What is a clause?

A clause is a group of words working together that contains both a subject and a verb. Clauses can be independent or dependent. 

An independent clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence.

Examples:

Pizza in America is different than pizza in Italy.

The athlete completed the marathon.   

A dependent clause must be attached to another clause in order for it to be a complete sentence; it cannot stand on its own.

Examples:

Because he was not thinking about the consequences, the toddler chose to touch the hot stove.

Good research can only happen when the researcher is focused and alert.

That he was the champion was a fact that no one could dispute.

Additional Resources:

• View the recorded webinar "Mastering the Mechanics Part 2: Compound and Complex Sentences" for more discussion of phrases and clauses.
• What is a phrase? 

Further Questions?

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