Clauses are building blocks of meaning that show how ideas relate in time, cause, purpose, and more. This guide covers key types of clauses and common connectors.
Types of Clauses
A clause has a subject and verb and can be independent or dependent. Dependent clauses rely on a connector and add info like time, cause, condition, or purpose.
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses describe or identify a noun and begin with qui, que, dont, or où. They tie extra detail directly to the noun they modify.
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses show when, why, how, or under what condition something happens and start with subordinating conjunctions like quand, parce que, si, or bien que.
Conditional Clauses
Conditional clauses express an if-then relationship and use connectors like si for real or imagined situations. The tense in each clause signals whether the condition is possible, habitual, or counterfactual.
Purpose and Result Clauses
Purpose clauses explain why something is done and use connectors like pour que + subjunctive or afin de + infinitive. Result clauses show an outcome and often use si bien que or de sorte que.
Key Connectors
Connectors signal the type of relation between clauses. Some trigger the subjunctive mood, so paying attention to each connector helps choose the right tense.
Signal Words
Signal words are typical connectors that mark time, cause, condition, purpose, or concession. Learning these common connectors makes it easier to spot clause functions.
Useful Expressions
Useful expressions include fixed phrases and short connectors that frequently appear in speech and writing to link ideas smoothly. Practicing them helps natural flow.
Summary
Clauses group ideas and connectors show their relation. Relative clauses add detail, adverbial clauses signal time/cause/etc., and conditionals shape if-then meaning. Learning key connectors and whether they trigger the subjunctive empowers precise sentence-building.
Examples
Relative Clauses
Adverbial Clauses
Conditional Clauses
Purpose and Result Clauses
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025