Understanding clauses in English is a fundamental part of learning grammar, especially when preparing for the IELTS test. Clauses come in various forms, so organizing your knowledge clearly will help you score higher and express your ideas effectively.
In this article, IDP will guide you through the definitions and functions of different types of English clauses.
1. What Is a Clause?
A clause is a basic grammatical unit that contains a subject and a verb, working together to express a complete or partial idea. Sometimes, a clause also includes a complement or an object to provide full meaning.
Examples:
I will buy it if it is on discount.
Yesterday I played games with my brother.
2. Main Types of Clauses in English
Clauses in English are mainly divided into two categories:
Independent Clauses
Dependent Clauses
2.1. Independent Clause
An independent clause (also called a main clause) contains a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a complete sentence. It may also be joined with other clauses to form compound or complex sentences.
Examples:
He sings beautifully.
They have gone to the museum.
You can combine independent clauses in two ways:
By using subordinating conjunctions such as although, despite, unless, while to create complex sentences.
Example: Singapore invested up to 3 million USD in tourism, while Vietnam only invested 1 million USD.
By using coordinating conjunctions such as and, but, or, for, yet to create compound sentences.
Example: Drinking water is good for our health, yet many people rarely drink enough water per day.
2.2. Dependent Clause
A dependent clause (also called a subordinate clause) cannot stand alone and must be connected to an independent clause to form a complete sentence. It provides additional information such as time, reason, condition, or description.
Example:
I will call you back when I finish my meeting.
➡ When I finish my meeting is a dependent clause that adds time information to the main clause I will call you back.
Dependent clauses help form complex sentences and are usually connected using subordinating conjunctions (although, despite, unless, while) or relative pronouns/adverbs (who, which, where).
Example:
The girl who is wearing a red dress is my sister. → Who is wearing a red dress is a relative clause that describes the noun the girl.
3. Common Types of Dependent Clauses
There are four major types of dependent clauses in English:
Noun Clauses
Adverbial Clauses
Adjective Clauses
Conditional Clauses
3.1. Noun Clause
A noun clause (also called a nominal clause) functions as a noun in the sentence. It can act as a subject, object, or complement.
Noun clauses usually begin with question words (what, where, why, who, when, whose) or subordinating conjunctions like that, whether, if.
Example:
What she said surprised everyone.
3.2. Adverbial Clause
An adverbial clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It gives information about time, reason, purpose, condition, or result.
Common subordinating conjunctions for adverbial clauses include when, where, while, as, so that, because, if.
Examples:
If you work hard, you will succeed.
When I arrived, the party had already started.
3.3. Adjective Clause
An adjective clause (also called a relative clause) acts as an adjective that describes a noun. It often begins with relative pronouns/adverbs such as who, whom, which, that, whose, when, where, why.
Examples:
The house which is painted blue belongs to my friend.
She loves dresses that have floral patterns.
3.4. Conditional Clause
A conditional clause describes a condition that must be fulfilled for something to happen. It usually starts with if, unless, provided that, in case and is combined with an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Examples:
Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.
If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
Master the Use of Clauses in English with IDP
We hope this article helps you confidently use different types of clauses in English, especially when preparing for the IELTS test. If you want to test your grammar skills, you can register for a free IELTS mock test at IDP or take a computer-delivered IELTS test at home if visiting a test center is not convenient.
If you want to learn more, explore IDP's extensive IELTS preparation materials, including IELTS workshops, mock tests, and expert tips from international IELTS professionals.
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