clauses

Noun Clause

A noun clause is a subordinate clause that functions as a noun. Because it functions as a noun, this clause can be a subject, direct object, indirect object, object of a preposition, predicate nominative, or appositive. I told him that he had been selected. (The noun clause “that he had been selected” functions as a direct object.) Where the …

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Adjective Clauses

Adjective clauses function as adjectives. They describe nouns and pronouns. Most adjective clauses start with the pronouns who, whom, which, that, whose, when, or where. Other pronouns like whoever, whatever, whomever, whichever, what and why can also start an adjective clause. Adjective clauses that begin with one of the relative pronouns are also called relative clauses. Examples are: We set out for the next town where we had planned …

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That-Clauses

That is simply a connector. It shows that a declarative clause forms part of a larger sentence. Compare: I understand. You are right. (two separate sentences) I understand that you are right. (The clause you are right has become the object of the verb in the larger sentence.) That-clauses: functions That-clauses can have various functions in sentences. A that-clause can be the subject. …

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Main Clause

A main clause is a clause capable of making a complete sentence by itself. A sentence always contains at least one main clause, and a simple sentence consists only of a single main clause. In the simple sentence Alice started making dinner, the whole sentence is the main clause. In the compound sentence Peter cooked …

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