clauses

◊ GRAMMAR

A clause is a group of words containing a verb. A simple sentence has one clause.

I waited.

She married a young engineer.

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◊ main clauses

A compound sentence has two or more main clauses — that is, clauses which refer to two separate actions or situations which are equally important. Clauses in compound sentences are joined with conjunctions such as `and', `but', and `or'.

He met Jane at the station and went shopping.

I wanted to go but I felt too ill.

You can come now or you can meet us there later.

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Note that the subject of the second clause can be omitted if it is the same as that of the first clause.

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◊ subordinate clauses

A complex sentence contains a subordinate clause and at least one main clause. A subordinate clause gives more information about a main clause, and is introduced by a conjunction such as `because', `if', `that', or a `wh'-word. Subordinate clauses can come in front of, after, or inside the main clause.

When he stopped, no one said anything.

They were going by car because it was more comfortable.

I said that I should like to come.

The man who came into the room was small.

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See entries at ↑ Subordinate clauses and ↑ Relative clauses. For more information on `that'-clauses and `wh'-clauses used after reporting verbs, see entry at ↑ Reporting.

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◊ non-finite clauses

A non-finite clause is a subordinate clause which is based on a participle or an infinitive.

Quite often while talking to you they'd stand on one foot.

He pranced about feeling very important indeed.

I wanted to talk to her.

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