There are two types of clauses: independent clauses and dependent clauses. Independent clauses can stand alone as they are complete statements containing a subject and a verb. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as they are incomplete statements, often using subordinate conjunctions. Dependent clauses are usually preceded by a comma when placed before an independent clause in a sentence. The word "that" can function as a pronoun, adjective, or introduce a dependent clause.

1. Understanding Clauses
A clause is a group of words in a sentence that
contain a subject and a verb. There are two types
of clauses.
Independent ( a complete statement)
Dependent (a fragment)

2. Understanding Clauses
Independent clauses can stand alone because
they are complete statements.
Jim (Subj.) ate (verb) his lunch in the cafeteria.

3. Understanding Clauses
Dependent clauses cannot stand alone because
they are incomplete statements.
While we (subj.) studied (verb)
The use of the subordinate conjunction “while,”
one of the dependent words on pg. 70, turns
this into an incomplete statement.

4. Understanding Clauses
In most cases, when a dependent clause comes
before the independent clause, it is followed by
a comma.
After I finished eating, I did the dishes.

5. Understanding Clauses
When identifying clauses, the word “that” can
play tricks on you.
“That” can be a pronoun all by itself
That was an interesting book.

6. Understanding Clauses
.
“That” can be an adjective answering the
question “which?”
That book had an interesting ending.

7. Understanding Clauses
.
“That” can introduce a (dependent clause).
The book (that you ordered last week)
has finally come in.

8. Understanding Clauses