Combining Dependent & Independent Clauses

Introduction

Clauses in the field of English language play a crucial role in providing an appropriate meaning to the sentence. In most cases, clauses used in the sentence have both subject and predicate and a verb. However, sentences are defined as expressing a complete thought with the help of strings and words associated with the subject and the verb.

Defining Clauses

A combination of words within a sentence states what a clause is defined as. Together with a subject and a predicate, the clause consists of a verb in it. As stated by the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, a clause can be stated as a group of words, that necessarily consists of a subject as well as a verb that is considered as a part of a sentence. In some other definitions, clauses are stated to be a functioning member of a sentence that is complex or compound.

Types of Clauses

The types of clauses are dependent on the application of the clauses and how it behaves within a given sentence. However, there are found two types of clauses that involve, the independent clause and dependent clause.

Independent Clause

The Independent clause can as well be termed the main clause as it consists of a verb, a subject and words associated with it. More to this, the independent clause is capable of standing alone and thereby providing a complete meaning to the sentence. This is the reason why these clauses are stated as independent clauses.

For example,

• I know how to play cricket.

• Yesterday, it was my brother’s anniversary.

Dependent Clause

Dependent clauses are termed as subordinate clauses as it is consisting of a verb and a subject that is similar to the independent clause. However, dependent clauses also contain either a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun. Another striking difference that is noticed among the independent and dependent clauses is that dependent clauses cannot stand alone and cannot convey a complete sense.

For example,

• Prior to reaching home, we packed our food from the restaurants.

• My mother said to call her, as soon as I reached the university.

Furthermore, based on the functionalities the dependent clauses can be segregated into noun clauses, complementary clauses, adverb clauses, conditional clauses, adjective clauses, verb less clauses, relative clauses and comparative clauses, respectively.

Examples of using Clauses within a Sentence

It is noticed that clauses can be used in several parts of sentences. A few examples are given below so that it will help, to provide a proper understanding of how to make use of both dependent as well as independent clauses.

• I am not well; therefore, I took a casual leave.

• Yesterday was Sunday.

• As we reached the office, we immediately joined the ongoing meeting.

• We started our trip to Lonavla, as soon as I boarded the bus.

Combining of Clauses

Clauses can be combined in varied ways to construct a sentence that has a proper meaning as well as a complete sense of expression.

It is noticed that clauses can be joined in three ways within a sentence. The first one is a combination of two independent clauses that is followed by a combination of one independent clause with one dependent clause. More to this another way is there where a dependent clause is combined with two independent clauses.

Combination of two Independent Clause

The combination of two independent clauses also means combining two sentences. In this one can easily combine with the help of using a comma as well as conjunction and acronyms that include, for, so, yet, but, nor and or.

For example,

• I got ice cream, and she got hot chocolate.

Combination of Independent clause with Dependent clause

The combination of an Independent clause with a Dependent clause can be done when a dependent clause is used before an independent clause together with a comma in most cases. For example,

As he finished his homework on time, he went to play with his friends.

Combination of two Independent Clause with one Dependent Clause

In this combination, of two Independent Clause with one Dependent Clause, conjunction and commas play an essential role.

For example, All my school friends are making up plans for going out to a movie, but I just want to plan for a trip to shore.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, an intensive focus has been given to exploring the types of combinations that are found to be done with clauses within a sentence. More to this the underlying concepts are also given the attention that justifies clauses are an important aspect used in a sentence. More to this a sentence can also be defined as the independent clause or it can be stated as the combination of both independent and dependent clauses.

FAQs

Q1. What are adverbial clauses? Give some examples.

Ans. The adverbial clauses are the groups of words that tend to modify verbs used in the given statement. However, these may also modify the adverbs as well as the adjectives used in the sentence. These clauses are stated to determine certain circumstances that include questions initiating with when, where, how, why, how much or maybe any other circumstances that justify the actions that are taking place in the given sentence.

For example,

Since Roma will be at home early, I have to go at this moment and join the meeting.

Q2. What is defined as conditional clauses?

Ans. Conditional clauses are defined as the clauses that are being used in a sentence that initiates with certain specific clauses, such as if or unless. This describes a situation that is likely or feasible in nature. For example,

If it rains tomorrow, I will not go to the office.

Q3. What can be defined as relative clauses?

Ans. Relative clauses are clauses that get connected to the main clause, with the help of certain words. These words include, which, what, whom, that and many more.