Clauses

📘 Chapter: Clauses (Full

Explanation)

🔷 1. What is a Clause?
A clause is a group of words that contains:

 A subject (who or what the sentence is about)

 A predicate (a verb and the rest of the sentence that tells something
about the subject)

👉 A clause can:

 Stand alone as a sentence (Independent/Main Clause)

 Be part of a longer sentence (Dependent/Subordinate Clause)

🔷 2. Types of Clauses
Clauses are mainly divided into two broad types:

🔹 A. Independent Clause (Main Clause)

✅ It expresses a complete idea.

✅ It can stand alone as a sentence.

Structure:
Subject + Verb + Object (optional)

Examples:
  I love music.
 He plays football.
 The sun is shining.

You can also combine two independent clauses using coordinating

conjunctions (FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so):

 She likes coffee, but I prefer tea.

🔹 B. Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause)

❌ It does not express a complete idea.

❌ It cannot stand alone.
✅ It depends on the main clause to make sense.

It usually begins with:

 A subordinating conjunction (because, although, if, when, since,

unless…)
 A relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that…)

Examples:

 Because I was late... ❌ (Incomplete)

 Who lives next door... ❌ (Incomplete)

✅ Full sentence:

 Because I was late, I missed the bus.

 The man who lives next door is a doctor.

🔷 3. Types of Dependent Clauses

There are three main kinds of dependent clauses:

🔸 1. Noun Clauses

👉 Acts as a noun (subject, object, or complement)

🧠 Trick: Ask What? or Who? — If the clause answers this and completes the
sentence, it's a noun clause.

Begins with:
that, what, whatever, who, whom, whoever, why, how, when, where, etc.

Examples:

 What you said is true. ➡️(Subject)

 I don’t know where he lives. ➡️(Object)
 The problem is that he lied. ➡️(Complement)

🔎 How to identify:

 Replace the clause with a noun or “something”:

o What you said is true. → Something is true.

🔸 2. Adjective Clauses (also called Relative Clauses)

👉 Describes a noun or pronoun (just like an adjective)

🧠 Trick: It answers Which one? or What kind of?

Begins with:
who, whom, whose, which, that

Examples:

 The boy who won the race is my friend.

 The house that Jack built is old.
 My friend, who lives in Damak, is a teacher. (non-defining)

📝 Two types:

1. Defining (restrictive) – necessary information (no commas)

2. Non-defining (non-restrictive) – extra info (use commas)

🔎 How to identify:

 Comes immediately after the noun it describes

 Usually begins with who, which, that, etc.
🔸 3. Adverb Clauses

👉 Describes the verb in the main clause

👉 Tells when, where, why, how, or under what condition something
happens.

🧠 Trick: Ask When? Where? Why? How? about the verb.

Begins with:
Subordinating conjunctions like:

 Time: when, after, before, while, until

 Cause: because, since, as
 Condition: if, unless, whether
 Contrast: although, though, even though
 Purpose: so that, in order that
 Place: where, wherever

Examples:

 I’ll call you when I get home.

 He left early because he was sick.
 Although it was raining, we played football.

🔎 How to identify:

 It modifies the verb

 Starts with a subordinating conjunction
 Can often be moved to the beginning or end of the sentence

🔷 4. How to Identify the Type of Clause

Here's a step-by-step trick:

✅ Step 1: Find the subject + verb group

 If yes → it's a clause

 If no → it's just a phrase (not our topic now)

✅ Step 2: Can it stand alone?

 Yes → Independent Clause

 No → Dependent Clause
✅ Step 3: Ask:

 Is it acting like a noun? → Noun Clause

 Is it describing a noun? → Adjective Clause
 Is it modifying a verb (how, when, why, condition)? → Adverb Clause

🔷 5. Examples All Together

Sentence Clause Type
I know that she is coming. that she is coming Noun Clause
The book which you gave me is Adjective
which you gave me
interesting. Clause
We stayed home because it was because it was
Adverb Clause
raining. raining
If you study, you will succeed. If you study Adverb Clause
What he said made me angry. What he said Noun Clause

🔷 6. Bonus: Common Clause Errors to Avoid

1. ❌ Because I was tired. → Incomplete sentence
✅ Because I was tired, I went to bed.
2. ❌ The girl which sang well is my sister.
✅ The girl who sang well is my sister. (“which” is for things)
3. Don’t use “that” in non-defining clauses:
❌ My brother, that is a pilot, lives in Japan.
✅ My brother, who is a pilot, lives in Japan.

🔷 7. Practice Sentences for You (Try

Identifying)
1. The boy who stole the apple is hiding.
2. I don’t know what he wants.
3. Because he was late, he missed the test.
4. The house, which has a red roof, is for sale.
5. If you call me, I’ll tell you everything.

(If you want, I’ll help you solve and explain them.)
🔷 8. Summary Table
Clause Type What it does Begins with Example
Forms complete
Independent — I went to school.
sentence
I know that she is
Noun Clause Acts like a noun that, what, who, etc.
coming.
Adjective Describes a who, which, that, The man who called is
Clause noun/pronoun etc. my uncle.
Adverb Describes verb because, if, when, I went home because I
Clause (time, why) although… was tired.

📘 Noun Clause – Full Chapter

🔵 What is a Noun Clause?

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions like a noun in a sentence.

👉 It can act as:

 Subject
 Object
 Complement
  Object of a preposition

🧠 Simple Trick:
If you can replace the clause with a noun or “something” / “someone”, it's a noun clause.

🔵 How Does It Look?

🔹 Structure:

[Intro word] + Subject + Verb

🔵 Words That Introduce Noun Clauses

Noun clauses begin with these common introductory words:

Type Words
💬 Question words what, who, whom, which, whose, when, where, why, how
🧠 “That”-type words that, whether, if
🔄 Others whoever, whomever, whatever, whichever

🔵 Positions & Functions of Noun Clauses

Let’s break down where noun clauses can be used in a sentence:

1️⃣ As the Subject of a Sentence

🔹 The entire clause acts like the subject.

Examples:

 What she said surprised me.

 That you failed doesn’t matter.
 Whether he comes is not important.

✏ Replace with a noun:

 That event surprised me.

2️⃣ As the Object of a Verb

🔹 The clause answers: "What?" or "Whom?"

Examples:

 I know that she is coming.

 He told me what happened.
 We don’t understand why she left.

✏ Replace with a noun:

 I know the truth.

3️⃣ As a Subject Complement (after "be" verbs)

🔹 Completes the subject and gives more information.

Examples:

 The truth is that he lied.

 My dream is what you described.

✏ Replace with a noun:

 My dream is success.

4️⃣ As the Object of a Preposition

🔹 Comes after a preposition like “about,” “of,” “for,” etc.

Examples:

 She is worried about what he said.

 I’m not aware of where they went.
 There’s no clue about when the match begins.
🔵 Tricks to Identify Noun Clauses
✅ Step-by-step:

1. Does the clause start with “what, that, why, who, how,” etc.?
2. Is the clause acting like a noun (subject, object, or complement)?
3. Can you replace it with “someone/something”?

If yes to all → It’s a noun clause.

🔵 Noun Clause vs Other Clauses

Clause Type Function Example
Noun Clause Acts like a noun I know what she said.
Adjective Clause Describes a noun The boy who studies is smart.
Adverb Clause Modifies a verb I left because it rained.

🔵 Examples of Noun Clauses in Sentences

Sentence Noun Clause Function
What you said is true. what you said Subject
I believe that he is honest. that he is honest Object
The fact is that she lied. that she lied Subject complement
She is responsible for what happened. what happened Object of preposition
Tell me why you are angry. why you are angry Object

🔵 Common Errors with Noun Clauses

❌ I don’t know that where he went.
✅ I don’t know where he went.

→ Don’t use “that” before a question word.

❌ What did he say surprised me.

✅ What he said surprised me.

→ Noun clauses do not use question word order (no helping verb before subject).
🔵 Grammar Note: Word Order in Noun Clauses
❗ Don’t use question order in noun clauses.

Incorrect: I don’t know where did he go.

Correct: I don’t know where he went.

Formula:

Question word + Subject + Verb (no inversion)

🔵 Summary Table
Intro Word Example Noun Clause Function
what What he did shocked us. Subject
that I hope that you come soon. Object
why I don’t know why she cried. Object
whether Whether he wins is unclear. Subject
who I asked who was there. Object

📘 Adjective Clause (Relative Clause) – Full

Chapter

🔵 What is an Adjective Clause?

An adjective clause is a dependent clause that describes (modifies) a noun or pronoun in the
main clause.

🧠 Think of it like a mini sentence that gives more information about a noun.
🔹 Example:

 The boy who is wearing a red cap is my cousin.

→ The clause "who is wearing a red cap" gives extra info about “the boy” → ✅
Adjective Clause

🔵 Structure of an Adjective Clause

Relative Pronoun/Adverb + Subject + Verb

Sometimes, the subject may be part of the relative pronoun itself.

🔵 Common Words That Begin Adjective Clauses

These are called Relative Pronouns or Relative Adverbs.

Type Words Used For

👤 People who, whom, whose e.g., The man who helped me...
📦 Things which, that e.g., The book that you gave...
🔄 Ownership whose e.g., The girl whose car broke...
🌍 Place where e.g., The town where I was born...
🕒 Time when e.g., The day when we met...
❓ Reason why e.g., The reason why he left... (less common)

🔵 Types of Adjective Clauses

1️⃣ Defining (Restrictive) Adjective Clauses

 Essential information.
 No commas used.

✅ Example:

 The girl who topped the class is my friend.

(→ The clause defines which girl we're talking about.)
2️⃣ Non-Defining (Non-Restrictive) Adjective Clauses

 Adds extra information.

 Use commas.

✅ Example:

 My friend, who topped the class, is moving to Canada.

(→ We already know who my friend is. The clause adds extra info.)

⚠ You cannot use "that" in non-defining clauses.

🔵 Position in the Sentence

Always comes right after the noun or pronoun it describes.

✅ Correct:

 The car that you sold was old.

❌ Incorrect:
 The car was old that you sold. ❌

🔵 Tricks to Identify Adjective Clauses

✅ Step-by-Step:

1. Does the clause begin with a relative pronoun (who, which, that, where, when, whose,
etc.)?
2. Is it describing a noun or pronoun?
3. Can it answer: "Which one?" or "What kind?"
4. Does it directly follow the noun it modifies?

If yes to all → ✅ It’s an adjective clause.

🔵 More Examples
 Sentence Adjective Clause Describes
The dog that bit me ran away. that bit me dog
She met a boy who speaks German. who speaks German boy
I read the book which you recommended. which you recommended book
He lives in a house that has a blue roof. that has a blue roof house
My uncle, who lives in Damak, is a teacher. who lives in Damak my uncle

🔵 Difference Between Adjective, Noun, and Adverb Clauses

Clause Type Function Example
Adjective Describes a noun The man who is laughing is my uncle.
Noun Replaces a noun I know that he is honest.
Adverb Modifies verb/adjective I cried because she left.

🔵 Who / Whom / Whose – Usage

Word Use Example
who Subject The girl who called is my sister.
whom Object The boy whom you met is my cousin.
whose Shows possession The man whose bike was stolen is here.

🔵 Rules to Remember
1. Use commas for non-defining clauses.
2. Use “that” only in defining clauses (not with commas).
3. Never use “that” after a comma.
4. Keep the adjective clause close to the noun it modifies.
5. If the clause gives essential info → No commas.
6. If it gives extra info → Use commas.

🔴 Common Mistakes
❌ The boy is playing who lives next door.
✅ The boy who lives next door is playing.

❌ My father, that is a teacher, is strict.

✅ My father, who is a teacher, is strict.
→ Use who, not that, in non-defining clauses.
🔁 Quick Check – Identify the Adjective Clause
1. The phone that I bought is expensive.
2. My sister, who lives abroad, is coming home.
3. I visited the place where he was born.
4. The person whom I called didn't answer.
5. The actor whose movies I love is retiring.

👉 Want me to check your answers?

📘 Adverb Clause – Full Chapter Explanation

🔵 What is an Adverb Clause?

An adverb clause is a dependent (subordinate) clause that functions like an adverb—it tells us
when, where, why, how, to what extent, or under what condition something happens.

It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the main clause.

🔹 Example:

 I cried because she left.

→ "Because she left" = tells why I cried → ✅ Adverb Clause

🔵 Structure of an Adverb Clause

Subordinating Conjunction + Subject + Verb

Example:

 Although she was tired, she continued working.

→ (Although = subordinating conjunction, she = subject, was = verb)

🔵 Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Purpose Subordinating Conjunctions
Time (when?) when, while, before, after, until, as soon as
Cause/Reason (why?) because, since, as
Contrast (opposite idea) although, though, even though, whereas
Condition (under what condition?) if, unless, provided that, in case
Purpose (for what purpose?) so that, in order that
Comparison as...as, than
 Purpose Subordinating Conjunctions
Place (where?) where, wherever

🔵 Types of Adverb Clauses (with Examples)

1️⃣ Time

📍 Answers: When?
🔗 Conjunctions: when, before, after, until, while, as soon as

 I will call you when I arrive.

 Wait until I come back.

2️⃣ Cause/Reason

📍 Answers: Why?
🔗 Conjunctions: because, since, as

 She cried because she failed.

 Since it’s raining, we stayed inside.

3️⃣ Contrast / Concession

📍 Answers: Despite what?

🔗 Conjunctions: although, even though, though, whereas

 Although it was raining, we played football.

 I like tea, whereas he prefers coffee.

4️⃣ Condition

📍 Answers: Under what condition?

🔗 Conjunctions: if, unless, provided that, in case

 If it rains, we’ll stay home.

 I won’t go unless you come too.
5️⃣ Purpose

📍 Answers: For what purpose?

🔗 Conjunctions: so that, in order that

 I studied hard so that I could pass.

 He runs daily in order that he stays fit.

6️⃣ Result

📍 Answers: With what result?

🔗 Conjunctions: so…that, such…that

 He was so tired that he fell asleep instantly.

 She made such a mistake that everyone was shocked.

7️⃣ Place

📍 Answers: Where?
🔗 Conjunctions: where, wherever

 Go wherever you want.

 Sit where you like.

8️⃣ Comparison

📍 Answers: How similar/different?

🔗 Conjunctions: as…as, than

 He is taller than I am.

 She’s as clever as her sister.

🔵 Rules to Remember
1. Adverb clauses cannot stand alone—they depend on a main (independent) clause.
2. Use a comma if the adverb clause comes before the main clause.
o ✅ Although it rained, we went out.
 o❌ Although it rained.
3. No comma is needed if the adverb clause comes after the main clause.
o ✅ We went out although it rained.

🔵 Tricks to Identify Adverb Clauses

✅ Follow this 4-step method:

Step 1: Look for a subordinating conjunction.

🔍 Words like "because," "if," "when," "although," "since," etc.

Step 2: Check if the clause has its own subject + verb.

🧠 Example:

 Because she was tired → "she" = subject, "was" = verb

Step 3: Ask what it is modifying.

Is it giving info about when, why, how, where, condition, etc.?

→ Then it modifies a verb/adjective/adverb → ✅ Adverb Clause

Step 4: Try removing the clause.

If the sentence still makes basic sense, and the clause added time, reason, etc. → It’s an adverb
clause.

🔁 Examples for Practice

Sentence Adverb Clause Function
I stayed home because I was sick. because I was sick Reason
If you call me, I’ll come. if you call me Condition
Although she was tired, she kept working. although she was tired Contrast
He waited until she arrived. until she arrived Time
I’ll sit wherever I want. wherever I want Place

🔴 Common Mistakes
❌ Because it was raining.
✅ We stayed home because it was raining.
(→ A clause must be attached to a main sentence.)

❌ Although he tried hard. He failed.

✅ Although he tried hard, he failed.
(→ Must join with the main clause.)

🔚 Summary Chart
Clause Type Answers Examples
Time When? After she arrived, we left.
Cause Why? I left because it was late.
Condition Under what condition? If you go, I’ll go too.
Contrast Despite what? Although it’s cold, I went out.
Place Where? Sit where you like.
Purpose For what? Study so that you succeed.