JAMB English Note- Clause

Table of Contents

• Definition of a Clause
• Types of Clauses
  • 1. Independent Clause
  • 2. Dependent Clause
• Classification of Dependent Clauses
  • A. Noun Clause
  • B. Adjective Clause
  • C. Adverb Clause
• Clause vs. Phrase
• Examples of Sentences with Clauses
• Common Errors in Clauses
• Class Work

Definition of a Clause

A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a predicate. Clauses form the building blocks of sentences and convey meaning. Depending on their structure and function, clauses can either stand alone as complete sentences or depend on other parts of a sentence for full meaning.

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Types of Clauses

1. Independent Clause

An independent clause, also called a main clause, expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

• Structure: Subject + Predicate (Verb + Object/Complement)
• Examples:
  1. She loves to read novels.
  2. They arrived early for the event.
  3. The dog barked loudly.
  4. He forgot his homework at home.
  5. The sun shines brightly in the afternoon.

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2. Dependent Clause

A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone. It depends on an independent clause to make sense.

• Structure: Introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun + Subject + Predicate.
• Examples:
  1. Although she was tired.
  2. Because the rain fell heavily.
  3. Which he found in the drawer.
  4. While we waited at the bus stop.
  5. Until the teacher arrived.

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Classification of Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses can be further classified based on their function in a sentence:

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A. Noun Clause

A noun clause functions as a noun in the sentence. It can serve as a subject, object, or complement.

• Introducers: “That,” “What,” “Who,” “Whom,” “Why,” “Where,” “Whether,” “How,” etc.
• Examples:
  1. What she said surprised everyone. (Subject)
  2. I believe that he will succeed. (Object)
  3. The issue is why they delayed the project. (Complement)
  4. We were unaware of who wrote the letter. (Object)
  5. Whether he will come is uncertain. (Subject)

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B. Adjective Clause

An adjective clause, also called a relative clause, modifies a noun or pronoun by providing more information about it.

• Introducers: “Who,” “Whom,” “Whose,” “Which,” “That,” “Where,” “When.”
• Examples:
  1. The boy who won the prize is my cousin.
  2. The book that I borrowed is very interesting.
  3. She met the man whom she admired greatly.
  4. The house where I was born has been renovated.
  5. We visited the city which is famous for its culture.

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C. Adverb Clause

An adverb clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb by providing information about time, reason, condition, purpose, or manner.

• Introducers: Subordinating conjunctions such as “Because,” “Although,” “If,” “When,” “While,” “As,” “Since,” “Until,” “So that,” etc.
• Examples:
  1. He left the party because he was tired. (Reason)
  2. She stayed indoors until the storm was over. (Time)
  3. We will succeed if we work together. (Condition)
  4. The children ran home as soon as it started raining. (Time)
  5. She speaks softly so that everyone can hear clearly. (Purpose)

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Clause vs. Phrase

A clause contains both a subject and a predicate, while a phrase lacks either or both.

• Examples of Phrases:
  1. In the morning (no subject or verb).
  2. Running quickly (no subject).
• Examples of Clauses:
  1. She runs quickly (subject + predicate).
  2. Because he was late (subject + predicate).

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Examples of Sentences with Clauses

1. Independent Clause:
   • She enjoys reading books.
   • The car stopped suddenly.
2. Dependent Noun Clause:
   • I understand why she left the room.
   • We do not know what caused the delay.
3. Dependent Adjective Clause:
   • The man who lives next door is friendly.
   • The dog that barked all night belongs to Mr. Jones.
4. Dependent Adverb Clause:
   • He came home early because he was not feeling well.
   • They will stay outside until the rain stops.

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Common Errors in Clauses

1. Run-on Sentences:
   Occur when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation.
   • Incorrect: She is tired she is going to bed.
   • Correct: She is tired, so she is going to bed.
2. Fragmented Sentences:
   Occur when a dependent clause is written as a complete sentence.
   • Incorrect: While the rain poured.
   • Correct: While the rain poured, we stayed indoors.

Class Work

1. Identify the type of clause in the sentence below:

“The girl who won the race is my sister.”

2. Choose the correct clause type in this sentence:

“I went home because I was feeling tired.”
A. Noun Clause
B. Adjective Clause
C. Adverb Clause
D. Independent Clause

3. Identify the main clause in this sentence:

“Although it was raining, we decided to play football.”

4. Complete the sentence with a suitable dependent clause:

“She will not leave the house until __.”

5. Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:

“The man __ lives next door is a doctor.”
A. who
B. which
C. when
D. that

6. Select the correct option to identify the function of the underlined clause:

“I understand that he needs help.”
A. Adjective Clause
B. Noun Clause
C. Adverb Clause
D. Independent Clause