Name: Bùi Thị Hồng - 24K710042

Class: 2471K2

Subordinate Clauses: Adjective, Adverbial, and Noun

Clauses

1.Adjective Clause (Relative Clause)

1.1. Definition: An adjective clause, also called a relative clause, is a subordinate clause
that functions as an adjective and modifies a noun or noun phrase in the main clause.
Example: The movie that we watched last night was amazing.
In this sentence, the clause “that we watched last night” serves to modify the noun the
movie, giving more information about it.
1.2. Classification
1.2.1. Classification according to function:
1.2.1.1 Restrictive Relative Clause
A restrictive relative clause is used to define or identify the noun that precedes it. It is an
essential part of the sentence, and if it is removed, the main clause would lose clarity or
become incomplete.
Examples:
• The girl who is wearing the blue dress is my sister.
• The book which I borrowed from you is very interesting.
1.2.1.2. Non-restrictive Relative Clause
- A non-restrictive relative clause provides additional information about the noun before it.
This information is not essential, and if omitted, the main clause still conveys a complete
meaning.
- Non-restrictive clauses are usually separated from the main clause by commas. The noun
they modify often appears as a proper noun or is preceded by words such as this, that, these,
those, my, his, her, your, our, their, etc.
- The pronoun that cannot be used in non-restrictive clauses.
Examples:
• Peter, who is my boyfriend, is very handsome and intelligent.
• My father, who is 50 years old, is a doctor.
1.2.2. Classification according to markers:
1.2.2.1. Relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, that
Relative Pronouns and Their Uses:
 • who – refers to people when functioning as the subject of a relative clause.
• whom – refers to people when functioning as the object within the clause.
• whose – indicates possession, applicable to both people and objects.
• which – refers to animals or things, serving either as subject or object.
• that – can refer to both people and things, commonly used in restrictive clauses.
1.2.2.2. Relative adverbs: when, where, why
• place (in/on/at which) → This is the restaurant where we first had dinner together.
• time (in/on/at which) → I will never forget the summer when I learned how to swim.
• reason → Nobody understood the reason why she refused the offer.
1.3. Use/Function: To identify or qualify a noun and avoid repetition.
1.4. Note
1.4.1. Omitting the Relative Pronoun:
- The relative pronoun can be omitted when it is the object of the relative clause.
Example: The book (which/that) I bought yesterday is very interesting.
- The relative pronoun cannot be omitted when it is the subject of the relative clause.
Example: The man who lives next door is a doctor. - Whose, when, where, and why cannot
be omitted.
1.4.2. Reduced Relative Clauses
A relative clause can be reduced in four main ways:
1.4.2.1. Using participle phrases (Present participle – V-ing)
• Applied when the relative pronoun functions as the subject and the verb of the clause
is in the active voice.
• The relative pronoun and auxiliary verb are omitted, while the main verb is
transformed into the -ing form.
Examples:
• The man who is sitting next to you is my uncle.
→ The man sitting next to you is my uncle.
1.4.2.2. Using past participle phrases (Past participle – V-ed/V3
• Applied when the relative pronoun serves as the subject and the verb of the clause
is in the passive voice.
• The relative pronoun and auxiliary verb are omitted, and the clause begins with a
past participle.
Example:
• The students who were punished by the teacher are lazy.
→ The students punished by the teacher are lazy.
1.4.2.3. Using “to-infinitive” or infinitive phrases (for sb to do)
a. When the relative pronoun refers to nouns preceded by ordinal numbers (first, second,
next, third, last, only) or the superlative form.
Examples:
• She was the last person that was interviewed this morning.
→ She was the last person to be interviewed this morning.
• She is the most suitable person who can take on this job.
→ She is the most suitable person to take on this job.
b. When the main clause begins with here or there.
Examples:
• There is a good restaurant where we can eat good food.
→ There is a good restaurant for us to eat good food.
• Here is the form that you must fill in.
→ Here is the form for you to fill in.
1.4.2.4. Using noun phrases
Non-restrictive relative clauses can be reduced to noun phrases by omitting the relative
pronoun and verb.
Examples:
• Mrs. Flora, who is a rich businesswoman, will sponsor our competition.
→ Mrs. Flora, a rich businesswoman, will sponsor our competition.
2. Adverbial Clause
2.1.Definition: An adverbial clause is a subordinate clause that functions as an adverb and
modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb in the main clause.
2.2. Classification
2.2.1. Time (when, while, before, after, since, as soon as, until)
Adverbial clauses of time show when the action of the main clause happens.
• When: indicates the specific time.
o I was reading when he called me.
• While: shows two actions happening at the same time.
o She was cooking while he was watching TV.
• Before: shows that one action happened earlier.
o Finish your homework before you go out.
• After: shows that one action happened later.
o He went to bed after he had finished the report.
• Since: marks the starting point of an action that continues.
o I have known her since we were children.
• As soon as: means immediately after.
o Call me as soon as you arrive.
• Until: shows that the action continues up to a point in time.
 o She waited until he came back.
2.2.2. Place (where, wherever)
Adverbial clauses of place show where the action of the main clause happens.
• Where: introduces the place.
o You can sit wherever you like.
• Wherever: means “in any place”.
o I will follow you wherever you go.
2.2.3. Reason / Cause (because, since, as, now that)
These clauses explain why something happens.
• Because: gives the main reason.
o He stayed home because he was sick.
• Since: emphasizes a known or obvious reason.
o Since it’s raining, we should stay indoors.
• As: similar to “because,” often used in formal writing.
o As it was late, they decided to leave.
• Now that: shows a new situation that explains the reason.
o Now that you have finished your exams, you can relax.
2.2.4. Purpose (so that, in order that)
These clauses express the goal or intention of an action.
• So that: indicates purpose.
o She spoke loudly so that everyone could hear.
• In order that: more formal than “so that.”
o He left early in order that he might catch the train.
2.2.5. Condition (if, unless, provided that)
These clauses express conditions under which the main clause is true.
• If: introduces the condition.
o If it rains, the picnic will be cancelled.
• Unless: means “if not.”
o You won’t pass unless you study harder.
• Provided that: emphasizes a requirement.
o You can borrow my car provided that you drive carefully.
2.2.6. Contrast / Concession (although, though, even though, whereas)
These clauses show contrast or unexpected results.
• Although / Though / Even though: express concession.
o Although she was tired, she finished the work.
o Even though it was cold, we went swimming.
• Whereas: highlights contrast between two facts.
 o She loves coffee, whereas her husband prefers tea.
2.2.7. Manner (as, as if, as though)
These clauses show the way or manner in which something happens.
• As: indicates “in the way that.”
o Do it as I showed you.
• As if / As though: show unreal or imaginary manner.
o He acts as if he were the boss.
o She looked at me as though she had seen a ghost.
2.2.8. Result (so…that, such…that)
These clauses express the outcome of an action.
• So…that: used with adjectives/adverbs.
o He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.
• Such…that: used with nouns.
o It was such a beautiful day that we went for a picnic.
2.2.9. Comparison (as…as, than)
These clauses show comparisons between two actions or situations.
• As…as: shows equality.
o She runs as fast as her brother does.
• Than: used in comparative forms.
o He works harder than I do.
2.3. Use/Function: To show logical relationships such as time, cause-effect, condition, and
contrast.
2.4. Structure
An adverbial clause typically follows this structure:
Subordinating Conjunction + Subject + Verb (+ Other Elements)
Examples:
1. Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
Because (subordinating conjunction) + she (subject) + was tired (verb +
complement).
2. If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
If (subordinator) + it (subject) + rains (verb).
3. Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
Although (subordinator) + he (subject) + studied hard (verb + adverb).
2.5. Reduction of Adverbial Clauses (Participle Phrases)
- Adverbial clauses can often be reduced to participle phrases (using -ing or -ed forms).
- The reduction is only permissible if the subject of the adverbial clause is identical to the
subject of the main clause.
Example:
1. While she was reading a book, the phone rang.
While reading a book, the phone rang.
2. Because he was late for the meeting, he missed the important
announcement.
(Being) late for the meeting, he missed the important announcement.
3.Noun Clause
3.1. Definition: A noun clause is a subordinate clause that functions as a noun in the
sentence.
3.2. Classification of Noun Clauses
Noun clauses can be classified in two main ways:
1. By Function – according to the role they play in the sentence.
2. By Signal/Structure – according to the word or expression that introduces them.
3.2.1. Classification by Function
A noun clause can perform any of the functions of a noun in a sentence. The most
common are:
3.2.1.1. Subject
When the noun clause acts as the subject of the sentence.
• What he said was surprising.
• That she failed the exam shocked everyone.
• Whether we can finish on time depends on the weather.
3.2.1.2. Direct Object
When the noun clause functions as the object of the verb.
• She doesn’t know where she left her keys.
• I wonder if he will come to the party.
• He explained why he was late.
3.2.1.3. Subject Complement
When the noun clause follows a linking verb (usually be) and describes or identifies the
subject.
• The truth is that he never called.
• The question is whether they will accept our offer.
• My fear is that we might lose the game.
3.2.1.4. Object of a Preposition
When the noun clause comes after a preposition.
 • We’re interested in what they will propose.
• She is worried about whether her son is safe.
• They talked about how the problem could be solved.
3.2.2. Classification by Signal / Structure
Noun clauses are usually introduced by specific markers (also called subordinators or
clause introducers). These signals indicate the type of information the clause carries.
3.2.2.1. That-Clauses (that + S + V)
• Introduced by that; that can sometimes be omitted in informal English (especially
in object position).
• Express statements.
Examples:
• I believe that she is honest.
• It is clear that he made a mistake.
• She said (that) she was tired. (Here “that” is optional.)
3.3.2.2. Wh-Clauses (what, where, why, how, who, which, when)
• Introduced by wh-words.
• Can express both statements and questions (indirect questions).
Examples:
• I don’t know what he wants.
• Can you tell me where they live?
• The problem is how we can raise enough money.
• She asked me which book I preferred.
3.2.2.3. If / Whether Clauses
• Used for indirect yes/no questions.
• Whether is often more formal than if.
Examples:
• I don’t know if he is coming.
• We are not sure whether we should continue.
• The question is whether they will accept the plan.
3.2.2.4. Nominal Relative Clauses (whatever, whoever, whichever, etc.)
• Introduced by words like whatever, whoever, whichever, wherever, whenever.
• They combine the meaning of a relative pronoun and a subordinating conjunction.
• Often mean “anything that,” “anyone who,” “any…that.”
Examples:
 • You can choose whichever dress you like.
• Whoever calls first will get the ticket.
3.3. Use/Function: To act as a noun in various positions within a sentence and express a
statement or question within a clause.