Identifying Adjectival and Adverbial Clauses

Understanding Subordinate Clauses

Adjectival Subordinate Clauses

Adjectival subordinate clauses are equivalent to an adjective and function within the noun phrase category. They are typically introduced by a relative pronoun.

The most common relative pronouns are: who, whom, whose, which, that. Other words like where and when can also introduce adjectival clauses when referring to a place or time modified by the clause.

Types of Adjectival Subordinate Clauses:

• Restrictive: These clauses specify or express a quality of the noun they modify and are essential to define its extent or meaning. They are not set off by commas.
• Non-restrictive: These clauses provide additional, non-essential information about the noun. They show a quality of the noun without differentiating it from others of its kind. They are set off by commas.

Adverbial Subordinate Clauses

Adverbial subordinate clauses are equivalent to an adverb and function as a circumstantial complement within the sentence.

There are two main groups:

Group 1: Adverbial Clauses of Time, Place, and Manner

These clauses are often considered more integrated into the main sentence structure because they play a core role in the statement.

Adverbial Clauses of Time

Indicate the time when the action expressed by the main verb occurs.

Links (Conjunctions): when, whenever, while, as, before, after, since, until, as soon as, once, etc.

Example: When I get home, I expect a surprise.

Adverbial Clauses of Place

Indicate the place where the action occurs.

Links (Conjunctions): where, wherever.

Example: They built a bank where there was once a pastry shop.

Adverbial Clauses of Manner

Report on how the action is done.

Links (Conjunctions): as, as if, as though, according as.

Example: Sing that song as you were taught.

Group 2: Other Adverbial Clauses

These clauses express other circumstances and are typically subordinated to the entire main proposition. They cannot always be easily replaced by a single adverb.

Causal Adverbial Clauses

Express the reason or cause for the action in the main clause.

Links (Conjunctions): because, since, as, given that, seeing that, for.

Example: I like you because you are calm.

Final Adverbial Clauses

Indicate the purpose of the action expressed in the main clause.

Links (Conjunctions): so that, in order that. Often introduced by to + infinitive (where the conjunction is implicit).

Example: You should exercise so that you improve your health.

Concessive Adverbial Clauses

Express an obstacle that does not prevent the realization of what is stated in the main clause.

Links (Conjunctions): although, even though, though, while, whereas, despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that.

Example: Although no one invited me, I showed up!

Conditional Adverbial Clauses

Express the condition that must be fulfilled for the statement in the main clause to be true.

Links (Conjunctions): if, unless, provided that, providing, as long as, in case.

Example: If you tell the truth, you will feel better.

Comparative Adverbial Clauses

Establish a comparison.

Links (Conjunctions): than, as...as, so...as.

Example: Lucia is more friendly than Ana is.

Consecutive Adverbial Clauses

Express a consequence of what is stated in the main clause.

Types of Consecutive Clauses:

• Non-intensive: The consequence does not depend on an intensifier in the main clause.

Links (Conjunctions): therefore, consequently, hence, thus, so (when linking clauses).

Example: It is very cold; therefore, you should stay in bed.

Intensive: The consequence is a result of the intensity formulated in the main clause, often introduced by words like"s" or"suc".

Links (Conjunctions): so...that, such...that.

Example: The neighbors shouted so loudly that I went out to see what happened.