1. Independent Clause (Main Clause):
* Function: Forms a complete thought on its own.
* Example: *The dog barked loudly.* (Subject: dog, Verb: barked)
2. Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause):
* Function: Does not express a complete thought on its own and relies on an independent clause for meaning.
* Types:
* Adjective Clause: Modifies a noun or pronoun.
* Example: *The dog, which was brown, barked loudly.*
* Adverb Clause: Modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb.
* Example: *The dog barked loudly because it was hungry.*
* Noun Clause: Functions as a noun in the sentence.
* Example: *I know that the dog barked loudly.*
3. Relative Clause:
* Function: A specific type of adjective clause that begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that).
* Example: *The dog, which was brown, barked loudly.*
4. Nominal Clause:
* Function: A type of noun clause that functions as the subject, object, or complement of a verb.
* Example: *What the dog barked was very loud.* (Subject)
5. Participial Phrase:
* Function: Functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. It's a verb form that ends in -ing or -ed, acting as a verb but functioning as a noun or adjective.
* Example: *The barking dog frightened the cat.* (Participial phrase modifies "dog")
6. Infinitive Phrase:
* Function: Functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb, typically with "to" + verb.
* Example: *I want to eat.* (Infinitive phrase functions as the object)
Important Note: Clauses are the building blocks of sentences. Understanding their grammatical functions is key to understanding the structure and meaning of sentences.