A Clause is a group of words, which has a subject and predicate of its own, makes complete sense, and forms part of a larger sentence.
There are three kinds of Subordinate Clauses; they are
The Noun Clause, The Adjective Clauses, and The Adverb Clause.
Sample Usage
Example for The Noun Clause
Examine these sentences:
1. I told him the truth
2. I told him that he had failed
In sentence 1 the object of told is truth. (A Noun)
In sentence 2 the object of told is that he had failed, which is a clause that does the work of a Noun. Hence it is called a Noun Clause. A Noun Clause is a group of words which has a subject and predicate of its own and does the work of a Noun.
Other examples:
Ramesh asked me where I lived.
It is certain that Suresh will be selected.
Whether Mohini will come is doubtful.
Example for The Adjective Clause
Read these sentences:
1.Desai is a wealthy man
2.Desai is a man who has great wealth.
In sentence 1 wealthy is an Adjective which qualifies man.
In sentence 2 the noun man is qualified by the clause who has great wealth. As the clause does the work of an Adjective, it is called an Adjective Clause. An Adjective Clause is a group of words which has a subject and Predicate of its own and does the work of an Adjective.
Other examples:
The house, which is very old, requires immediate repairs.
This is the thief who stole the horse.
There was a time when I could lift 250lbs.
The man whose leg was broken was taken to the hospital.
Example for The Adverb Clause
Read these sentences
1. The milkman came at dawn
2. The milkman came when the sun rose
In sentence 1 at dawn is a phrase which serves as an Adverb of time. When did the milkman come? At dawn.
In sentence 2 the Clause when the sun rose does the work of an Adverb and hence it is called an Adverb Clause. An Adverb Clause is a group of words which has a subject and Predicate of its own and does the work of an Adverb.
Other examples:
Acharya smiled, as he looked at the impudent youth.
Iyengar grumbled because he was left out.
Grapes won't grow where there is too much rain.
You can come, if you like.
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