clause analysis

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Clause Analysis Clause is a group of words containing a finite verb. Unlike phrases, they communicate complete meaning. To understand lengthy sentences it is necessary to study the clauses closely. For example Theoretically it can serve as [a source] of ideas and insights which are of particular relevance for the formulation of principles: ideas emerging from disciplines devoted to the sudy of language and learning which might bear upon the definition of language as subject Adopted from Longman english grammar of spoken and written english There are two types of clauses: Independent clauses and dependent clauses. A. Independent Clauses / Main Clauses Independent clauses / main clauses can stand by themselves as complete sentences. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and makes complete sense. Examples: 1. The letters are types and the files are in order In the above example, there are two independent clauses. 2. I have finished the report but have not written the report . In the above example, the subject ‘I’ is understood in the second clause. Clauses are connected in three ways: Coordination, Subordination, and by a Semicolon. Coordination means joining independent clauses with the use of a coordinating conjuction. (for, or, noy, yet, so and but).

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Clause Analysis

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Clause Analysis

Clause is a group of words containing a finite verb. Unlike phrases, they communicate complete meaning. To understand lengthy sentences it is necessary to study the clauses closely. For example

Theoretically it can serve as[a source]of ideas and insights which are of particular relevance for the formulation of principles: ideas emerging from disciplines devoted to the sudy of language and learning which might bear upon the definition of language as subject

Adopted from Longman english grammar of spoken and written english

There are two types of clauses: Independent clauses and dependent clauses.

A.Independent Clauses / Main ClausesIndependent clauses / main clauses can stand by themselves as complete sentences. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and makes complete sense.Examples:1.The letters are typesandthe files are in orderIn the above example, there are two independent clauses.2.I have finished the reportbuthave not written the report.In the above example, the subject I is understood in the second clause.

Clauses are connected in three ways:Coordination, Subordination, and by a Semicolon.Coordination means joining independent clauses with the use of a coordinating conjuction. (for, or, noy, yet, so and but).Examples:1.Rita thought about joining the dance class, butshe did not speak to her parents about it2.I was told not to interfereorI would certainly have solved the matter3.My mother told me sleep a little longerforit was still dark

Subordination means making a subordinate clause with the use of subordinating conjuction. When the clause starts with a subordinating conjunction, it is called a subordinate or a dependent clause because it depends on the independent clause for its meaning.Examples:1.Although Rita often thought about joining the dance class, she did not speak to her parents about it.2. Rita did not speak to her parents about joining the dance class,because she was afraid they would reprimand her.3. Yash,who is Ritas brother, told Rita to join the dance class no matter what their parents said.

Semicolons connect two independent clauses Semicolons are used only when the two independent clauses are closely related.Examples:1.Rita sings melodiously;her teacher asks her to sing at the annual programme2.Ritas dance has a breathtaking, mystical quality;besides, she evidently enjoys dancing in that way

B.Dependent Clauses / Subordinate ClausesDependent Clauses / Subordinate Clauses cannot stand by themselves as they do not make complete sense. Therefore, they have to be combined with an independent clause in order to form a sentence.Example:Ravi recognised the womanwho was standing in the garden.In the above example the colored sentence cannot stand on its own. It depends on the previous clause for its meaning.

Types of Dependent Clauses:

1. Adjective ClauseAdjective clause modifiesa noun or a pronoun.It begins with a relative pronoun like whose, who, whom, that and which OR a subordinate conjunction like where and when.Examples:1. That is the manwho scolded Gopal.2. The Lionwhich was cagedhas escaped.3. The carwhich he had bought uswas greenThe adjective clause must be placed very close to the word modified by it. If the adjective clause is misplaced, the sentence becomes confusing to the reader.Incorrect:He rode the cycle in thegardenwhich was bought by his father.Correct: He rode thecycle,which was bought by his father, in the garden.

In the above example, the misplaced word which gives an impression that the garden was bought by his father. The sentence can be corrected by placing which before the adjective clause.

2. Adverb ClauseAn adverb clause is a subordinate clause that functions like an adverb. It answers the questions like where, when, why, under what conditions and with what results.Examples:An adverb clause modifies an adverb, verb or an adjective in the main clause.1. Adverb clause of time(tll, after, when etc)I will write the assignmentafter I read the instructions care fully2. Adverb clause of place(whereas, where, etc)You can tell himwhere to meet you3. Adverb clause of supposition(though, even if, although etc)Although he smiled, he was angry4. Adverb clause of cause/reason(so that, inorder that etc)He called me yesterdayso that he could knowthe details of the meeting5. Adverb clause of condition(whether, if etc)If they offer you a better salary,you should jointhem immediately6. Adverb clause of consequence(that etc.)He hit the ball so hardthat it landed outside thestadium7. Adverb clause of comparison(than, as, etc)He is strongerthan I (am)

3. Noun ClauseA noun clause is a subordinate clause that functions as a noun. A noun clause can be a predicate, subject, nominative, appositive, direct object, object of preposition or an indirect object.Useful Hint:Substitute something or someone in the place of the clause. If the meaning is clear then it is a noun clause.Examples:1. I hopeI pass the test. [I hope something , here the sentence still making sense]2. He wanted to knowwhat had taken place in the market.3. He does not understandwhat you speak.In the above examples, the words incolored text act as nouns as they are the objects of a verb. A noun clause can take the place of a subject, object or a complement of the subject.Certain clauses can act in all the three ways. Thus, a noun clause is identified by its function in the sentence.Examples:1.Why he did not arriveis the question. (Subject of a verb)2. We have saidthat this is not the right way. (Object of a transitive verb).3. Pay attention towhat the teacher is saying(Object of a preposition)4. His convictionthat she would stand first at the examinationencouraged her to study harder. (In opposition to noun/pronoun).5. My conviction isthat she would stand first. (Complement of a verb).6. We are sorrythat you missed your train.(After an intransitive verb to be)

4. Non - Finite Clause / Participal Clause(Some formal english grammarians consider this clause as a phrase as it doest not contain a Finite verb. But modern english grammarians recognise it as a clause)The participle verb introduces a clause that is dependent on the main part of the sentence. It plays an important role in showing the action that was taking place at the time the main action takes place.Examples:1.While trying to catch the moving train,the hawker dropped his wares.2.Fabricating a story about his illness, the old man asked for more money.3.Tired from studying all afternoon,she went for a walk.

5. Verbless clausesAmong non-finiteclauses we may also include verbless clauses such as:1. She had also been taught,when in difficulty, to think of a good life to imitate.2.Although not a classic, this 90-minute video is worth watching.3. Every day, if possible, reat atleast 2 english news papers4.Not a classic, this 90- minute video is worth watching.Verb less clauses are very common in speech rather than in formal written english.