Clauses and Sentence Synthesis
ICSE Class 8 · English · Chapter 6
What this chapter covers
- Phrases and their functions
- Main and subordinate clauses
- Noun, adjective and adverb clauses
- Relative clauses
- Sentence analysis
- Synthesis of sentences
- Transformation of sentences
- Common mistakes to avoid
Key points
- A phrase is a group of words without a subject and finite verb; it works as a noun, adjective or adverb.
- A clause has a subject and a finite verb. A main clause stands alone; a subordinate clause depends on a main clause.
- A simple sentence has one main clause, a compound sentence has two or more main clauses, and a complex sentence has one main clause with at least one subordinate clause.
- Noun clauses act as subjects, objects or complements; adjective clauses describe a noun; adverb clauses tell when, where, why, how, on what condition or with what result.
- Decide the kind of clause by its job in the sentence, not by its linking word.
- Defining relative clauses identify the noun and take no commas; non-defining clauses add extra information, take commas and never begin with that.
- Sentence analysis means finding each finite verb, naming each clause and stating its function.
- Synthesis joins several sentences into one, using conjunctions, relative pronouns, participles, infinitives, apposition or prepositions.
- Transformation rewrites one sentence as simple, compound or complex without changing its meaning or tense.
Questions answered
What is the difference between a phrase and a clause? Give one example of each built on the word after.
A phrase has no subject with a finite verb; a clause has both. After the lunch break is a phrase; after the lunch break ended is a clause.
Name the kind of the phrase in italics: The temple on the hill is very old.
An adjective phrase, because on the hill describes the noun temple (it tells which temple).
Pick out the main clause: Although it was late, Rohan finished reading the story.
Rohan finished reading the story.
Is this sentence simple, compound or complex? Seema laughed, but her brother stayed silent.
Compound. It has two main clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction but.
Name the kind of clause in italics: I wonder whether he will come.
A noun clause, the object of the verb wonder; the main clause is I wonder.
Name the kind of clause in italics: We played until the sun set.
An adverb clause of time, modifying the verb played.
Add commas where needed: Mr Kapoor who runs the bakery near our school bakes excellent bread.
Mr Kapoor, who runs the bakery near our school, bakes excellent bread. Mr Kapoor is already named, so the clause only adds information. It is non-defining and needs commas.
Analyse: The parcel that you sent reached us when we were away.
Main clause: The parcel reached us. that you sent: adjective clause describing parcel. when we were away: adverb clause of time modifying reached.