Practice both your English grammar and writing with today’s 60 + clause examples! We are going to cover many kinds, to give us flexibility! The clause types we are going to be looking at are as follows:
- adverb clause examples
- subordinate clause examples
- relative clauses examples
- noun clause examples
- dependent clause examples
We will also look at some general example sentences with clauses that used various types, and also a section at the end on clause examples with answers. So, there’s lots to check out today, let’s jump right into it!
Clause Examples
Let’s take a look at our first 10 clause examples today. Clauses are important building blocks in English, and understanding them will help you speak and write more clearly. Below are examples of different types of clauses. Read them carefully and try to repeat them until you feel comfortable with their structure.
- I like to read books when I have free time.
- He went to the store because he needed some milk.
- Laura smiled when she heard the good news.
- I didn’t go to the party although I was invited.
- If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside.
- They were excited that their team won the game.
- After he finished his work, he went home.
- I don’t know where my keys are.
- You can leave once the meeting is over.
- I will call you if I need help.
Related: 55 Grammatically Correct Sentences: Better English Accuracy!
What Are Clauses? How to Make Sentences with Clauses?
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb. Clauses can be independent or dependent. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause needs an independent clause to make sense.
For example, “I went to the store” is an independent clause. It makes sense by itself. But “because I needed some milk” is a dependent clause. It needs more information to form a complete thought.
Clauses often work together to form complex sentences. Typically, the subject comes first, followed by the verb, and then the object (if there is one). Clauses are often used in daily conversations to explain reasons, describe actions, or give more details.
Adverb Clause Examples
An adverb clause is a dependent clause that acts as an adverb. It answers questions like: When? Where? Why? How? Adverb clauses usually start with words like because, when, if, after, before, although, or unless. Below are 10 adverb clause examples:
- I will go to the park if it stops raining.
- She took an umbrella because it was raining.
- We stayed home since it was too cold outside.
- You can leave after the meeting ends.
- Lee smiled as he walked into the room.
- I don’t know where she is going.
- We ate lunch before we went to the movie.
- I will call you when I arrive at the airport.
- She studied hard so that she could pass the test.
- He will leave if you tell him to.
Subordinate Clause Examples
A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence. It depends on an independent clause to form a complete thought. Subordinate clauses are often introduced by words like because, although, if, when, or unless. Here are some subordinate clause examples:
- I didn’t go to the party because I was tired.
- He left the office before the boss arrived.
- She smiled even though she was nervous.
- We waited for her until she finished the call.
- I’ll give you the book after I finish reading it.
- They decided to leave because they were getting bored.
- He went home although he didn’t want to.
- I will call you if I need help.
- You can go once you finish your work.
- I didn’t like the movie because it was too long.
Relative Clause Examples
A relative clause gives more information about a noun. It usually starts with relative pronouns like who, which, that, or whose. Relative clauses are often used to describe people, things, or places. Below are 10 relative clause examples:
- The book that I borrowed is very interesting.
- The woman who lives next door is a teacher.
- I have a friend whose brother is a doctor.
- The house where I grew up is on King Street.
- The movie which we watched was very funny.
- The teacher who helped me was very kind.
- I met a man whose car broke down.
- This is the restaurant where we ate last night.
- The song that she sang was beautiful.
- The store which I like is on Main Street.
Noun Clause Examples
A noun clause is a type of dependent clause that functions as a noun in a sentence. It can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. Noun clauses often begin with words like that, what, how, why, or whether. Here are 10 noun clause examples:
- What he said was surprising!
- I don’t know why she left early.
- How you solved the problem was impressive.
- That you are here makes me happy.
- I’m not sure whether she will come.
- What we need is more time.
- He asked if I could help him.
- I wonder why they canceled the meeting.
- That she passed the test is amazing.
- He didn’t know what to do next.
Dependent Clause Examples
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It needs an independent clause to make sense. Dependent clauses often start with words like because, although, if, or when. Here are some dependent clause examples:
- I stayed home because it was raining.
- He didn’t come because he was sick.
- You will pass if you study hard.
- I’ll go to the store if I have time.
- She looked tired even though she had slept well.
- He smiled after he heard the news.
- I will be late if I don’t leave now.
- We missed the train because we were running late.
- He left the party when he heard the bad news.
- I’m going to bed because I’m very tired.
Clause Examples with Answers
Below is a table showing different types of clauses and their examples:
Type of Clause | Clause Example Sentence |
---|---|
Independent Clause | I went to the store. |
Adverb Clause | She left early because it was getting late. |
Subordinate Clause | I will call you when I finish my work. |
Relative Clause | The man who called you is waiting outside. |
Noun Clause | I don’t know what he wants. |
Dependent Clause | I stayed home because I was feeling sick. |
Clause Examples: Practice Your English Accuracy
I hope that you have enjoyed reading through and repeating all of today’s clause examples! Learning how to use clauses in English is important for building accurate sentences. When you understand how to form different types of clauses, you can express ideas more clearly and organize your thoughts better. This skill will also help you speak and write more fluently, as clauses allow you to add details and make your sentences more interesting.