Example:
The dog ran through the yard.
Subject: The dog
Predicate: ran through the yard
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There are two basic categories of clauses: independent clauses and dependent clauses.
The independent clause can stand by itself as a grammatically viable simple sentence. Multiple independent clauses can be joined (usually with a comma and a coordinating conjunction) to form a compound sentence.
Examples:
I am a bus driver. (simple sentence)
Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as sentences. They usually begin with subordinating conjunctions. A sentence with an independent clause and any number of dependent clauses is referred to as a complex sentence. One with two or more independent clauses and any number of dependent clauses is referred to as a compound-complex sentence.
Examples:
My sister cried because she scraped her knee. (complex sentence)
When they told me I won the contest, I cried, but I didn't faint. (compound-complex sentence)
The above sentence actually contains two dependent clauses. "When they told me" is one; the other is "(that) I won the contest." The "that" is understood to precede the "I won" and functions as a subordinating conjunction.
There are a few types of dependent clauses, each of which functions as a part of speech: noun clauses, adjective clauses, and adverb clauses.
Examples:
That the kid was making so much money bothered me.
Her eyes were a shade of blue that reminded me of the sea.
I have a tendency to hyperventilate when I'm upset.
Clauses should not be confused with phrases, which do not express complete thoughts through combinations of subjects and predicates. Phrases generally do not contain verbs except as verbals (gerunds, participles, and infinitives).Independent and Dependent Clauses
Independent Clauses
I want to be an astronaut. (simple sentence)
I am a bus driver, but I want to be an astronaut. (compound sentence)Dependent Clauses
Subjects: My sister, she
Predicates: cried, scraped her knee
Subordinating conjunction: because
Subjects: they, I, I, I
Predicates: told me, won the contest, cried, didn't faint
Subordinating conjunctions: When, that (understood)
Coordinating conjunction: butTypes of Dependent Clauses
Noun clause: That the kid was making so much money (functions as a subject)
Adjective clause: that reminded me of the sea
Adverb clause: when I'm upset