Understanding Predicates Clauses in English
Introduction
Predicates clauses are essential components of English grammar that plays a crucial role in communicating ideas effectively. In essence, predicates clauses function as the verb in a sentence and can stand alone as a sentence on its own. It provides additional information about the subject of the sentence, offering clarity and depth to the overall message. This article will explore the definition, types, and importance of predicate clauses in the English language.What is a Predicate Clause?
A predicate clause, also known as a subordinate clause, is a type of clause that acts as the predicate of the sentence. It contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Predicate clauses typically begin with a subordinating conjunction such as that, if, whether, when, where, or because. For example, \"I know that he is coming,\" where \"that he is coming\" is the predicate clause.The Types of Predicate Clauses
There are two types of predicate clauses: nominal and adjectival clauses. Nominal clauses consist of a noun or pronoun that acts as the subject complement, renaming or describing the subject of the sentence. Adjectival clauses, on the other hand, modify the subject by providing additional information about it. They are introduced by relative pronouns such as who, which, or that. An example of a nominal clause is \"The fact that she is tired is apparent.\" Here, \"that she is tired\" is the nominal clause which functions as the subject complement, renaming \"the fact.\" An example of an adjectival clause, on the other hand, is \"The girl who is wearing the red dress won the beauty contest.\" Here, \"who is wearing the red dress\" modifies the noun \"girl\" by providing additional information about her.The Importance of Predicate Clauses
Predicate clauses play an essential role in making a sentence complete and meaningful. They provide additional information about the subject of the sentence, leading to clarity and precision. Moreover, they add variety to a sentence's structure, promoting writing skills' development, mainly if used correctly. In summary, predicate clauses are essential components of the English language, providing additional information about the subject of the sentence. There are two types of predicate clauses: nominal and adjectival clauses. The importance of predicate clauses lies in their ability to add variety and depth to a sentence, making it more clear and effective. Knowing how to use these clauses correctly is essential in mastering the art of writing in English.
