Let's break down what this means:
* Clause: A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
* Dependent Clause: A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It needs an independent clause to make sense.
* Clause Opener: This is the first word or phrase that starts a dependent clause.
Here are some examples:
* "Because" she was late, she missed the meeting. ("Because" is the clause opener for the dependent clause "because she was late.")
* "Although" it was raining, we went for a walk. ("Although" is the clause opener for the dependent clause "although it was raining.")
* "When" the bell rings, we leave the classroom. ("When" is the clause opener for the dependent clause "when the bell rings.")
Common Clause Openers
These are often called subordinating conjunctions:
* Because, since, as, although, though, even though, while, whereas, unless, if, when, whenever, before, after, until, once, so that, in order that
Important Note: Sometimes, the clause opener is not a single word, but a phrase.
* "In spite of the fact that" it was raining, we went for a walk.
In summary, a "clause opener" is the word or phrase that introduces a dependent clause. It helps to signal that the clause is dependent and needs to be connected to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.