Adjective Subordinate Clauses and Editorial Writing Explained

Adjective Subordinate Clauses

Adjective subordinate clauses perform the same function as an adjective in relation to a noun; specifically, they act as a complement within a noun phrase. These clauses are always introduced by a relative pronoun or relative adverb.

Dual Role of Relative Clauses

These clauses play a dual role: they act as the introducer of the subordinate clause while simultaneously performing a function within that clause, such as acting as a noun or an adverb.

Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns that introduce adjectival subordinate clauses include: that, who, whom, whose, and which.

Types of Adjectival Subordinate Clauses

• Specified Adjectival Subordinate Clauses: These define the meaning of the noun antecedent by sectioning it within the group to which it belongs. They may also appear with an infinitive verb (e.g., "We have nothing to do in this place").
• Explanatory Adjectival Subordinate Clauses: These explain a quality of the antecedent without selecting it from a group. They are non-essential and can be removed without affecting the sentence's meaning. These clauses always appear between commas.

Relative Adverbs

Adjectival subordinate clauses can also be introduced by relative adverbs: where, when, how, and how much. These are used to denote place, time, and mode, respectively.

The Editorial: Definition and Features

An editorial is an unsigned opinion piece that reflects the ideological stance of a newspaper. It addresses topical issues and is the responsibility of the Director or the editorial board.

Linguistic Features of Editorials

• Issuer Format: Uses the first person singular for subjectivity (e.g., "I think"), the first person plural to engage the reader (e.g., "We think"), or impersonal forms for generalized reasoning.
• Engaging the Receiver: Employs vocatives (e.g., "Think, dear readers"), rhetorical questions (e.g., "Is it possible to define literature?"), and exclamations.
• Opinion Expression: Justifies viewpoints through evaluative adjectives, adverbs, and phrases expressing doubt, desire, or chance, often using emotionally charged language.
• Opposing Views: Incorporates different perspectives using textual markers of opposition or contrast (e.g., "however," "on the contrary"), as well as adversative, concessive, and conditional sentences.