English Basics

What is a Clause?

What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of related word that contains a subject as well as a verb.

A clause is a meaningful combination of words, as it can, alone, express a complete thought. A clause can be a simple sentence. Hence, clause is also sometimes defined as group of words having a subject and predicate.

It can also be said that each sentence consists of at least one clause.

Read the following simple examples of a clause:

  • He laughed.
  • I am sleeping.
  • He sings song.
  • The dark is barking.

The above examples reveal that a clause can be a simple sentence.

A clause can also be a part of a compound or complex sentence which consists of more than one clause.

Read the following examples:

  • She is crying.                                       (one clause)
  • The patient died.                                 (one clause)
  • I waited for him, but he didn’t come.       (two clauses)
  • He is going to college, because he wants to meet his friend.    (two clauses)
  • My sister likes Biology, but I like Physics because I want to become an engineer.  (three clauses)

A clause by definition is a combination of words having both subject and verb. Hence, a part of a simple sentence can also be viewed as a clause. Read the following examples:

  • They are laughing at a joker.
  • I saw him in the street.
  • She cooks food in the kitchen.

Note: Clauses have two major types. Click to read: “Main Clause & Subordinate Clause”

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