Home / Notes / English /

Subordinate Clause Classification and Noun Clause Functions

English3.18 KB

Classification of Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses are classified according to their role in the complex sentence. We recognize three main classes:

Main Classes of Subordinate Clauses

  • Substantive (Noun) Subordinate Clauses: These clauses perform the function of a noun or a noun phrase.
  • Adjective Subordinate Clauses: These clauses perform the function of an adjective, modifying a noun to which they are linked.
  • Adverbial Subordinate Clauses: These clauses perform the functions of an adverb, typically modifying the verb.

Substantive Clauses: Functions and Linking Elements

Substantive clauses play the potential role of a noun or noun phrase within the sentence, functioning as:

  • Subject
  • Predicative
  • Apposition
  • Direct Object

The most common conjunction used to link these clauses is THAT (not to be confused with the relative pronoun).

Substantive clauses can also be linked to the main clause by a preposition. Since they function as "names," they can perform the function of the complement of a preposition. These complements may be:

  • Direct Object Complement
  • Agent Complement
  • Indirect Object Complement
  • Predicative Complement
  • Circumstantial Complement

Grammatical Functions of Substantive Clauses

The following examples summarize the various functions:

1. Role of Subject

  • I hate that you have no interest.
  • Those who participated received a prize.

2. Role of Direct Object

The subordinate clause usually takes a conjunction, but it can occur directly without a connection, or with the conjunction SI (if), or with interrogative adverbs like WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW MUCH.

  • I fear they do not let in.
  • I think I'll get home soon.
  • Please answer my question.
  • They asked: "Were you sick?"
  • They asked me if I was sick.
  • Tell me when to return.

3. Role of Predicate Complement (Predicative)

  • This child is the one that won the competition.
  • The landscapes of my country are the ones I like.

4. Role of Apposition

  • Mary, who sells flowers, is sick.
  • I met John, who helped you.

5. Role of Direct Object Complement (End Function)

  • Gifts to those who participate.

6. Role of Indirect Object Complement (End Function)

  • Gave good news to those who had studied.
  • Put the left cheek when you hit the right.

7. Role of Circumstantial Complement (End Function)

  • He went without anyone noticing.
  • He returned with those who had gone.

8. Role of Agent Complement (End Function)

  • The thief was recognized by all who had seen.

9. Role of Predicate Complement (Location)

  • Patricia is where they make this porcelain.

Download

PDF Word HTML