, is a good form of exercise.

My mom remembers the days when there was no TV.

Adverb clause

Now that the people have left the party, we must begin cleaning.

As soon as he saw her, he knew that she was the one.