Sentence Structure

Avoiding Clause Confusion Dependent clause FunctionExample Adjective clause  modifies noun or pronoun  tells what kind, which one, how many, or how much Adverb clause  modifies verb, adjective, or adverb  tells where, when, how, why, to what extent, or under what conditions Noun clause  acts as subject, direct object, indirect object, object of preposition, or predicate noun

Identify the function of each boldfaced dependent clause.  1. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.  2. Our parents were relieved because we had arrived home safely.  3. The stock clerk asked where he should put the boxes.  4. The rabbit suddenly realized that it was in danger.  5. Flowers that bloom in early spring must be able to take cold temperatures.

Identify the function of each boldfaced dependent clause.  1. This lilac bush, which my mother planted before I was born, blooms every spring.  2. Whatever you say will be recorded.  3. I went to bed when the movie ended.  4. My mother, who was driving, asked everyone to be quiet.  5. The avalanche rolled over whatever was in its path.

Answers Slide 2:  1. adj cl  2. adv cl  3. noun cl  4. noun cl  5. adj cl Slide 3:  1. adj cl  2. noun cl  3. adv cl  4. adj cl  5. noun cl