Words in Transition

A noun clause can function any way that a noun does-as a subject, a predicate adjective, a predicate noun, a direct or an indirect object, an object complement, an object of a preposition, or an appositive (A). A relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that, whoever, whomever, whatever) usually introduces a noun clause.

Whoever said so must be telling the truth. [S]

No one knows what his name is. [DO]

One condition of Bill’s employment was that he shave off his beard. [PN]

The news that both sides called a ceasefire took everyone by surprise. [A]

An adverb clause modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. It is always introduced by a subordinating conjunction, such as if, after, when, though, since, where, while. An adverb clause answers the questions posed by the words when, where, why, or how.

The children looked for coins under the bleachers after the game was over.

An adjective clause (also called a relative clause) modifies a noun or pronoun. Usually it immediately follows the word or words modified and is introduced by a relative pronoun-who, whom, whose, which, that, whoever, whomever, or whatever - or by the subordinating conjunction when or where.

Ted’s old Volkswagen, which had a badly rusted body, still ran like a dream.

My grandmother remembers a time when Volkswagens were not on the market.

If the relative pronoun or subordinating conjunction (the subordinator) introducing an adjective clause does not function as the subject of the subordinate clause, you can omit it. In fact, omitting it picks up the pace of the sentence.

The Volkswagen that Janie saw at the car show was restored down to the smallest detail.

If the subordinator is the subject of the adjective clause, you can usually rewrite the sentence to eliminate unneeded words.

A statue of Louis Riel, which is made of marble, is in front of City Hall. [for marble could become]

A marble statue of Louis Riel, is in front of City Hall.

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate.

A main clause, or independent clause, can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Janie bought Ted’s old Volkswagen.

It had a good engine but a rusted body.

A subordinate clause, or dependent clause, in contrast, cannot stand alone as a sentence because it is an incomplete thought.

When I cook, I use a lot of garlic.

If you don’t like garlic, you can substitute onions.