Topic: Parts of Speech

Day 3: Clauses and Sentences

Q: What is the difference between a clause and a sentence?

Clause

A clause is a group of words, which forms part of a sentence. A clause has a subject and a verb, but the meaning is incomplete.

子句（从句）是构成句子的一组词，有主语和谓语，但意思并不完整。

e.g. Can you tell me where she lives?

I don’t know when she left.

I like my uncle, who is a famous pilot.

* Clauses help us to express complex ideas.

Sentence

A sentence is a group of words that makes complete sense. In other words, the meaning of a sentence is complete. A sentence, just like a clause, usually has a subject and a verb.

句子是表达一个完整意思的一组字。也就是，一个句子所要表达的意思是完整的。句子中通常会有一个主语和一个谓语。

e.g. I know your name.

This blue flower is blooming.

I put the book on your desk.

Note: A command/imperative has no subject, but it is still a sentence.

注意：命令句和祈使句没有主语，但仍然是句子。

e.g. Stand up!

An exclamation sometimes has no verb, but it is still a sentence.

感叹句有时候没有动词，但仍然是句子。

e.g. What a beautiful day!

Note: It is very important to know what a sentence is in our writing. We usually need to write in complete sentences. Phrases or clauses are usually not acceptable, unless for special effect.

Kinds of Sentences

There are 4 main kinds of sentences. Pay attention to the punctuation marks.

英语中主要有四种句子种类。请注意标点符号的使用。

a) Statement (陳述句)

e.g. She has a lovely dog.

b) Question (疑問句)

e.g. What is the name of her dog?

c) Command (命令句)

e.g. Put up your hands!

d) Exclamation (感嘆句)

How lovely is she!

Now, let’s do some exercises to see if we can distinguish a clause from a sentence.