What are the different types of clauses? Explain each type with examples.

In English grammar, clauses are groups of words that contain a subject and a predicate. There are three main types of clauses: independent clauses, dependent clauses, and relative clauses. Let's explore each type with examples:

1. Independent Clauses:
An independent clause, also known as a main clause, can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought and does not rely on any other clause to convey its meaning. Here are a few examples:
- "She went to the store."
- "I love to read books."
- "They are going on vacation."

2. Dependent Clauses:
A dependent clause, also called a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to form a complete thought. Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as "because," "although," "when," or "if." Here are some examples:
- "Because it was raining, we stayed indoors."
- "Although she studied hard, she didn't pass the exam."
- "When he arrives, we will start the meeting."

3. Relative Clauses:
Relative clauses are used to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. They begin with relative pronouns such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," or "that." Here are a few examples:
- "The girl who won the competition is my sister."
- "I have a dog that loves to play fetch."
- "The book, which was written by a famous author, became a bestseller."

It's important to note that these types of clauses can be combined to form complex sentences. For instance, you can have a sentence with an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses or relative clauses. Here's an example:
- "Although it was late, she decided to go for a run because she wanted to stay fit."

In summary, independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, dependent clauses rely on independent clauses, and relative clauses provide additional information about a noun or pronoun. Understanding the different types of clauses is crucial for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences.