Mastering English Clause Types and Verbal Aspect

Substantive Clauses

These clauses function as a noun within a sentence.

• Subject: We should come ourselves.
• Attribute: Manuel is mad.
• Noun Complement (CN): He expressed his wish to visit the exhibition.
• Adjective Complement: Ana is satisfied that you have invited her.
• Direct Object (CD): The coach thinks we will win the match.
• Indirect Object (CI): They awarded the prize to those who won the most votes.
• Prepositional Complement: The cyclist was referred to regarding problems in the race.

Adjectival Clauses

These clauses function as an adjective and are connected to an antecedent noun. They possess a dual syntactic function and often use relative pronouns like that or which.

Coordinated Sentences

Copulative Propositions

These sum their meanings using conjunctions like: and, e, or.

Distributive Propositions

These alternate actions using structures like: well... well, now... now, as one... as another.

Adversative Propositions

One clause precludes the other. Nexus: but, nevertheless, yet, rather, however.

Explanatory Propositions

One clarifies the meaning of the other. Nexus: that is, in other words.

Adverbial Clauses

• Place: The book is [where you left it].
• Manner: He did [as directed].
• Time: I came out [before you called me].
• Purpose: Call me [to talk].
• Consecutive: He speaks [so loudly that everyone hears].
• Conditional: [If I knew], I would tell him.
• Concessive: [Although it is sad], he does not show it.
• Causal: I came [because I needed to talk to you].
• Comparative: It is as good [as Rockefeller's].

Verbal Aspect

Verbal aspect describes the internal temporal features of an action, complementing the notion of tense. It allows the speaker to view an action as:

• Inceptive: Going to start high school.
• Durative: Slept while her mother did her homework.
• Perfective: Was asleep early.