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Time to study language

You have learnt about clauses. Some clauses can convey complete sense, but some cannot stand
on their own. For example,

• The temple was the highest point in the village.

This clause conveys complete meaning and stands on its own. The clause that can stand on its
own and make complete sense is called a simple sentence.

Now, read these sentences.

• One of the men got frightened and he fell into the water.

• He tried to jump into the boat but the boat moved off.

Each of these sentences has two clauses. Each clause can stand on its own and conveys complete
sense. So they are independent clauses. The independent clauses are joined by coordinating
conjunctions.

When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, we call it a
compound sentence.

Now, read these sentences.

• No one took notice of the dog who was inside the hut.

• When Chenna came back, the dog was dead.

These sentences have two clauses. The underlined clauses are independent clauses so they can
stand on their own and convey complete meaning. The double underlined clauses cannot stand
on their own. They are called dependent clauses. They need to join with an independent clause
using a subordinating conjunction to complete their meaning.

When a dependent clause is joined with an independent clause using a subordinating
conjunction, we called it a complex sentence.

Complete the sentences with clauses.

1. No one took notice of the dog .

2. It was quite some time .
3. The colour had also changed .

4. The loyal dog .

5. until the dog was caught by the crocodile.

6. The dog bit him hard on the leg .

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