Definition
 A
clause is a part of a
sentence which makes sense independently
because it contains a finite verb.
There
are main clauses and subordinate clauses.
Examples
There
are two clauses in this sentence:
Come in, put your coat on that chair, and sit down.
The main clause is 'Come in ... and sit down.'
The subordinate clause is 'put your coat on that chair'.
Use
It is natural for language to structure itself into manageable parts which make complete sense in themselves.
As
speakers we create comprehensible clauses spontaneously and automatically.
Written
language can have a greater complexity of clauses than speech within sentences.
This
is because writing can be reconsidered by the reader at any time
and at any speed.
Speech
on the other hand must be taken in immediately by the listener.
The
term 'clause' belongs to the discipline of descriptive grammar.
This approach is very traditional and has been taught in grammar
schools for the past few hundred years. It is still considered
useful as a term by which to identify the components of a sentence.
Descriptive
grammar sets out with a preconceived blueprint of sentence structure
and attempts to force all utterances into it.
Recently,
the term was introduced into the National Curriculum for the teaching
of English in schools. This states:
'pupils should be given opportunities to develop their understanding of the
grammar of complex sentences, including clauses and phrases'
This
development illustrates a return to old conventions which has been
brought about by conservative values. It is also based on the belief
that standards of literacy have been falling due to the lack of
basic grammar teaching.
'Transformational
Grammar', pioneered by the American linguist Noam Chomsky, is an
alternative and more functional approach to understanding grammar.
This discipline focuses on the relationship and function of parts
in an utterance and seeks to accommodate an infinite variety of
expression and usage.
For
instance, the sentence John is easy to please is identical
in structure to the sentence John is eager to please.
In terms of meaning however, the two utterances are quite different.
This example demonstrates that there is more to understanding grammar
than being able to spot clauses. |
