What are the different clauses in a sentence?

When we talk about improving clarity, rhythm, and flow in writing, clauses often sit at the heart of the discussion. Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or content pieces, understanding what clauses are—and how they function—gives you control over pacing, emphasis, and tone.

What is a clause?

A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. It can function as a complete idea or serve as part of a larger sentence.

· Independent clause: Can stand alone as a sentence.

· Dependent (or subordinate) clause: Cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to complete its meaning.

Understanding which type you’re working with helps you decide how to punctuate, combine, or separate ideas.

Independent clauses:

Independent clauses express a full thought and can stand as sentences by themselves.

Examples:      

· The cat slept.

· She opened the window.

· I wrote three chapters today.

You can separate independent clauses using a period. Or you can join them with a semicolon or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.

The following information and rules apply to American English and follow the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), and to British English and follow the New Hart’s Rules (NHR)—Oxford Style Guide.

CMOS/NHR guidance:

· Use a comma + coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—remember them using the acronym FANBOYS) to connect two independent clauses.

· Use a semicolon when the clauses are closely related, and you want a slightly stronger connection than a period provides.

Examples: 

· I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

· I finished the book; I devoured every word.

Dependent (subordinate) clauses:

Dependent clauses begin with subordinating words—such as because, although, if, when, while, since, unless—and cannot stand alone.

Examples:

· Because the storm rolled in… ← incomplete idea

· Although I was tired… ← incomplete idea

To form a full sentence, a dependent clause must be paired with an independent clause:

· Because the storm rolled in, we stayed inside.

· Although I was tired, I finished the chapter.

CMOS/NHR guidance:

· A comma is generally required when a dependent clause comes before the independent clause.

· No comma is needed when the dependent clause follows the independent clause, unless the clause is nonrestrictive or adds parenthetical information.

Examples:

· When the meeting ended, we went for coffee.

· We went for coffee when the meeting ended.

Restrictive vs. nonrestrictive clauses:

A common source of punctuation confusion is the distinction between restrictive and nonrestrictive (also called essential and nonessential) clauses.

Restrictive clauses (no commas)

A restrictive clause limits or defines the noun it modifies. Removing it changes the meaning.

Example:

· Students who revise regularly tend to improve faster. (Only those students who revise regularly.)

Nonrestrictive clauses (use commas)

A nonrestrictive clause adds extra information that can be removed without altering the core meaning.

Example:

· My editor, who lives in New Zealand, works remotely. (The editor’s location is additional information.)

CMOS/NHR guidance:

· Always use commas around nonrestrictive clauses.

· Do not use commas for restrictive clauses.

Clauses and creative writing:

While the rules above help maintain clarity and standard grammar, fiction frequently bends them for voice, rhythm, or emphasis. Sentence fragments—technically incomplete clauses—can be stylistically effective.

Examples from fiction:

· Because sometimes silence says more than words.

· If only she had known.

These wouldn’t be considered standard in formal prose, but in narrative fiction, they can heighten emotion or internal thought. At KLS, we initially correct structure according to the grammar rules, but as creative license allows for bending or ignoring rules, we’ll be guided by you.

Common clause-related pitfalls (and easy fixes):

1. Comma splices

Two independent clauses joined only by a comma.

Incorrect:

· The sun was setting, the sky turned orange.

Fixes:

· The sun was setting, and the sky turned orange.

· The sun was setting; the sky turned orange.

· The sun was setting. The sky turned orange.

2. Sentence fragments

Dependent clauses left standing alone by mistake (not stylistic choice).

Incorrect:

· Although the dog barked all night.

Correct:

· Although the dog barked all night, the neighbors didn’t complain.

3. Misplaced or dangling clauses

Clauses placed too far from the words they modify can cause confusion.

Incorrect:

· Running down the street, the mailbox came into view. (The mailbox wasn’t running!)

Correct:

· Running down the street, I saw the mailbox come into view.