Clauses

What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. Clauses are the core building blocks of sentences.

Independent Clauses

An independent clause makes complete sense on its own. It is essentially a simple sentence.

• The dog barked loudly.
• She finished her homework.

Dependent (Subordinate) Clauses

A dependent clause has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone — it depends on a main clause to complete its meaning.

• Because she was late — this needs more information.
• Because she was late, she missed the bus. ✅

Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when, unless, after) or relative pronouns.

Relative Clauses

A relative clause adds information about a noun. It is introduced by who, whom, whose, which, or that.

• The student who won the prize was delighted. — tells us which student
• The book that I borrowed was excellent. — tells us which book

Defining relative clauses identify which one: The man who called was angry. Non-defining relative clauses add extra info (use commas): My brother, who lives in Paris, is visiting.