Reading and Writing

FORMS AND FUNCTIONS OF CLAUSES

CLAUSE DEFINED
➢ A group of words that contains a subject and a verb

KINDS OF CLAUSE
1. MAIN/INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
➢ It can stand by itself as a complete sentence.
➢ It can stand alone, be added to another independent clause, or go together with a dependent clause.
➢ It can be written by itself as a complete sentence.
EXAMPLES:
That girl teaches sign language.
Mudslides will engulf these hillside homes, and some will be ruined.
Brianna asked to be excused from class because she is sick.

2. SUBORDINATE/DEPENDENT CLAUSE
➢ Even though it has a subject and a verb, it does not express a complete thought.
➢ It must be added to at least one independent clause if it is to express its meaning.
➢ It cannot stand alone as a sentence.
EXAMPLES:
The girl to whom I introduced you teaches sign language.
Unless the rain stops soon, mudslides will engulf these hillside homes.
Brianna asked to be excused from class because she is sick.

LET’S DO IT!
Identify whether the underlined clause in each of the following sentences is an independent (IC)
or a dependent (DC) clause. Write your answer before the item number.
1. It is prosperity that gives us friends, adversity that proves them.
2. If eyes were made for seeing, then beauty is its own excuse for being.
3. He who has learned to obey will know how to command.
4. Conscience is a thing that cannot be produced by compulsion.
5. If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
6. The best-trained mind requires support, and it does not trust itself alone.
7. A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
8. If God leads the sheep so well, He will also lead a man.
9. Where there is love, there is joy that cannot be surpassed.
10. Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.

KINDS OF SUBORDINATE CLAUSE

1. ADJECTIVE CLAUSE
➢ It is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun or pronoun by telling what kind or which one.
➢ Adjective clauses begin with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb.
RELATIVE PRONOUNS RELATIVE ADVERBS
that which before since
who whom when where
whose why
EXAMPLES:
Anyone who remains calm will probably do well in an emergency.
I have already talked to the specialist whom you recommended.
Summer is the time when fireflies can be seen adorning treetops.
Our trip ended in a town where there is no electricity.

NOTE:
1. Sometimes in writing and in speech, a relative pronoun is left out of an adjective clause. The
omitted word, though simply understood, still functions in the sentence.
EXAMPLES:
The suggestions [that] they gave were ignored by the committee.
The legendary heroes [whom] we studied were great men and women.

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2. Adjective clauses can be used to combine information from two sentences into one. Using adjective
clauses can indicate the relationship between ideas and add detail to a sentence.
EXAMPLE:
TWO SENTENCES: Emilio Aguinaldo was the first President of the Philippines. He declared the
Philippine independence on June 12, 1898.
COMBINED: Emilio Aguinaldo, who declared the Philippine independence on June 12,
1898, was the first President of the Philippines.

3. Like appositives and participial phrases, some adjective clauses are essential to the meaning of the
sentences in which they appear. Without them, the sentences no longer make sense. These
essential clauses are called restrictive clauses. Adjective clauses that can be removed without
affecting the sense of sentences are called nonrestrictive clauses.
The following are characteristics of adjective clauses:
▪ A nonrestrictive clause is set off by commas.
▪ A restrictive clause is not set off by commas.
▪ A proper noun is usually followed by a nonrestrictive clause.
▪ The relative pronoun that is generally used for restrictive clauses and which is used for
nonrestrictive clauses.
EXAMPLES:
A large arena that stands in modern Rome has survived through centuries.
The Coliseum, which is a major tourist attraction, was built by the ancient Romans.

LET’S DO IT!
Underline the adjective clause in each sentence. Then, encircle the word the adjective clause
modifies.
1. The student whom Mr. Enriquez chose was first in his class.
2. Is this the year when the planets will align?
3. Henry VIII was a king whose many wives fared badly.
4. It has been years since I visited my aunt in Samar.
5. Our school play, which lasted two hours, was enjoyed by everyone.
6. Books that deal with current events in an exciting way often become bestsellers.
7. My sister works in an office where everyone helps each other.
8. People still remember Juan’s last letter which arrived twenty years ago.
9. The position that Jackie wanted was already filled.
10. The man whose playing you admired is an internationally recognized chess champion.

2. ADVERB CLAUSE
➢ It is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, an adverb, or a verbal by telling where,
when, in what manner, to what extent, under what condition, or why.
➢ All adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions.
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
after because now that until
although before since when
as even if so that whenever
as if even though than where
as long as if though wherever
as soon as in order that till while
as though lest unless
EXAMPLES:
When the fog is dense, you should use low beams.
Tricia seemed happy wherever she was.
Faster than an eye could follow, the race car sped away.
Laughing until he gasped for breath, Fred could not speak.
Driving a car if you do not have a license is illegal.
We decided to remain in our seats so that we could watch the movie again.

NOTE:
1. Adverb clauses, like adjective clauses, can also be used to combine two sentences into one. The
combined sentence shows a close relationship between ideas.
EXAMPLE:
TWO SENTENCES: It was raining. We did not go to the lake.
COMBINED: Because it was raining, we did not go to the lake.

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LET’S DO IT!
Underline the adverb clause in each sentence. Then, encircle the word or words each adverb
clause modifies.
1. Before she gave the assignment, Miss Martin explained the method for analysis.
2. Marcia looks gloomy whenever that topic is discussed.
3. After the sun goes down, the temperature drops several degrees.
4. We wanted to stop so that we could enjoy the scenery.
5. The Narags have lived in Tuguegarao City since the beginning of the 20th century.
6. Miserable unless there is work, my father aimlessly putters in his workshop.
7. The treasure was buried deeper than we had thought.
8. Winking as if he knew a secret, Mr. Perez departed.
9. Picked when they are ripe, fresh strawberries have a luscious taste.
10. Susan planned to remain in the country until her visa expired.

3. NOUN CLAUSE
➢ It is a subordinate clause that acts as a noun.
➢ In sentences, noun clauses may function as subjects, subject complements, direct objects, indirect
objects, objects of a preposition, or appositives.
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
that which who whom
whose whichever whoever whomever
how if what whatever
where when whether why
EXAMPLES:
Whoever is last must pay for the group’s snacks.
Please invite whomever you want.
Roger’s manner gave whoever met him a shock.
Our problem is whether we should stay here or leave.
Use the money for whatever purpose you choose.
The occupied country rejected our plea, that orphans be cared for by the Red Cross.

NOTE:
1. Some of the words that begin noun clauses may also introduce adjective or adverb clauses. To
decide if a clause acts as a noun or not, determine the clause’s role in the sentence.
EXAMPLES:
The advertisement told people where they should call for more information.
They took him to the emergency ward where a doctor examined his cut.
Sue lives where the weather is warm all year.

LET’S DO IT!
Underline the noun clause in each sentence.
1. Whoever is interested in the past will like this book.
2. Tell Ms. Subido when she should expect you to arrive.
3. Everyone wants to hear about what you wore to the party.
4. Mr. Cordova gave whoever came into his store a warm greeting.
5. The brochure describes what a tourist can see in the Philippines.
6. That the play is a financial success is the result of the critics’ reviews.
7. Carmen’s selection of fabrics will be whichever ones she orders from the retailer.
8. Leon discusses current issues with whoever is unfortunate enough to sit next to him.
9. The governor’s dilemma, how it would be possible to please both parties, requires deep thinking.
10. The planning committee needed more suggestions, whatever ideas people thought would be
workable.

LET’S WRAP UP!

A. Combine the following pairs of sentences by changing one into an adjective clause.
1. Summer is a time for fresh starts. It is my favorite time of the year.
2. These old photographs recall happy moments. My father took the photographs.
3. We walked silently through the forest. In the forest, great pines gave us a sense of peace.

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4. Carol has a terrific record collection. Sometimes Carol lets me borrow records.
5. Mr. Pablo spoke kindly of his worst enemies. Mr. Pablo always saw good instead of evil.

B. Combine the following pairs of sentences by changing one into an adverb clause.
1. The mother called the doctor in the middle of the night. Her child’s temperature was abnormally
high.
2. The crowd looked up in wonder. Another brilliant display of fireworks went off.
3. Give me some more ideas. I can think of a topic.
4. She had a bad cough. She still insisted upon going to work.
5. You find the time. Write your uncle a get-well note.

C. Complete the following sentences by supplying a noun clause in each blank.

1. _________________________________________________ is important to my bestfriend.
2. My mother’s greatest characteristic is _________________________________________________.
3. The fact _________________________________________________ is surprising to me.
4. My father believes _________________________________________________.
5. My brother is interested in _________________________________________________.
6. My sister’s pastime is _________________________________________________.
7. My granny cooks _________________________________________________ for the street aides.
8. The best attribute of my granddad is _________________________________________________.
9. _________________________________________________ has always interested me.
10. My uncle builds _________________________________________________.

REFERENCES:
Brookes, E. D., et. al. (2012). Voyages in English: Writing and Grammar. Chicago: Loyola Press.
Forlini, G., et. al. (2010). Prentice Hall Grammar and Composition. Singapore: Pearson Education South
Asia Pte Ltd.
Glencoe/McGraw Hill. (2000). Grammar and Composition Handbook. Columbus: Glencoe/McGraw Hill.
Ramos, C.M., & Sanchez, A.C. (2010). Developing Skills in Grammar and Composition 1. Mandaluyong
City: National Book Store.
Bucarile, Arvee P. (2016). Grammar and Composition 2. Cagayan Valley. Cagayan State University
Andrews Campus

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