Adverb Clauses Adjective Clauses Noun Clauses

Remember all clauses are composed of a subject (noun) and a verb. Some clauses are independent meaning they can stand alone as a complete thought. This is a sentence. Other clauses are dependent meaning that they do not complete a thought but depend on an independent clause to complete the thought.

Used alone, dependent clauses are fragments and are errors in writing. Used with an independent clause, they help add depth and complexity to the structure of the sentence. There are three types of complex sentences: adverb clauses which answer how, when, why, where, to what extent; adjective clauses, which answer which one, what kind and how many, and noun clauses which function in the same capacity as a noun.

Adverb clauses answer the questions how, when, where, why, to what extent. They begin with subordinating conjunctions: Some common subordinating conjunctions are since, so that, when, whenever, where, wherever, if, because, after, before, although, even though. When an adverb clause begins a sentence, writers should use a comma.

Practice combining sentences: Study the two sentences below. How could you combine these two sentences by changing one of these sentences into an adverb clause? A journey begins badly. It rarely ends well.

Possible combinations: When a journey begins badly, it rarely ends well. A journey rarely ends well when it begins badly. Notice the position of the adverb clause and where the comma is used.

Adjective clauses answer the questions: which one, what kind, how many. Adjective clauses begin with relative pronouns: who, whom, which, that, where. Adjective clauses are either non-essential, which means that they are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence and are set off by commas, or essential, which means that they are necessary to the meaning of the sentence and are not set off by commas.

Example of non-essential adjective clause: Even his eyes, which had been young, looked old. Example of essential adjective clause: Scientists who explore the sea face many hazards.

Practice combining sentences. Study the two sentences below. How could you combine these two sentences by changing one of these sentences into an adjective clause? I used to have a cat. He was an old fighting tom.

Possible combination: I used to have a cat, who was an old fighting tom. Why is this adjective clause considered non- essential?

Practice combining sentences. Study the two sentences below. How could you combine these two sentences by changing one of these sentences into an adjective clause? Carla Harris is a senior. She is the only senior to receive offers to three colleges.

Possible combination: Carla Harris is the only senior who was offered scholarships to three colleges. Why is this adjective clause essential to this sentence?

Noun clauses function in the same way that a noun functions: subject, predicate nominative, direct object, indirect object or object of the preposition. You will not use commas with noun clauses because they will function the same as the noun functions in a sentence. Noun clauses may begin with words such as when, that, where, who, whichever, whoever, how.

Noun clause used as the subject: How students can apply for college loans was the speaker’s topic. What I like most about Harriet is that she never complains.

Noun clause used as a predicate nominative: My suggestion is that we all meet again tomorrow. What I like most about Harriet is that she never complains.

Noun clause used as a direct object: Many modern historians question whether Columbus was truly the first European to explore the Americas. Psychologists have learned that everyone dreams during sleep.

Noun clause used as a indirect object: Ms. Romero offers whoever completes additional assignments extra credit. The radio station will give whoever can answer the next question one hundred dollars.

Noun clause used as an object of a preposition: Write about whomever you admire. Chris will do well at whatever he attempts.

Practice combining sentences. Study the two sentences below. How could you combine these two sentences by changing one of these sentences into a noun clause? Where would you like to go? Think about it.

Possible combination: Think about where you would like to go. How does this noun clause function in this sentence?