Topic 2: Clause combining

2.1 Clause ______________________________________________________

Clause: A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb that have a
relationship. This relationship is crucial; a clause conveys information about what that
subject is or is doing and the way in which the one performing the action.

Types (according to the verb Types (according to syntactic Examples

form) relationship)
• Finite: is the one that, in • Independent: Can stand Non-finite dependent clause:
general, has the Subject alone and are not • Bare infinitive: I helped
and Finite present. structurally dependent her carry the boxes.
on another clauses. • To infinitive: To do this exercise,
• Non-finite: is the one • Dependent: Is you should have read the slides
that does not have structurally dependent first.
Subject or Finite. There on another clause. (casi • -ed Participle: Loved by all, she
are 4 types: simpre non-finite) was a good president.
• -ing participle: Coughing
- Bare infinitive without being able to stop, I
- To infinitive couldn't sleep all night.
- -ed Participle
- -ing Participle Finite independent clause:
• I adore Lorca's poems
• I didn't make any commentary
• I can't go to that appointment

Types and subtypes (according to verb form)

We talk about finite clauses to refer to sentences that contain a verb that indicates the time in
which we are speaking:
→ I spoke to my mom last night. The verb spoke is irregular and is conjugated in the simple
past tense (2nd column of irregular verbs).

Sentences which we consider finite clauses can be either main sentences as in the examples above
or subordinate clauses:
→ I didn't call you because I had an emergency at home. In this case, I had an emergency
at home is a finite clause, had indicates that it is in the past tense.
Non-finite clauses are sentences which include a verb, but which are not conjugated, they show
no verb tense. Non-finite clauses appear as subordinate clauses, and we can deduce whether they
refer to the past, present, or future, depending on the context of the sentence in which they are
found.
• I brushed my teeth, before leaving home
• After having breakfast, I prepared a sandwich for lunch

Types (according to syntactic relationship)

• Independent Clauses (Main Clause)
An independent clause is a clause that can stand on its own as a distinct sentence. Look at these
examples: I love eating cookies.; My dog barks a lot.
 • Dependent Clauses (Subordinate Clause)
In contrast, a dependent clause is not a complete sentence. Dependent clauses are sometimes
known as subordinate clauses. As their name implies, these clauses depend on independent
clauses to clearly express ideas. Here are a few examples of dependent clauses:
When I grow up…; Although he sings well…

2.2 Sentence ___________________________________________________

Sentence: The sentence is a grammatically complete idea. All sentences have a noun or
pronoun component called the subject, and a verb part called the predicate.

Types (according to clause Subtypes Examples

combination)
Simple sentence:
Simple sentence: one Subtypes of complex
ranking clause sentences: subordination • I can make dinner today
• You should go to the doctor
Complex sentence: more Subtypes of compound • My dog is 12 years old
than one ranking clause of sentences:
unequal status coordination (the syntactic Complex sentence (subordination):
relationship between units of
equal and often of similar • She did it great in the dance recital, even with
Compound sentence: two or form), her leg injured.
more main clauses of equal apposition (The placement of • Although I prepared that exam, I failed it.
status. two words or phrases side by
side without a formal linking Compound sentence (coordination):
word, with one element serving
to add information) • I am really proud of you, you earned that
prize.
• I see your point, but I disagree.

Compound sentence (apposition):

• Sounds interesting; I would like to go.

• I refuse to stay here; he is acting like a child.

• Simple Sentences

A simple sentence contains a single independent clause—that is, a subject and a predicate that
form a complete thought: It is an ice cream cone.; The girl bought an ice cream cone.

• Compound Sentences

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating

conjunction (and, but, yet, for, or, nor, or so), a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however,
furthermore, likewise, rather, therefore), or a semicolon:

The girl bought an ice cream cone, but she dropped it in the park.

The girl bought an ice cream cone; however, she dropped it in the park.
 • Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains one or more dependent clauses attached to an independent

clause. The dependent clauses are connected to the independent clause through
subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, after, when) or relative pronouns (who, which,
that).

After she bought an ice cream cone, the girl went to the park.

The girl dropped her ice cream cone because a large dog knocked her over.

• Compound-Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence contains one or more dependent clauses attached to one or

more independent clauses.

After she bought an ice cream cone, the girl, who had a freckled face and wore a striped shirt,
went to the park, but she was knocked over by a large dog, which ate her treat, so she ran
home to her mother, who made her an ice cream sundae.

• Will, could, would – marks of tense

•