Clauses
Every clause has a subject and a verb, and clauses come in two main types: main clauses that can stand alone and subordinate clauses that depend on another clause. Subordinate clauses often begin with conjunctions or relative pronouns and serve functions like time, cause, condition, or manner.
Main Clauses
A main clause expresses a complete idea and can stand alone as a sentence; it contains a subject and a conjugated verb. English speakers rely on main clauses to convey clear, straightforward information.
| French Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Le chef cuisinier allume les fourneaux. | The head chef lights the ovens. |
| 🌊 Le bateau arrive avec les caisses de produits. | The boat arrives with the crates of goods. |
| 🏘️ Les marchands installent leurs étals sur la place. | The merchants set up their stalls in the square. |
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Subordinate Clauses
A subordinate clause depends on a main clause and begins with a word like because, when, or a relative pronoun; it adds extra information and cannot stand alone. Subordinate clauses show relations such as time, cause, condition, or purpose.
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Time Clauses
Time clauses tell us when something happens and usually start with conjunctions like when, while, or as soon as. In French, time clauses often require the indicative for real actions and the subjunctive for anticipated or dependent events.
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Cause Clauses
Cause clauses explain why something happens and begin with conjunctions like because, since, or as. They typically use the indicative when the cause is certain and the subjunctive when expressing reason for an action that is desired or uncertain.
Condition Clauses
Condition clauses set a requirement for something to occur and start with if, unless, or similar words; they guide which tense to use in both English and French. Real conditions use the indicative, while hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions call for the subjunctive or conditional.
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Manner Clauses
Manner clauses describe how something is done and often begin with as, like, or in the way that. They can use subordinate clauses introduced by as or relative pronouns, and the mood depends on whether the manner is definite or anticipated.
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Relative Clauses
Relative clauses modify a noun and begin with relative pronouns like who, which, that, or in French qui, que, dont. They can be restrictive (essential to meaning) or non-restrictive (adding extra information), affecting punctuation and sometimes structure.
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Summary
Clauses are building blocks of sentences: main clauses express complete thoughts while subordinate clauses add time, cause, condition, manner, or detail; paying attention to connectors and mood ensures clear meaning.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025