Independent and dependent clauses are vital elements to build concise, compact, and clear sentences. So, learning to use independent and dependent clauses is much essential exercise one hardly afford to neglect. In English grammar a clause is a fundamental unit of language that consists of a subject and a predicate. It can stand alone as a sentence and function as a part of sentence. Equally, it is important to note that not all types of clauses express complete sense of meanings and functions in the same way. In this piece of writing, I’m going to explain the Role of Independent and dependent clauses in English.
Understanding Finite clauses
In English grammar, there are two types of primary clauses: Finite clauses and Non-finite clause. A finite clause contains a verb that is marked for tense. For layman’s understanding, finite clause is limited by tense and have separate subject. Finite clauses can stand alone for complete meaning. But, for complete sense, can depend on main clause as well.
He is cutting a watermelon,” in the clause “He is cutting” is finite, as it includes a verb (“is cutting”) that indicates the present time frame.
Dependent clauses
Structurally, both “independent and dependent” have similar structure: subject and predicate, and function similarly in the sentence. But, in terms of complete sense of meaning, dependent clauses do not qualify. Dependent clauses have to be a part of independent clauses for complete sense of meaning.
Dependent clauses are further classified as:
- Noun clauses: that, what, how,
- Adjective clauses: who, which, that
- Adverb clauses: by subordinating conjunctions
Noun clauses
A group of words having subject and predicate that does the role of noun is called “noun clauses.” Noun clauses are introduced by “that, what, how.”
- She announces that she is not going to support our proposal.
Adjective clauses
A group of words having subject and predicate that does the role of adjective in the sentence is called “adjective clauses.” Adjective clauses are introduced by relative pronouns like: who, which, that, etc.
- The pen which you gifted me, is now lost.
Adverb clauses
A group of words having subject and predicate that function like sentence and play the role of adverbs in the sentence are called “adverb clauses.” Adverb clauses are used to show different relationship between two parts of the sentence.
- My friend could start a business provided that he gets loan.
Independent clauses
Like dependent clauses, independent clauses have no definite types. But, there are various forms like nor, or, for, but, yet, etc.
Independent clauses are most important elements of English grammar. These clauses can stand alone for complete meaning and have sentence structure: subject and predicate.
- I do not play for money, nor do I play for publicity.
- You can go for picnic, or you can stay at home.
What does Non-finite clause mean?
On the other hand, a non-finite clause does not bear tense and often uses verb forms such as infinitives, gerunds, or participles. They are embedded in other sentence to make meaningful. They play various roles like: noun, adjective, etc.
Gerund: verb + ing
Gerund is a word ends in -ing and works like a noun in a sentence despite it seems like a verb.
- Harry surprised while receiving negative feedback from his friend. (while receiving negative feedback from his friend)
Infinitive: to + verb
Second, infinitive that is formed as “to + verb” is a most basic form of verb that functions as noun, adjective and adverb.
- She hates to dance in the gathering.
- He never likes to get up early everyday.
Participle: verb + ed, verb + ing
Third, participle that is formed by “ing and ed” suffix and function as adjective.
- They can’t eat standing beside the road.
- The new training schedule, if adopted by coach, might cause inconvenience for many players. (If adopted by coach)
Non-finite clauses cannot stand alone like finite clauses and for complete sense of meaning, they are dependent on independent clauses. In the sentence, these clauses are embedded in independent clauses.
Proper understanding these types of clauses is essential, as they form the building blocks of sentences. Here on, I’m going to explain independent and dependent clauses in a systematic manner.
A step by step learning to use independent and dependent clauses
So far, we have learned about finite and Non-finite clauses used in English grammar. I have explained in detail how finite clauses are different from Non-finite clauses and how do they play different functions. Further, I have provided clear difference between independent and dependent clauses in terms of structure, functions and role in sentence.
Now onwards, I’m going to provide a detailed account of independent and dependent clauses in terms of meaning, types, usages, and roles they play in communication.
Independent and Dependent Clauses: meaning, role, and examples
Understanding the difference between independent and dependent clauses is crucial for mastering English grammar. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, as it expresses a complete thought.
- The dog woke up, and ran away quickly.
- The dog woke up.(main clause)
- And ran away quickly. (Independent clause by “and” cumulative coordinating conjunction)
Both clauses can stand alone for complete meaning. And, play the role of sentence as well. For more meaningful and complex idea to express, independent clauses are linked with main.
Some useful examples of independent clauses
- Students went out for jungle suffari, and they saw many animals.
- Student went out for jungle suffari. (Main clause)
- And they saw many animals. (Independent clause)
- She is really exhausted, yet has decided to cook.
- She is really exhausted.
- Yet she has decided to cook.
- When we visited tribal regions, we worked for tribal cause.
- When we visited tribal regions.( dependent clause)
- We worked for tribal cause.(main clause)
- I will switch off all the switches when I finish my study.
- I will switch off all the switches. (Main clause)
- When I finish my study. (Dependent clause)
Independent and main clauses can stand alone for complete meaning but dependent clauses can’t.
Dependent clauses: meaning, role, and examples
As I have already stated that a dependent clause cannot stand alone for complete meaning though it functions like sentence. It relies on an independent clause to provide context and meaning.
- She has decided to cook though she is feeling exhausted.
Here, “she is feeling exhausted” can’t stand alone for complete meaning unless it is connected with independent or main clause. In short, the dependent clause adds detail but cannot function without the independence of the latter part of the sentence.
Dependent clauses also serve various roles, such as providing additional explanations or conditions. These clauses can function as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns within a sentence.
Types of Dependent Clauses
There are three primary types of dependent clauses: noun clauses, adjective clauses, and adverb clauses. Each type serves a specific function and contributes to the overall meaning of a sentence.
- The noun clauses
- The adjective clauses
- The adverb clauses
1. Noun clauses: meaning, role, and examples
A group of words having subject and predicate that does the role of noun is called “noun clauses.” These clauses are introduced by “that, what, how.”
Noun clauses act as a noun within a sentence, which means they can serve as subjects, objects, or complements. Noun clauses often begin with words such as:
- “that,”
- “what,”
- “who,”
- “whether. “
- “Whatever”
Role of Noun clause as an object
- I don’t know when we are going to leave.
- Everyone knows that this is big game for us.
- She is so weak in math. she will pay whomever you ask to teach $200 per month.
Noun clause as object of infinitive
- Don’t wait. We have to purchase whatever is left.
- I want to learn how they assemble so quickly.
- Use of Noun clause as object of preposition
- It is true that your success in this exam depends on how you prepare in the last month.
- Be aware about what you have learned so far.
As a Subject complement
- My advice is that you should keep patience in crisis.
- Antarctica is where everyone wants to go once in life.
- Magician is who shows miracle.
As an adjective complement
- I am impressed that that you started an NGO.
2. The adjective clauses: meaning, role and examples
Adjective clause is also called relative clause as it is introduced by relative pronouns and adverbs. It is a dependent clause used to add extra information to main clause. Generally, to provide descriptive information about noun, adjective clause is preferred.
The adjective clauses, also known as relative clauses, modify nouns and usually begin with relative pronouns like:
- “who,”
- “whom,”
- “whose,”
- “that,”
- “which.
- “Whosoever”
- “Whichever”
- “Whatever” etc.
By adding additional information, adjective clauses enrich the sentence and help readers understand the specific aspects of the noun being discussed.
Whenever the restrictive clause is used, comma is generally omitted. Whereas, comma is placed only when the clause is non-restrictive which adds non-essential information.
Examples of adjective clauses: restrictive and non-restrictive clause
- The pen which you gifted me, is now lost. (broken clause with comma)
- The lake, which we saw last time, is totally dried. (broken clauses)
- This is the bike that we used for riding. (restrictive clause)
- I always remember the people who helped us in need. (restrictive clause)
- Equatorial forests, which are the storehouse of diverse species, are on the verge of degradation. (non-restrictive clause)
3. Adverb clauses: meaning, role and examples
Lastly, adverb clauses serve as modifiers for verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often indicating time, cause, condition, or contrast. Here is a list of important subordinating conjunctions used to form dependent clauses.
- Time: When, as soon as
- Cause: because
- condition: provided that, unless
- Contrast: although, even though, even if
- Purpose: in order that
- Manner: as if
- Comparison: as…as
Useful examples of adverb clauses
- He can pass this exam provided that he executes his plan.
- He can’t pass his exam unless he executes his plan.
- He exercises daily so that he could stay fit and healthy.
- He works very hard in order that he could offer better future for his family.
- Even though global economy is slowing down rapidly, many countries are busy in imposing trade tariffs on imported goods.
Understanding the distinctions between these three types of dependent clauses is crucial for constructing more complex and meaningful sentences in English.
Understanding The Role and Importance of independent and dependent Clauses in Sentence Structure
In english language, on the basis of clause combinations, various forms of sentences are formed. By using independent and dependent clauses in a sentence, following types of sentence types can be formed.
- Simple sentence: single main clause (subject + predicate)
- Complex sentence: main clause + one or two dependent clauses
- Compound sentence: main clause + independent clauses
- Mixed sentence: main clause + independent as well as dependent clauses.
Examples of simple, complex, compound, and mixed sentences
- Donald Trump announced trade tarriffs.
- Donald Trump announced trade tariffs as soon as he came to power.
- Donald Trump announced trade tariffs, and he forced trading partners to lower trade barriers.
- Donald Trump announced trade tariffs as soon as he came to power, and forced trading partners to lower trade barriers.
In this ways, independent and dependent clauses are used to make English communication more fascinating.