ENG 1A

Communication Skills Part 1

Clauses
A Clause is a group of words with its own subject and verb.

Two basic kinds of clauses:

A. Independent Clause – can stand by itself as a complete sentence.

B. Subordinate Clause – can not stand by itself as a complete sentence
(Dependent Clause)

Kinds of Subordinate Clauses

1. Adjective Clauses – modify a noun or pronoun by telling what kind or which

one.
 Adjective Clauses begin with relative pronouns (that, which, who, whom
or whose) or relative adverbs (before, since, when, where or why).

E.g.
1. Our station wagon, which lurched into a pothole, cracked an axle.

2. We chose those who were best qualified for the position.

3. In the year since I last saw you, I have been in Seoul thrice.

4. The sun never shines on days when I can enjoy.

5. J.K. Rowling wrote many books that were widely read.

Modifying a Subject:
The city where I would like to live is Tokyo.

Modifying a Direct Object:

I have not seen the picture that caused so much controversy.

Modifying the Object of the Preposition:

There are several excellent reproductions in the program that I gave you.

2. Adverb Clauses – modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs or verbals by telling

where, when, in what manner, to what extent, under what condition, or why.
 Adverb Clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
after even though unless although if until as when
as if since whenever so that where because
than wherever before though while as long as
Prentice Hall Grammar and Composition 1 1 | Clauses
ENG 1A
Communication Skills Part 1

E.g.
1. Wherever he travels, he collects souvenirs.

2. I will help you with your chemistry whenever you ask.

3. He ran as if he had a twisted ankle.

4. She ran more rapidly than I did.

5. If it rains, we will go to the museum.

Modifying a Verb:
She will lose the job unless she returns the call immediately.

Modifying an Adjective:
Mother was happy because I did well on the test.

Modifying the Object of the Preposition:

The storm struck sooner than the forecasters expected.

Modifying a Particple:
Smiling so that he wouldn’t seem nervous, Mark asked her to the dance.

Modifying a Gerund:
Jogging when you are not wearing the right shoes is foolish.

Modifying an Infinitive:
They decided to stay after the meeting ended.

2. Noun Clauses – a subordinate clause that acts as a noun. In a sentence a noun

clause may act as a subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate
nominative, or object of a preposition.

Subject: Whomever you bring will be welcome.

Direct Object: Carl does whatever his parents ask.
Indirect Object: The teacher gave whoever presented an oral report extra
credit.
Predicative Nominative: The big question is whether he will be allowed to
play on the team.
Object of a preposition: Hand your ticket to whoever is standing at the floor.

Prentice Hall Grammar and Composition 1 2 | Clauses