WEEK 4 Grammar -- Clauses

WEEK 4 – Clauses:  Dependent, Noun, Adjective, Adverb

Clauses:  Careful writers introduce clauses into their writing for emphasis, variety, and added information.  Clauses are either independent, meaning they can stand by themselves and make sense (in other words, sentences), or dependent, meaning they cannot stand by themselves, and to make sense, they need to attach themselves to other words, phrases, or independent clauses.

Independent clause, main clause, or sentence are synonymous and the terms may be used interchangeable.  Also, dependent and subordinate are synonymous and used interchangeably.  Subordinate also implies that the thought expressed by this type of clause is an important fact but less important than the sentence itself.  If a subordinate clause cannot be removed (the meaning of the sentence is altered), then this clause is restrictive or essential.  If the clause can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence, then the clause is non-restrictive or non-essential.

Sentences and Clauses

By combining main clauses and dependent clauses, a writer can stress thoughts when he uses main clauses and relegates other thoughts less important when he uses dependent clauses.

            Examples:

(Although the Yankees played several games with replacements), the team hung together and eventually won the pennant.  (The writer stresses the cohesiveness and victory of the team in the main clause as the main idea.)

The Carpenters, (who have lived in several parts of the world), love Minneapolis the best.  (The clause is dependent on the primary idea.)

DEPENDENT CLAUSES

A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb:  noun clauses, adjective clauses, and adverb clauses function in the same manner as words and phrases, except clauses tend to be longer units.  These groups of words may look like sentences because they contain a verb and a subject; however, they also may contain an introductory word which shows some relationship to another part of the sentence.  Therefore these clauses cannot stand by themselves because they must attach themselves to make sense.

NOUN CLAUSE

A noun clause is a group of words that function as a subject, direct object, indirect object, object of the preposition, or predicate nominative.

            Examples:

·  Subject:  Whoever is responsible for the graffiti should turn himself in to the police.

·  Direct Object:  Gene clicks away with the remote and chooses whatever suits his fancy.

·  Indirect Object:  Mr. Collins assigned whoever had an “A” an extra credit project.

·  Object of the preposition:  Mr. Jameson will present the award to whoever baked the best chocolate cake.

·  Predicate Nominative:  The award was whatever struck the fancy of the judges.

ADJECTIVE CLAUSE

An adjective clause is a group of words with a subject and verb and introductory relative pronoun (who, whom, which, that); this group of words modifies a single noun or pronoun.

Examples:

·  Butch, who tells the best stories, has traveled alone all through the West.

·  After reading from his novel, the author took questions that the audience enthusiastically asked.

·  The program that captures the imagination of the audience usually receives the greatest applause.

·  The Tavern, which is owned by an Englishman, does a great business in Northfield.

ADVERB CLAUSES

An adverb clause is a group of words with a subject and verb and an introductory adverb that designates when, where, how, and to what extent and expresses reason.  Adverb clauses usually modify verbs but, like single adverbs, also modify adjectives. 

Usually, when an adverb clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it is set off by a comma.

Examples:

·  When Alyssa called, she told us that she has a new job.

·  When the sentence was written, the writer ignored standard rules of grammar.

When the adverb clause is in the middle of the sentence, it usually is set off by a comma, but at the end of the sentence it is set off by a comma only if the thought in the clause is abruptly negative to the words before.

            Examples:

·  Joan travels to Nantucket every year, although she never goes fishing. (the clause is contrary to the preceding thought)

·  Joan also visits New Bedford before she lands on Nantucket.  (no comma needed)

·  My son points beautiful portraits, even though he never took lessons.  (contradicting thought)