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Types of Clause -Clauses are mainly of two types:
 Independent Clause/Principal Clause/Main Clause
 Dependent Clause/ Subordinate Clause

 Independent Clause
 An independent clause functions on its own to make a
meaningful sentence and looks much like a regular sentence.
In a sentence two independent clauses can be connected by

the coordinators: and, but, so, or, nor, for*, yet*.
Example:
o I want to buy a phone, but I don’t have enough money. (Two independent
clauses)

o He went to London and visited the Lords. (Subject of the second clause is
‘he,' so “he visited the Lords” is an independent clause.)

o Alex smiles whenever he sees her. (One independent clause)
 Dependent Clause
A dependent clause cannot function on its own because it leaves an idea or thought
unfinished. It is also called subordinate clause. Dependent clauses help the independent
clauses complete the sentence. A dependent clause alone cannot form a complete

sentence.
The subordinators do the work of connecting the dependent clause to another clause to
complete the sentence. In each of the dependent clause, the first word is a subordinator.
Subordinators include relative pronouns, subordinating conjunctions, and noun clause
markers.
Example:

o When I was dating Daina, I had an accident.
o I know the man who stole the watch.
o He bought a car which was too expensive.
o I know that he cannot do it.
o He does not know where he was born.
o If you don’t eat, I won’t go.
o He is a very talented player though he is out of form.

 DEPENDENT CLAUSE