Grammar for Everyone - Barbara Dykes 2007
26 Clauses - Main clauses
Introduction
Part II The parts of speech
Definition: The word ’clause’ is from the Latin clausa meaning ’a closing’ - in the sense that the clause is complete in form and meaning. A simple sentence with one finite verb is referred to as the main (or principal) clause and the appended or attached clauses are referred to as subordinate clauses.
Before studying clauses, students should:
• understand and recognise the difference between finite and non-finite verbs
• know the functions of nouns, adjectives and adverbs
• understand the terms subject, object and complement
• be able to define the term ’phrase’ and understand its functions
• recognise and understand the function of relative pronouns Once students have mastered the use of phrases they are well on the way to understanding clauses. Clauses are used in the same three ways: as nouns, being subjects, objects or complements; as adjectives, qualifying nouns; and as adverbs modifying verbs.
It is important to identify for students the essential differences between phrases and clauses.
A finite verb
A clause always contains a finite verb.
For example:
A finite verb has a subject. The subject in the above clause is expressed by the pronoun ’who’, referring to the old lady.
A connecting word
Unlike phrases, clauses almost always need a connecting word. It is occasionally omitted in casual speech, as understood. Adjectival clauses are connected to the nouns they qualify by relative pronouns (see page 164).
For example:
This is the hat that (or which) I bought at the market.
Adverbial clauses are connected to the verbs they modify, by a subordinating conjunction.
For example:
I bought it because I am going to a wedding.
Noun clauses are connected by relative pronouns or subordinating conjunctions.
For example:
Whereas most of these connectors come naturally to native English speakers, they can be more tricky for foreigners learning English. It is important for students to understand the function of relative pronouns before they practise clauses.
Much jargon surrounds the terminology for all of these categories. As mentioned earlier, it is wise to use easily recognisable but definitive terms, usually of the more traditional kind which are readily understood in any language or reference material. It is equally important to be consistent in their use.
Main clauses
The main (another common term is ’principal’) clause consists of a simple sentence with one finite verb. It makes complete sense.
For example:
Compound sentences
There can be more than one main clause in a sentence. If the clauses have the same grammatical form and are joined by a conjunction such as and, or or but they form a compound sentence.
For example:
Each clause makes sense on its own. The conjunction may be only understood, in which case a semicolon is used to join the main clauses.
For example:
A bee stung the woman; she dropped her spade.
Sentence analysis
Finite verbs: stung, dropped
Main clause 1: a bee stung the woman
A bee stung the woman and she dropped her spade.
Conjunction: and
Main clause 2: she dropped her spade
Compound sentence