What is a Clause?

A clause is a set of words in grammar that includes a subject and a predicate. A clause is the most basic unit of syntax in a phrase, expressing a complete notion. Independent clauses and dependent clauses are the two main types of clauses.

An independent clause is one that can function as a complete sentence on its own. It has a subject and a verb which expresses an entire idea. For example, “I went to the store” is an independent clause.

A dependent clause, on the other hand, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It begins with a subordinating conjunction, such as “because,” “while,” or “if,” and it provides additional information or context to the sentence. To construct a complete sentence, a dependent clause must be joined with an independent clause. “Because I was hungry,” for example, is a dependent clause that must be joined with an independent clause to produce a complete sentence, as in “I went to the store because I was hungry.”

Clauses are an important part of sentence structure and can be used to add complexity and variety to sentences.

A main clause is a set of words that includes a subject and a verb. A major clause can stand alone and comprise a whole sentence. Main clauses are also known as independent clauses because they do not require any other information to make sense. They can function very well without the assistance of another clause. They express a whole notion.