Clauses
Spoken Description
Learn to join simple sentences with coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, and transitional phrases. Practice punctuation, sentence variety, and common pitfalls to craft clear, natural compound sentences.
Lerne, kurze Sätze mit Konjunktionen, Semikolons und Übergangswörtern zu verbinden. Übe Zeichensetzung, Satzvariationen und häufige Fehler für flüssige, klare Sätze.
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Clauses are groups of words with a subject and a verb that function as building blocks of sentences. This guide explains the main types of clauses and how they join together to shape meaning.
Types
The two basic types of clauses are main (independent), which can stand alone as a sentence, and subordinate (dependent), which add extra information and rely on a main clause.
Main
Main clauses express a complete thought and can function on their own. They set the scene for additional details provided by subordinate clauses.
Subordinate
Subordinate clauses begin with connectors like because, although, or relative pronouns and provide reasons, time, condition, or description. They cannot stand alone without a main clause.
Adjective
Adjective (relative) clauses modify a noun and usually begin with who, which, that, or whose. They add specific information that identifies or describes the noun.
Adverb
Adverb clauses modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb by showing time, cause, manner, condition, or place. They often begin with when, because, if, although, or where.
Noun
Noun clauses function as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence and often begin with that, whether, if, or question words like what and how. They can be replaced by a noun phrase.
Joining
Clauses are joined by coordinators and*, *but*, *or, subordinators because*, *although, and relative pronouns. Punctuation depends on clause type and order—commas often appear after fronted adverb clauses.
Summary
Main clauses express key ideas; subordinate clauses add details and attach to mains. Adjective, adverb, and noun clauses serve specific functions and begin with typical connectors. Mastering clause types and connectors improves sentence clarity and nuance.
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