THE CLAUSE

1. THE CLAUSE ENGL 341

2. The clause • A clause contains some form of a verb and subject in it • Thus, the number of verbs in a sentence corresponds to the number of clauses in it • We should therefore be able for a start to identify the number of clauses in the ff structures: • Where your treasure is there will your heart be. • We did not know that he would come today. • When going to school I saw them. • Should anything happen to him you will be blamed.

3. Classification • A number of clauses may be identified based on three factors: • Form of verb in a clause – finite clause, non-finite clauses • The internal structure of the sentence containing the clause – dependent/ independent • The grammatical function – nominal, relative, adverbial, comparative, etc.

4. Verbal types of clauses • Based on the form of the verb in the clause we can classify finite and non-finite clauses • Finite clauses: these are clauses which contain finite verbs • Finite verbs are tensed – present or past tenses • Example, the following are finite clauses because their verbs are finite – either in the past tense or present tense: • He came yesterday • They like your idea • We are listening • We will speak to him • We have spoken early

5. Verbal types of clauses • Non-finite clauses: these are clauses which contain non-finite verbs • Non-finite verbs are forms of the verb when it is: • A To infinitive form • A Bare infinitive form • An -ing participial form • An -en/ed2 participial form • Example, the underlined clauses are non-finite because their verbs are non-finite forms: • When coming, take my work with you. • Though beatenby the rain he went for the program. • To do your will is my desire.

6. Structural types of clause • Depending on the relationship of the clauses in the sentence, we can identify: • Dependent/subordinate clause; and • Independent/main clause • Example in: • Before I went out this morning I prayed • The 2 clauses (Before I went out this morning; and, I prayed) are related in the sense that whereas the 2nd clause does not need the first clause depends on the second to make sense

7. Structural types of clauses • Independent clauses are clauses which do not need any other clause to be complete and as a result, they can stand alone as a sentence • example the underlined clauses are independent clauses: • When we meet him, our problems will end. • Come in if you like. • She spoke while I wrote it. • The say their prayers before they leave

8. Structural types of clauses • Dependent clauses are the clauses which must be attached to independent clauses to be complete • Example: the underlined clauses are dependent • When it rains we will move to the completed building. • As I suggested, we should be able to make money out of this • After he had said that he sped off. • Until we say something attractive he won’t come back.

9. Activity • Determine the indep clauses and the dependent clauses in the ff structures: • Police have killed dozens of exotic animals that escaped from a private zoo. • Speaking on Wednesday, Mr F said police were surprised at the incident. • Whenever he comes, tell him to see me. • Identify whether independent clauses and dependent clauses are finite or non-finite • We can make the following conclusions: • That all independent clauses are finite • That dependentclauses may be finite or non-finite

10. Clauses • It is therefore redundant to refer to a clause as a finite independent clause • But we can call: • Finite clause (or independent clause) • Finite dependent clause; and • Non-finite dependent • Identify the finite dependent clauses and non finite dependent clauses in the following • They washed their hands before taking their meal. • Because we are busy, we have put our phones on silent. • Bring Kofi with you when you are coming back

11. Functional types of clauses • Determine the grammatical functions of the following clauses: • This is what I hate in my life. • When confused about anything, just give me a call • He whispered what no one could hear. • The messenger who respects everybody has arrived • This is the man I admire. • Apart from verbal and structural classifications, clauses can also be classified based on their grammatical function • Following functional types are identified: • Nominal clause • Relative clause • Adverbial clauses • Comparative clauses

12. Nominal clauses • Determine the gram function of the underlined clause: • What he said means a lot to me. • They give what they do not needas gift. • This is what he gave to us. • They complained about what I said yesterday. • These clauses perform noun functions subject, direct object complement, prepositional complement; besides they can be replaced by nouns or pronouns • We call a clause which perform noun function a nominal clause

13. Nominal clauses • Nominal clauses may be sub-categorised into 3 types: • that-clauses – they begin with the introductor ‘that’: example that you insulted your mother shocks me. he claims that you are his friend. • Interrogative clauses – they begin with the interrogators (which, who, whom, how, when, etc. what he said is not important When to get there is our concern • Non-finite clauses – these clauses contain a non-finite form of the verb. Example: to manage a business requires a great skill To do you will is my desire

14. Relative clauses • Determine the function of the underlined clauses: • Grammar is the course we like most. • The lady who hops is my friend. • Relative clauses perform the typical function of the adjective • Two types of relative clauses are: • Restrictive relative; and • non-restrictive relative

15. Relative clauses • Compare the relative clauses: • The lady talking is my sister • He gave it to the woman who is coming. • Our lecturer who always comes late is absent today. • We paid him an unannounced visit, which touched him greatly • My mother who always compares me with my friends is visiting me today • The ‘that’ relativiser can be elide as in • The book you gave to me is missing • The important distinction between a ‘that’ nominal clause and a ‘that’ relative clause is that the latter is replaceable by ‘which’, when referring to inanimate objects and by ‘who’, ‘whom’,

16. Relative clauses • The absence of restrictive relative clauses leaves the noun phrases they modify incomplete/vague. • As result of their function in making nouns specific, they are also referred to as defining clauses. Examples: • The man who gives us feedback is dead • The game everybody loves most is expensive • The table that you bought is mine

17. Relative clauses • Non-restrictive relative clauses add information that is not a necessary requirement for the completion of the meaning of a noun phrase. • As a result of this quality they: • can be left out of the sentence and the noun they modify can still be complete in its meaning. • They are non-defining • Examples: • My dad, who always has a new story, is in town • Aunty Aba, who studied English, is the new president

18. Adverbial clauses/adjuncts What grammatical functions do the underlined clauses perform: describe them. • Because he has refused to sign it, I cannot use it. • Owing to the fact that no one came, I left early. • Should you come across him, let me know about it. • Immediately he saw us, he sped off. • We will hold a class whether it rains or not. • She would do everything to help though she knows she is not strong • She said, while still running, that there is trouble.

19. Adverbial clauses • They behave just like adverbs and so possess all the qualities of adverbs • Based on the meanings, we can classify adverbial clauses into: • Reason • Purpose • Place • Time • Concession • Manner • Result • condition

20. Adverbial clause of reason: • Because you have shown seriousness, you will definitely pass the exam. • Since we have no problem with you, we will allow you to pass. • I stopped teaching due to the fact that no one was listening • Adverbial clause of purpose • He read the grammar continually for fear he will fail the exams • They rehearsed for so many days so they could produce a good play • In order to attend the programme by all means she lied to her dad

21. Types of adverbial clause • Adv cl of place • We go wherever he goes. • Where he went nobody can really tell • AdvCl of time: • When he said it he was in his jovial mood • He arrived immediately you left • After he had insulted us, he wanted to sound friendly. • As soon as, before, until, • Adv cl of manner • As you lay your bed so must you lie on it • She left as we had expected

22. Clauses • Concession: • Though she is the most beautiful in the competition she wont win • He did a splendid presentation though he was in a hurry • Results • We did our homework, so we got what we wanted • They came early so that they were able to get front seats • Condition • We will come provided you don’t tell anybody • If you close the door I will shout • Should the light go off call the emergency line (read Wiredu on conditionals for the types)