Clause Categories

Clausal Complement

Number of finite and non-finite clauses in a complement relationship to a verb – in other words, clauses which are required by the verb in much the same way that an object is required by a transitive verb.

• I know how he feels.
• I heard him shout.

Clausal Adjunct

Number of finite and non-finite clauses in an adjunct relationship to a verb – in other words, clauses which serve a role similar to the role of an adverb.

• I walked when I went to the store.
• I walked because I wanted to.
• I walk because I can.

Negative examples:

• Quickly, while it’s still sunny.

Clausal Predicate

Number of clauses in a predicate relationship to the verb.

• It sounds like he’s nice.
• This is how it works.

Negative examples:

• This is the way [that] it works.

Clausal Modifier

Number of clauses in a modifier relationship to a noun. In other words, clauses that serve a role similar to an adjective.

• The man who came here was nice.
• This is the way [that] it works.

Clausal Subject

Number of clauses serving a subject role within a sentence.

• Who steals my purse steals trash.
• How I came here isn’t important.