Noun-Modifying (Adjective) Clauses
Forms and Functions of Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses can be classified into three main forms based on their functions within a sentence: nominal clauses, noun-modifying (adjective) clauses, and adverbial clauses.
Nominal Clauses (Substantive Clauses):
These clauses function as nouns within a sentence.
They can serve as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
Example:
What he said surprised everyone.
(Nominal clause as the subject)
Noun-Modifying Clauses (Adjective Clauses):
These clauses provide additional information about a noun in the main clause.
They are introduced by relative pronouns (e.g., who, which, that).
Example:
The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
(A relative clause providing information about the book.)
Adverbial Clauses:
These clauses function as adverbs, modifying the main clause by providing information about time, place, manner, condition, etc.
They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, when, while).
Example:
Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
(Adverbial clause indicating a contrasting condition)
Adjective clauses:
Noun-Modifying Clauses, also known as Adjective Clauses, are dependent clauses that function as adjectives in a sentence.
These clauses provide additional information about a noun in the main clause.
It typically begins with a relative pronoun (such as who, whom, whose, which, or that) or a relative adverb (such as where, when, or why).
Adjective clauses modify, or describe, a specific noun in the main clause.
They add details that help to identify or specify the noun more clearly.
Example:
The girl who is wearing a red dress is my sister.
The book that was on the shelf is now missing.
Adjective clauses provide additional information that is often essential for a complete understanding of the noun they modify.
Example:
I know a person whose brother is a famous actor.
Do you see the house where they used to live?
Adjective clauses can serve to identify or restrict the noun they modify.
They specify which person, thing, or place is being referred to.
Example:
The students who completed the assignment early will receive extra credit.
The car that is parked outside belongs to my neighbour.
Adjective clauses are flexible and can be positioned immediately after the noun they modify or at the end of the sentence.
Example:
The woman, who is my aunt, is a talented artist.
The dog found the bone in the garden, which had been buried there by the children.
Adjective clauses are introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (where, when, why), which connect them to the noun in the main clause.
Example:
This is the place where I first met her.
The person whom you recommended has been hired.
Noun/pronoun modifying clauses types:
Various types of clauses, including relative clauses, participle clauses, finite noun clauses (appositives), infinitive clauses, and infinitive noun clauses, modify nouns and pronouns:
Relative Clauses:
Relative clauses are dependent clauses that provide additional information about a noun in the main clause.
They are introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (where, when, why).
Example:
The man who is standing over there is my neighbour.
The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
Participle Clauses:
Participle clauses are clauses that use present participles (-ing) or past participles (-ed, -en) to modify a noun.
They often convey simultaneous or prior action.
Example:
The girl, smiling warmly, greeted us at the door.
The car, damaged in the accident, was towed away.
Finite Noun Clauses (Appositives):
Finite noun clauses, also known as appositives, function as modifiers and provide additional information about a noun.
They are finite clauses with a subject and a verb.
Example:
She believes that he will arrive soon.
Our hope that the team will win, is strong.
Infinitive Clauses:
Infinitive clauses use the base form of a verb (to + verb) to modify a noun.
They often express purpose, intent, or result.
Example:
He designed a website for users to navigate easily.
We set up a cosy corner for the children to relax.
Infinitive Noun Clauses:
Infinitive noun clauses function as nouns and are formed with an infinitive (to + verb) as the main element.
Example:
His dream is to travel around the world.
The goal of the project is to improve communication.
Key differences between
Infinitive clauses and Infinitive noun clauses:
Function:
Infinitive clauses Can function as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns.
Infinitive Noun Clauses: Specifically function as nouns.
Role:
Infinitive Clauses: Provide additional information about an action, purpose, or result.
Infinitive Noun Clauses: Act as subjects, objects, or complements, playing the role of a noun in the sentence.
Examples:
Infinitive Clauses:
to buy groceries, to navigate easily
Infinitive Noun Clauses:
to finish the project by Friday, to travel around the world.
Noun-Modifying (Adjective) Clauses
Types of Interrogative Sentences
What is a Noun? How to use it?