Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
origin; starting point
source
logo
dealer
leather
full quiz correct answer
 
Username
Password
 Remember me? 
Search   Album   FAQ   Memberlist   Profile   Private messages   Register   Log in 

English grammar: main clause



 
ESL/EFL Worksheets and Handouts for Students Printable, photocopiable, clearly structured
Designed for teachers and individual learners
For use in a classroom, at home, on your PC
ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Usage of the word "ambience" | usage of any other?
listening exercisestell a friend
Message
Author
English grammar: main clause #1 (permalink) Sat Nov 10, 2007 12:13 pm   English grammar: main clause
 

Hi, my name is Fisnik. I am studying English language and literature and one of my subjects is English Grammar. Presently, in English Grammar we are learning about "Clauses" and I was wondering if you could tell me in the following complex sentence which clause is the Main Clause.

"When I arrived at the airport, they told me that my plane had already left."

I read somewhere that the main clause is independent and it can stand by itself but this sentence has confused me.

Thank you in advance
Fisnik
New Member


Joined: 10 Nov 2007
Posts: 1

Main Clause #2 (permalink) Sat Nov 10, 2007 13:33 pm   Main Clause
 

Hi Fisnik

The main clause is "they told me that my plane had already left."

Although "I arrived at the airport" would be a complete sentence, "When I arrived at the airport" is not a complete sentence.
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA

Learn some cool expressions in the following cool storyEnglish grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skillsAre you a native speaker of English? Then you should read this!Start exploring the English language today! Subscribe to free email English course
Main Clause #3 (permalink) Sat Nov 10, 2007 15:31 pm   Main Clause
 

can we say "They told me that my plane had already left when I arrived at the airport" or does it change its meaning ?
_________________
Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. Oscar Wilde
Michal. I'm an english student :-)
Michauek
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 29 Apr 2007
Posts: 171
Location: Poland

English grammar: main clause #4 (permalink) Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:57 am   English grammar: main clause
 

Hi Michauek

Yes, you can put the 'when' clause at the end without changing the meaning.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA

Display posts from previous:   
Usage of the word "ambience" | usage of any other?
ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on English Forums
Usage of prepositions: in, of, with, aboutremember having talked with him before vs. remember talking with him beforethe simple present vs. the present progressivewhat is the difference between 'delayed', 'postpone', and 'put off'?Which is more correct? (who become determined to conceal a crucial evidence...)duffel bag or duffle bag?Sentences correct? Interrogative pronoun, personal pronoun, intensive pronoun...what is the difference between "insure" and "ensure"?meaning of "write off"off of a cliff v.s. off a cliffHow do you pronounce Miscellaneous for 'short'?Is accommodation countable or uncountable?Won't you please do it means "Please do it"?

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe to FREE email English course
First name E-mail