Clauses
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate, and clause is part of a compound sentence.
Two Kinds of Clauses
1. Independent clause contains a subject and a predicate. It can stand by itself as a complete sentence.
A main clause expresses a complete thought.
* I am doing my best.
* Group B will cook our meals.
2. Dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate, but the clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It is only a part of a sentence. Dependent clause also called subordinate clause, it is usually introduced by a subordinate conjunction or by a relative pronoun. Both of these connecting words would communicate that the clause is subordinate, or dependent, to a main clause.
* Because my sister borrowed my car. (Dependent clause)
* I was unable to visit you because my sister borrowed my car. Complete sentence)
Types of Dependent Clauses
Adverbial clauses
1. Adverbial clauses function as adverbs. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adverbs tell how, when, where, and to what extent the action is performed. Adverbial clauses answer the same question and, in addition, express several other ideas which the simple adverb does not express.
* I always wake up when the alarm clock rings.
Subordinate Conjunctions
Subordinate Conjunction called connecting word because it makes the idea expressed by its clause subordinate to the main idea in the sentence.
-An adverbial clause is usually introduced by a subordinate conjunction.
-also shows the relation between the subordinate (dependent) clause and the word in the main (independent) clause which is subordinate clause modifies.
-is used to show that the clause which it introduces is a subordinate clause, and not a main clause.
-It also indicates the exact type of relationship that the subordinate clause has to the main clause.
The following are the Subordinate Conjunctions that are commonly used to introduce adverbial clauses:
After | even though | till |
Although | except | though |
As | if | unless |
As--as | in order that | until |
As if | provided | when |
As long as | provided that | whenever |
As soon as | since | where |
As though | so --as | wherever |
Because | so that | whether |
Before | than | while |
Even if | that |
|
* They played because they wanted to win the championship.
Kinds of Adverbial Clause
A. Time: I read the book while I was waiting for you.
B. Place: Please stand near the fountain where I can see you.
C. Manner: I tried to speak in front of the crowd as if I were a politician.
D. Degree: She worked as fast as was necessary.
E. Comparison: The professor came in late than her usual schedule.
F. Purpose: She studied very hard so that he will top the exam.
G. Result: The war is now inevitable so that we will have to evacuate.
H. condition: I will go to you provided1
I. Concession: Mr. Yani won the chess game although he sacrificed his queen.
J. Cause or Reason: The robot was destroyed because your younger brother toyed with it.
Subordinate Conjunction commonly used in adverbial clause of the various types:
A. Time: after, before, when, whenever, since, until, as soon as, while
B. Place: where, wherever
C. Manner: as, as if, as though
D. Degree: that, as---as, not so--as, than
E. Comparison: as, than so--as, as--as
F. Purpose: that, so that, in order that
G. Result: that, so that
H. condition: if, provided, provided that, unless
I. Concession: although, though, even if
J. Cause or reason: as, because, since
Common mistakes:
In an unfinished clause of comparison, supply the omitted words to check the case of the pronoun.
By supplying the omitted word runs, it is now clear that the pronoun he is used as a subject of the phrase he runs and should therefore be in the nominative case (he) and not in the objective case (him).
Similarly by supplying the omitted words in the second sentence, it will be clear that the pronoun we should be in the nominative case (we) and not in the objective case (us).
* You can run as fast as we (can run).
* You have played longer than I.
* The letter was sent to me.
* My daughter embraced me.
Exercise: Error Detection
Direction:
Each item below consist four sentences. All sentences may be correct or one of them may have an error or mistake in grammar. If all sentences are correct, write E on your answer sheet. If one of the sentences contains an error, write the letter of this sentences on your answer sheet.
1. a. Salome handed in an assignment this morning but it wasn't satisfactory.
B. Professor Lim told her that she had to do a paper again.
c. Xylita discovered that she left but a part of her assignment.
d. She blamed herself for her carelessness and promised to be more careful next time.
e. No mistakes.
2. A. I didn't saw Petra in the meeting this morning.
b. She was sick but I did not know that.
c. Do you think she will be able to come tomorrow?
d. I have to know because she was given me the paperback I lent her last week.
e. No mistakes.
3. A. If you are truly fond of someone you don't laugh at his mistakes.
b. You don't become disappointed when he doesn't seem able to do what has planned.
c. If you believe in his ability you help him develop confidence in himself.
d. This approach is very satisfying to both of you and will lead to a more pleasant relationship.
e. No mistakes.
4. a. Jonny spent two hours trying to solve the problem assigned to him.
b. At first he don't have any idea what the problem was about.
c. After restating the problem he was able to outline the steps he would do.
d. From then on, it was smooth sailing for him.
e. No mistakes.
5. A. We have lived in Batangas since 1980.
b. I think we will be making it our home because father and mother think it is a good place to bring up children.
c. Before 1980, my parents live in Aklan where they both taught at one of the schools there.
d. We found Malaybalay a peaceful place and a healthful one, free from the distractions of city life.
e. No mistakes.
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