Sentence Clauses

What is a clause in a sentence?

A clause is a group of words with a (s) subject and a (v) verb.
For example:
(s) Computers (v) are important.
= 1 sentence with 1 clause.

We can have two clauses though i.e. two groups of words with a subject and a verb:
Computers are important, but they are dangerous too.
= 1 sentence with 2 clauses.
How about three sentence clauses?
Computers are important, but they can be dangerous too, so we
must take extra caution.
= 1 sentence with 3 clauses.
Now let's add a fourth!
Computers are important, but they can be dangerous too, so we
must take extra caution when we use them.
= 1 sentence with 4 clauses.

You'll have noticed then that a sentence is not the same thing as a clause.
A sentence is the group of words that comes between two full-stops and it must be
a complete thought that makes sense.
So sentence clauses are what build a sentence, and one sentence can have a number
of clauses.
What if there is no subject and verb?
If there is no subject or verb in part of the sentence, then this may be a phrase.
For Example:
(p) In many countries around the world, flooding is becoming more common.

A phrase is a group of words without a subject and verb (a phrase on its own obviously
cannot be a sentence because every sentence has a subject and a verb!).

Sentence Clauses Practice

Look at the sentences with clauses below, and put a check in the correct box to say how many
clauses each sentence has.
Look carefully for the subjects and verbs. This will help you identify the clauses.
1. I'm going out
tonight so I must
get
ready soon.
1
2
3
4
2. Global
warming is a
major problem,
but it can be
solved if we
take action
now.
1
2

3
4

3. Obesity is
getting worse
now in
developing
countries.
1

4. I don't know
when I will be
able to stop
studying
because I have
many more
exams.
1
2
3

5. It's cold outside

so I'm going to
stay in.
1

3
4

7. Why were you so

late?
1

you have an
emergency.
1
2

2
6. Although cars
are essential, they
cause a lot of
pollution, so
governments must
take action soon,
and individuals
also need to play a
role.
1

3
3
4
4
8. He said that he
will come to see
me tomorrow.
1

4
9. It is important to
be on time, but it is
ok to be late when

10. I felt unwell

when I ate the
food, so I'll
probably not eat at
the restaurant
again, but I think
my friend will.
1
2
3
4

SIMPLE SENTENCES
Basic Pattern Pattern Example
1. Subject/Verb
Edward laughed.
The baby crawls and coos.
Spring rain and flowers abound.
2. Subject/Verb/Direct Object
Margaret recalled a memory.
Susan shovels snow.
President Obama gave a speech.
3. Subject/Verb/Complement
-is a noun, adjective, or pronoun that follows a linking verb
The consultant seemed pleasant.
All applicants were UM graduates.
Our house is sturdy.
4. Subject/Verb/Adverb
I lay on grassy surfaces.
They kissed on the lips.
She laughed hard.
5. Subject/Verb/Indirect Object/ Direct Object
The new candidate gives me hope.
I offered the candidate my support.
He gave the child a stern look.
6. Subject/Verb/Direct Object/ Object Complement
An object complement is a noun, a pronoun, or an adjective which
follows a direct object to rename it or state what it has become.ex.
make, name, call, choose, elect, and appoint
The citizens elected him president.
The children made David it.
The children called the dog mad.

SIMPLE SENTENCE EXERCISE

Instruction: Identify each sentence pattern below as: SV, SVO, SV-IO-DO, SVC, SVDO-OC, SVA
1. Museums bring the citizens historical knowledge.
2. People litter and vandalize.

3. Uncooperative members of society make the problem complicated.

4. Students go to tuition classes.
5. The US and China are not cooperating.
6. Improper disposal of garbage give the world a burden.
7. The company has been very successful.
8. Developing countries are in debt.
9. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.
10. Parents call their children babies.
11. Most students are not staying in libraries.
12. Discipline has fixed the problem.
13. UN wrote the leader a letter.
14. The President appointed the senator his assistant.
15. They are internal auditors.
16. Usain Bolt runs very swiftly.
17. Close the window.
18. Animal killing make activists upset.
19. Most people were frightened.
20. My brother is doing homework.
II. Complete these fragments to form a simple sentence. Try to use all the patterns
discussed.
1. Computers are ___________________________________________.
2. I and ___________________________________________________.
3. Goverments around the world __________________________________.
4. Natural health supplements ______________________________________.
5. Animals ______________________________________________________.