English Grammar - Clauses

Question 1

What is a main clause? Provide an example

Answer 1

• Can form a complete sentence on its own

- “I like eating chocolate bars”

Question 2

What is a subordinate clause? Provide an example

Answer 2

• Does not make sense on its own

- “IF YOU BUY A BEABADOOBEE SONG, your life will be better”

Question 3

What’s a coordinate clause? Provide an example

Answer 3

• A main clause in a compound or compound-complex sentence (has coordinating conjunction)
• “I LIKE EATING PIES and YOU ENJOY THEM TOO!”

Question 4

What is a stranded coordinate clause? Provide an example

Answer 4

• A coordinate clause on its own

- “And I loved it!”

Question 5

What is a conditional subordinate clause? Provide an example

Answer 5

• “If” clauses

- “IF YOU GIVE ME A CHOCOLATE BAR, I’ll give you a kiss!”

Question 6

What is a temporal subordinate clause? Provide an example

Answer 6

• Relates to time

- “WHEN YOU LEAVE, close the door”

Question 7

What is a relative subordinate clause? Provide an example

Answer 7

• Adds additional information
• Begins with a relative pronoun
• “Jennifer, WHO HADN’T SLEPT FOR DAYS, looked rough as hell!”

Question 8

What is a concessive subordinate clause? Provide an example

Answer 8

• Accepts/admits something

- “EVEN THOUGH I LOVE HIM, he won’t reciprocate”

Question 9

What is a subordinate clause of reason? Provide an example

Answer 9

• Shows a reason

- “BECAUSE HE MISSED THE TRAIN, Zayn was late”