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Learning outcomes

By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:
  • describe clause function in a sentence
  • identify finite and non-finite verb groups
  • explain sentence clarity using clause ordering

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Clause function overview

A clause can act as:
  • main information unit
  • condition unit
  • reason unit
  • contrast unit
  • time unit
Examples:
  • reason: “because I was ill”
  • condition: “if you agree”
  • time: “when the lecture ends”

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Finite vs non-finite patterns

  • Finite clause: verb marked for tense/person.
    • “She writes daily.”
  • Non-finite group: verb form without full tense marking.
    • “to write daily”, “writing daily”
MCQ trap:
  • Non-finite group by itself is often not a full clause.

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Sentence clarity by ordering

Two valid styles:
  • dependent clause first:
    • “When the class ended, we left.”
  • independent clause first:
    • “We left when the class ended.”
Use comma after opening dependent clause in formal writing.

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Error correction mini-set

  1. “Because he was late.” -> incomplete sentence
  2. “Although she worked hard, but she failed.” -> double marker error
  3. “If you call, then I will answer.” -> acceptable in speech; in formal writing, often omit then

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Exam hints and traps

  • Avoid fragment: dependent clause alone.
  • Avoid redundant connectors (although...but, because...so together in same clause chain).
  • Check if clause order changes emphasis, not basic meaning.

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Quick practice

Fix these:
  1. “Because I was tired.”
  2. “Although it rained, but match continued.”
  3. “She left when.”
Sample answers:
  1. “Because I was tired, I slept early.”
  2. “Although it rained, the match continued.”
  3. “She left when the bell rang.”