Understanding the intricacies of grammar is essential for mastering the English language, and one of the key components of this is the use of clauses. In Chapter 15, we delve into subordinate clauses with a focus on adjective clauses. This chapter will explore what subordinate clauses are, how they function as adjective clauses, and their significance in enriching our communication. We will also look at examples, rules, and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring a thorough comprehension of this vital aspect of grammar.
What is a Clause?
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Clauses can be classified into two main categories: independent clauses and subordinate (or dependent) clauses.
- Independent Clauses: These can stand alone as complete sentences. For example:
- "She loves to read."
- Subordinate Clauses: These cannot stand alone and depend on an independent clause to convey a complete thought. They add additional information to a sentence. For example:
- "Because she loves to read, she visits the library often."
Understanding Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses play a crucial role in sentence structure. They provide essential details that help clarify the meaning of the independent clause they accompany. Subordinate clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns and can serve various functions, including acting as noun clauses, adverb clauses, or adjective clauses.
Adjective Clauses Explained
Adjective clauses, also known as relative clauses, are a specific type of subordinate clause that modifies nouns or pronouns. They provide descriptive detail, allowing the writer or speaker to convey more information about a person, place, thing, or idea.
- Formation: Adjective clauses typically begin with relative pronouns such as:
- Who: Used for people.
- Example: "The teacher who assigns homework is very strict."
- Whom: Also used for people, but often in more formal contexts.
- Example: "The student whom I met yesterday is my classmate."
- Whose: Indicates possession.
- Example: "The artist whose work is displayed here is famous."
- Which: Used for animals and things.
- Example: "The book which I borrowed is fascinating."
- That: Can be used for people, animals, and things.
- Example: "The car that I bought is red."
The Role of Adjective Clauses in Sentences
Adjective clauses serve to provide more detailed descriptions within a sentence, enhancing the reader's understanding. Consider the following examples to illustrate this point:
1. Without an Adjective Clause:
- "I saw a dog."
2. With an Adjective Clause:
- "I saw a dog that was barking loudly."
The second sentence provides further context about the dog, allowing the reader to visualize the scene more vividly.
Types of Adjective Clauses
Adjective clauses can be categorized into two types: restrictive and non-restrictive.
Restrictive Adjective Clauses
Restrictive adjective clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence. They provide necessary information that identifies the noun being described. If the restrictive clause is removed, the sentence's meaning changes significantly.
- Example:
- "The students who study hard will pass the exam."
In this case, the clause "who study hard" is crucial because it specifies which students we are talking about.
Non-Restrictive Adjective Clauses
Non-restrictive adjective clauses provide additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. These clauses are set off by commas.
- Example:
- "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week."
Here, the clause "who lives in New York" adds extra information about the brother but is not necessary for understanding who is being referred to. The sentence still makes sense without it.
Common Mistakes with Adjective Clauses
Even skilled writers can make mistakes when using adjective clauses. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Using Incorrect Relative Pronouns:
- Example Error: "The car which I bought is blue."
- Correction: "The car that I bought is blue."
- Tip: Use "that" for essential clauses and "which" for non-essential clauses.
2. Omitting Necessary Commas:
- Example Error: "My sister who is a doctor lives in Boston."
- Correction: "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in Boston."
- Tip: Always use commas for non-restrictive clauses.
3. Redundant Information:
- Example Error: "The book that I read it was amazing."
- Correction: "The book that I read was amazing."
- Tip: Avoid unnecessary repetition of subjects.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce understanding, here are some exercises that can be used to practice identifying and using adjective clauses.
Exercise 1: Identify the Adjective Clause
Read the sentences below and underline the adjective clauses.
1. The student who won the award is my friend.
2. The movie that we watched last night was thrilling.
3. The house, which is painted blue, belongs to my aunt.
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences Using Adjective Clauses
Rewrite the pairs of sentences as one sentence using an adjective clause.
1. The artist is famous. She painted that mural.
2. The book is on the table. I borrowed it from the library.
Exercise 3: Correct the Errors
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. The teacher which taught me math is retiring.
2. The car that is parked outside it belongs to my neighbor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding subordinate clauses, particularly adjective clauses, is essential for effective communication in English. By using adjective clauses, writers and speakers can create more informative and engaging sentences. Mastery of this grammatical structure enhances clarity and detail in writing, allowing for a richer expression of thoughts and ideas. By avoiding common mistakes and practicing regularly, one can become proficient in using adjective clauses, contributing to a more sophisticated command of the English language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a subordinate clause and how does it function in a sentence?
A subordinate clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It functions to add additional information to the main clause, often providing details about time, reason, condition, or manner.
What are adjective subordinate clauses and how do they differ from other types of subordinate clauses?
Adjective subordinate clauses, also known as relative clauses, modify nouns or pronouns in the main clause. They differ from other subordinate clauses, such as adverbial or noun clauses, in that they specifically provide descriptive information about a noun.
Can you provide an example of a sentence with an adjective subordinate clause?
Sure! In the sentence 'The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating,' the clause 'that I borrowed from the library' is an adjective subordinate clause, modifying the noun 'book.'
What is the role of relative pronouns in adjective subordinate clauses?
Relative pronouns, such as 'who,' 'whom,' 'whose,' 'which,' and 'that,' introduce adjective subordinate clauses. They connect the clause to the noun it modifies, providing clarity and context.
How can one identify an adjective subordinate clause within a complex sentence?
To identify an adjective subordinate clause, look for a clause that begins with a relative pronoun and provides additional information about a noun in the sentence. It typically cannot stand alone and is dependent on the main clause for its meaning.
