GRACE MISSION COLLEGE

Catiningan, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

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STRUCTURE OF ENGLISH

SENTENCE TYPES, STRUCTURES, AND FUNCTIONS

Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the structures of
phrases and clauses by:

 reproducing the text with omitted phrases and clauses;

 reading and explaining the phrases and clauses used in the write-
 presenting an informative speech using phrases and clauses, and
 Reflecting on the use and applications of phrases and clauses in a future career.

Introduction Every day, we use a multifold series of utterances. These meaningful utterances
are produced through systematic successions of words. The process of putting all words together in a
sequence of patterns is called syntax. In linguistics, syntax is referred to as the study of the principles
and processes and word order that rule the structure of sentences in a particular language. The
words and elements, such as the clauses and phrases in the sentences, are meticulously arranged in
such a way that they create meaning. The syntactic unit includes words, phrases, clauses, and
sentences.

In this lesson, you will learn the structures of different phrases and clauses that make up a
sentence.

PHRASES

Phrases are series of words that are put together in order. They are necessary ingredients that
add flavor to the language. Each phrase carries a meaning; strings of phrases that are arranged
systematically make up a meaningful sentence. Phrases include noun phrase, verb phrase,
adjective phrase, adverb phrase, prepositional phrase, conjunctive phrase and interjectional
phrase.

NOUN PHRASE

You have previously learned. that nouns are names, which could be proper or common,
concrete or abstract. could be determined according to quantity and may go through a morphological
process such as compounding and derivation. A noun is one of the lexical units that are always
present in every utterance.

Let us look at the sentences below as examples:

 The appealing actress is having another film.

 The white house is under construction.

The nouns in the two sentences are actress, film, house, and construction. These nouns
come after modifiers such as "appealing" or "actress", "another for film" white for house", and
"under" for describing the "construction". These words are descriptors that, when added to
nouns, make up a noun phrase.
A noun phrase is a syntactic unit that consists of a single modifier and a noun or series
of modifiers. the head of which is the noun. Note that noun modifiers include possessive
nouns, possessive pronouns, prepositions, articles, participles, and prepositions.
The patterns for noun phrase construction are:
 Determiner + noun
Ex: the lady
my man
singer actress
Determiner + single modifier + noun
Ex: the gorgeous lady
My gentleman
The singer-actress
Determiner + series of modifiers + noun
Ex: the fashionable, gorgeous lady
My muscular, gentle man
The pretty singer-actress
Modifier + noun
Ex: gentleman
pretty actress
fashionable singer

Some of the most common functions of noun phrases are as follows:

A noun phrase can be a subject.

A subject is an element in the sentence that is usually a person, a thing or an idea that does
the action or that is talked about. A subject may contain a singular noun or pronoun or a series of
words having a noun as head. This series of words is called a noun phrase.

Examples:

 The girl keeps her room tidy, (S- doer of the action) det + noun
 The man in the black suit is my brother. (S - being talked about) det + noun

In the first statement, the girl" is a noun phrase, which consists of a determiner "the' and a
noun $girl, which functions as a doer of the action "keeps her room tidy." In the second statement,
the noun phrase "the man" is not a doer of action but is being talked about and is still a subject.

A noun phrase can be a direct object.

A direct object is a noun that directly receives the action. It answers the question "what".

Examples:

I am buying myself a new laptop.

det + adi + noun

Alice makes a coffee for Ted

det + noun

I want to paint the white house.

det c adị + noun

I heard beautiful music in the neighborhood.

Det + adi + noun

The italicized strings of words are noun phrases, which receive the action of the subject such
as: "coffee" receives the action "make": "laptop" receives the action "am buying"; "white house"
receives the action "want to paint"; and "beautiful music" receives the action "heard".

These noun phrases used as a direct object answer the question of what.
 Examples:

What are you buying yourself? (a new laptop)

What does Alice make? (a coffee)

A noun phrase can be the object of a preposition.

An object of the preposition is a noun phrase, a combination of a preposition and a noun,

where the preposition directly goverms the noun. The object of the preposition complements the
nouns in the verb phrase.

Examples:

 I left my things in the room

prep + article + noun

 I will decide over and beyond reason.

prep + noun

 Gardening is an interesting pastime for me.

prep + noun.

 She is preparing for dinner:

prep + noun

The italicized series of words are the noun phrases that function as object of the preposition,
“In the room" serves as complement of the noun "things", as the over and beyond reasons"
complements the noun “decide and etc.

A noun phrase can be an indirect object.

An indirect object indirectly receives the action of the subject. This answers the question whom
or to whom.

Examples:

The manager gave my sister a new job.

IO + DO

My grandfather left my mother a house and lot.

IO + DO

Ava gave her younger cousins her clothes.

IO + DO

He made me a Korean dish.

IO + DO

Referring to the first statement, "my sister" indirectly receives the action "gave", as my mother"
indirectly receives the action left".

Noun phrases as indirect objects

 When asked:

 To whom did Ava give her clothes? (her younger cousins)

 Whom did grandfather leave the house and lot? (My mother)

A noun phrase also includes other phrases that function as a noun. These include: appositives,
gerunds, infinitives, and participles.

An appositive phrase is a noun phrase that restates, defines, and renames a noun.

Example:

 Hugh Jackman, a good actor. portrays the character of Wolverine in X-Men.

 Laila, the female twin in Star Wars. was killed during the final episode.
 Joyce, my sister, is also my best friend.

The noun phrases a good actor" 4the female twin in Star Wars, my sister" are noun phrases that
provide additional information to the subjects of the sentences above.

An infinitive phrase is a noun phrase that contains infinitive at the beginning of the phrase,
which functions as a noun, An infinitive is a combination of to and a base-form of the verb.

Example:

 To lie is a mistake.
 I love to hang out with my friends.
 She likes to make sketches of nature.
 To write poems is her pastime.

The noun phrases to lie", to hang out", to make sketches and "to write poems" are noun
phrases that are infinitive phrases formed. The phrase "to lie" functions as a noun and a subject of
the sentence "To lie is a mistake." This is similar to the phrase "to write poems." The other infinitive
phrases, such as "to hang out" and "to make sketches," are noun phrases that complement the verbs
"love" and like."

A gerund phrase is a noun phrase that starts with a gerund, which is made from a verb + ing. Similar
to the infinitives, gerund phrases also function as a noun, either as a subject or as an object.

Example:

 Baking cake is my hobby. (NP as subject)

 I love getting together with friends. (NP as subject)
 He has trouble making friends. (NP as subject)
 Not attending the party is a huge mistake. (NP as subject)

The gerund phrase "baking cake" is the subject of the sentence "Baking cake is my hobby". This
is similar to the gerund phrase "not attending the party". While the gerund phrase "getting together"
receives the action "love", as "making friends" receives the action has trouble"

A participial phrase is a noun phrase that starts with a present or past participle. Participial phrases
appear as verbs but function as a noun modifier. Participial phrases could be placed before
mentioning the subject, or in front of the sentence, which is offset with a comma. It is also placed
immediately after the noun.

Example:

 Knowing what I learned, you should not have asked.

 Smiling from ear to ear, she accepted the prize.
 Look at the man soaked in the rain.
  Painted green, the room appeared brighter.
 He gave a beautiful smile; having seen the woman he loves.

The participial phrases "knowing what I learned", "smiling from car to car", etc., are placed at the
beginning of the sentence, functioning as noun modifiers. These phrases serve as modifiers, adding
descriptions to the sentences. Take note that when a participial phrase in the past participle is added
at the beginning of the sentence, it is offset with a comma, however, a comma is not used when it is
located at the end of the sentence.

VERB PHRASE

Study the sentences below: (taken from the lines of Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities)

"It was appointed that the water should be locked in an eternal frost, when the light was
playing on its surface, and I stood in ignorance on the shore. My friend is dead, my neighbor is
dead, my love, the darling of my soul, is dead….”

The phrases: was appointed, should be locked, was playing, stood in ignorance, is dead
are verb phrases.

A verb phrase is a syntactic unit, which starts with verb and all cluster of words that
follow. A complete verb phrase functions as a predicate of the subject. The patterns in
constructing verb phrases include:

 Main verb + modifier

Ex: He sits alone.
I am worried.
She bears no ill.

 Auxiliary verb + main verb

Ex: He was appointed.

I am amazed.
She has done great work.
 Modal + main verb
Ex: I can do that.
They might be angry.
She can write poems.
 Modal + auxiliary + main verb
Ex: He should be locked.
They might be leaving soon.
She will be writing a novel
 Auxiliary verb + Main verb + modifier/complement
Ex: He was sitting silently.
It has represented ingenuity.
I am bored with looking at this picture.

A verb phrase has two types, finite verb phrases and nonfinite verb phrases. A finite
verb phrase is a verb phrase that contains a single verb. The head verb is finite, which could
be in a present or past form.
Examples:
 Many students conduct research nowadays.
 I am about to finish my work.
 Only a few students enrolled this semester.
 I have an interview this weekend.
 I was upset about how the story went.
 Being invited to a wedding is quite amazing.
Notice that in the verb phrases in each of the sentences above, there is only one verb.
These are: conduct, am, enroll, have, and is. This is different from nonfinite verb phrases. In a
 nonfinite verb phrase, there are two or three verbs. In this case, the head verb could be a
participle or a verb in base form.
Examples:
 I have waited for this opportunity for a long time.
 We have been hibernating for a long time since the pandemic began.
 I am writing a novel about vampires.
 They might need your help.
 We will be better after this experience.
 I did paint it.

The sentences: “I have waited for this opportunity for a long time", "We have
hibernated for a long time since the pandemic happened" and "I am writing a novel about
vampires consist of verb phrases, which head verb is a participle. Where, "waited and
hibernated" are past participles, while writing" is a present participle. e Auxiliary verbs that are
paired with present participles are be verbs, Suen in constructing progressive tenses, while
auxiliary have-verbs are paired with past participles, such as in constructing perfect tenses.

The statements "they might need your help", "we will be better 4ter thus experience,
and 7 did paint it" contain base form as head verbs. These are paired with modals and do
verbs.

ADJECTIVE PHRASE
Study the sentences below:
A manly modern man
A very huge, white-painted house
The amazingly famous writer
A dazzlingly beautiful lady
A shining star

Notice that the phrases above contain series of word descriptors. These descriptors are
adjectives and adverbs. You previously learned that adjectives are modifiers of nouns and pronouns.
Thus, a series of modifiers describing a noun or pronoun is an adjective phrase.

An adjective phrase is a syntactic unit consisting of an adjective as the head of the phrase
and all the cluster of words around it that modify a noun or pronoun. In an adjective phrase, the
adjective can (a) initiate the sentencê, (b) appear at the middle, or (c) conclude the sentence.

Examples:

 The highly suspicious man is convicted of the crime.

(AP at the beginning of the sentence)
 The dish you cook smells very sumptuous.
(AP at the end of the sentence)
 Your eyes are enticing to me.
(AP in the middle of the sentence)
 You are nothing but amazing.
(AP at the end of the sentence)

The adjective phrase "highly suspicious" modifies the man, just as the word
"sumptuous" modifies the dish. Similarly, the eves are described as "absolutely enticing," and
the word "you" is defined as "nothing but amazing."

Adjective phrases function in two basic ways: predicatively or attributively.

An attributive adjective phrase precedes the noun of a noun phrase, such as in a

highly suspicious man. On the other hand, the predicative adjective phrase follows a linking
verb and defines the preceding subject, such as "your eyes are enticing.”
 The distinct characteristic of an attributive adjective phrase is that it is positioned inside
the noun phrase that it modifies. It either precedes the noun, such as in a beautiful lady, or
follows the noun it describes, such as *the girl proud of her achievements." In contrast, the
predicative adjective phrase is positioned outside of the noun or noun phrase that it describes,
such as the girl is proud of her achievements."

Examples: (Attributive Adjectives)

 The people upset with the president rallied in the streets.

 N + Adj. Phrase
 A highly paid actor gave his best performance.
 Adj. Phrase + Noun
 It was the most incredible pie I have ever tasted.
 Adj. Phrase + Noun
 Last night we ate a very spicy but delicious kimchi.
 Adj. Phrase + Noun
 The guy smarter than you can figure out the solution to this puzzle.
 N + Adj. Phrase

Examples: (Attributive Adjectives)

 The midterm test was unbelievably difficult.

 Noun + verb + Adj. Phrase
 Your eyes are incredibly tantalizing.
 Noun + verb + Adj. Phrase
 The dish smells very tempting.
 Noun + verb + Adj. Phrase
 The people are angry with the high taxes.
 Noun t verb + Adj. Phrase
 The kimchi is very spicy but delicious.
 Noun +t verb + Adi. Phrase

ADVERB PHRASE

Study the sentences below and notice how the series of descriptors is structured.

I waited there.

I waited just right there.

I waited there under the shade.

I waited there under the shade in total silence.

I waited there under the shade in total silence, quite surprisingly well.

I waited there yesterday, under the shade in total silence, quite surprisingly well.

I waited there yesterday, under the shade in total silence, quite surprisingly well, hoping to
be able to talk to you, yet you did not come.

In the sentence I waited there, the word "there" describes where the waiting happened. In the
second sentence, the phrase "just right there" is added, which gives more emphasis to where the
waiting occurred specifically. The phrase "under the shade" again is added to give a specific location
of the person waiting about the word *there." The phrase "in total silence" is added to describe what
the person did while waiting. The phrase "quite surprisingly well'" is added to describe further how the
person was while waiting. Then the time element yesterday" was added to explain when the waiting
occurred.
 As you see, this series of descriptions is attributed to the action waited." There" is an adverb
that modifies the word wait." The rest are adverb phrases, which function as an adverb. An adverb
gives further description of verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.

An adverb phrase is a syntactic structure that is composed of adverbs and a cluster of words
functioning as one unit in describing a verb, adjective, or adverb.

Examples:

 Next year, Jane will visit here.

 In what way will you make it happen?
 You buy very extravagantly.
 He will get what he wants by hook or by crook.
 Truly excited, I gave him my answer.

Adverb phrases, like adverbs, show the how, when, where, and why. An adverb phrase of
manner describes how something happened or was done. Here are adverb phrases of manner
describing how:

 quite surprisingly well

Ex: I danced quite surprisingly well.
 in total silence
Ex: I waited for you in total silence.
 often under pressure
Ex: You were often under pressure.
 very carefully
Ex: I am showing you very carefully.
 quite easily
Ex: You left quite easily

An adverb phrase of place describes where something happened or was done. Most of the
adverb phrases of place are prepositional phrases, where the head is a preposition. Here are adverb
phrases of place describing where:

 just right there

Ex: I waited just right there.
 under the shade
Ex: I met you under the shade.
 through the looking glass
Ex: I saw you through the looking glass.
 near the edge
Ex: You are almost near the edge.
 over the moon
Ex: I could fly over the moon when you are here.

An adverb phrase of reason describes why something happened or was done. Usually, the
adverb phrase of reason is an infinitive phrase, where the head is an infinitive. Here are adverb
phrases of reason describing why:

 to be able to talk to you

Ex: I waited patiently to be able to talk to you.
 for the sake
Ex: I did it for his sake.
 to understand better
Ex: I came to understand better.
 to make the most of it
Ex: I sold the jewelry to make the most of it.
  to get a better look
Ex: You need to come closer to get a better look

An adverb phrase of time describes when something happened or done. Here are adverb
phrases of time describing when:

 yesterday morning
Ex: I waited yesterday morning.
 any time
Ex: I could wait anytime
 a few minutes from now
Ex: She will come a few minutes from now.
 near midnight
Ex: She came near midnight.
 tomorrow at lunch
Ex: I will confront you tomorrow at lunch.

An adverb phrase of frequency describes how often something happened or is done. Adverb
phrases of frequency describing when:

 twice a week
Ex: I watch Korean dramas twice a week.
 as many times as possible
Ex: I want to read my favorite book as many times as possible.
 almost never
Ex: Nowadays, I read my book almost never.
 every other day
Ex: I have decided to read every other day.

ADVERBIALS

Adverbials are words or adverbs presented in a form of a phrase or a clause. They basically
function to explain the meaning of the verb in a sentence. An adverbial, which is an individual word, is
called an adverb, if it is a phrase, it is called an adverbial phrase, and if it is a clause, it is called an
adverbial clause which describes a verb, an adjective or even a complete sentence. Note that an
adverb can be an adverbial, but an adverbial cannot be entirely an adverb. They may appear in many
different places in a sentence.

An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, and another adverb.

The contestant danced well.
The thunderstorm lasted overnight.
The players arrived here.

An adverb phrase is also a prepositional phrase that describes a verb, adjective, or

adverb by indicating where, when, in what manner, or to what extent an action is performed.
The child leaped over the railings.
The players arrived at the oval.
Gloria is happy with her marriage.

An adverb clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. These are after,
although, as, as if, as long as, even though, if, unless, until, when, whenever, etc.
Whenever he travels, he takes photos.
When it rains, I stay at home.
He smiled as if he had won the contest.
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE
Study the sentences below:
Try to think out of the box.
Don't go toward the light.
I will make you into a bird.

The phrases "try. to think out of the box", "toward the light", and "into a bird" start with a
preposition and end with a noun.

A prepositional phrase is a syntactic structure, a modifying phrase, which comprises a

preposition and its object. A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a
noun or pronoun, gerund, or object. The pattern of construction of prepositions includes:

Preposition + noun
Ex: We will know what happens in time.
I left the package at home.
I know what happened about now.

The prepositional phrases in time" is a combination of a preposition "in" and a

noun "time". Same goes with the prepositional phrases "about now" and at home."

Preposition + pronoun
Ex: Come with me.
He is commended by you.
It is good for him but not for you.

The prepositional phrase with me" is a combination of a preposition "with" and a

pronoun "me." The same combination is followed in the phrases "by you" and for him
and for you."

Preposition + gerund
Ex: We progress by acting.
Thank you for moving toward progress.
So much in believing in him, he did not make it.

The prepositional phrase "by acting" is a combination of a preposition "by" and a

gerund "acting." This is followed in the phrases "for moving" and in believing."

Preposition + clause
Ex: You are always interested in what I do.
We have already talked about what we need.

The prepositional phrases "n what I do" and about what we need" consist of
preposition "in" and "about." These are added with the clauses "in what I do" and "what
we need." Take note that a clause is a combination of a subject such as "we", which is
paired to the verb "need."

Preposition + modifier + noun/gerund

Ex: We crossed paths along the narrow road.
He made his room into an attractive adobe.
We finished the project without excessively worrying,

The prepositional phrases "along the narrow road" and into an attractive abode" consist
of prepositions "along" and "into." Added to the prepositions are noun phrases that are
composed of determiners such as "the" and "an", the modifiers attractive" and "narrow", and
the head nouns road" and "abode." Further, the prepositional phrase "without excessively
worrying" is a combination of a preposition, a modifier and a gerund.
 Prepositional phrases serve two functions: adjective modifier. a noun modifier or adverb
modifier. Prepositions as adverbs usually function as adverbs of place and time.
Examples: Preposition as an adverb modifier
 I waited for a while.
(for a while, "modifying "waited)
 We were able to connect to the internet after many tries.
("to the internet" modifying "able to connect ")
 I asked for you the whole time.
(for you," modifying "asked)

Examples: Preposition as an adjective modifier

 Please go easy on the eyes.
("on the eyes" modifying "easy")
 It is a good-for-nothing piece of advice.
("for nothing" modifying "good')

Examples: Preposition as noun modifier

 The man with the mustache is a bit scary.
(with the mustache" modifying the "man")
 The girl at the doorway is my close friend.
("at the doorway" modifying the "fear")
 His fear of falling haunts him.
("of falling" modifying "fear")

CONJUNCTIONAL PHRASE

Study the sentences below:

Both Marie and Jack are happily married.

John responds as quickly as Ted.

Both sentences above use pairs of conjunctions. These make up a conjunctional

phrase. A conjunctional phrase is a syntactic structure that performs the function of a
conjunction.

Conjunctional phrases include:

Either, or
Ex: Either you stay, or you go; it doesn't matter.
Either James or Sam runs the place; it is fine.

Both - and
Ex: Both the teacher and the student prepare for the lesson.
Both the husband and the wife exert effort for the marriage to work.

Whether or/or not

Ex: Both the teacher and the student prepare for the lesson.
Both the husband and the wife exert effort for the marriage to work.

Neither-nor
Ex: Neither the man nor the woman is to blame for the misfortune.
Neither you nor I accept the advice.

Not only, but also

Ex: Not only, but also you made the decision.
 I am not only proud of you but also happy about your achievements.

Not - but
Ex: I see that you are in the mood not for coffee but for tea.
You look not at the words but at the deeds.

As - as
Ex: Reading is not as fun as watching a movie.
Doing nothing is as tiring as working.

Such - that
Ex: Such was a man that he could not refuse.
Such was a relationship that did not stand odds.

As many as
Ex: Make a mistake as many mistakes as you can.
There are as many men as the fish in the sea.

Scarcely/barely - man
Ex: I scarcely looked at you when you arrived.
I barely notice when it comes.

No sooner than
EX: I would no sooner feel for you than bite the bullet.
She would no sooner tell the truth than die.

Rather than
Ex: I would rather live in poverty than steal from the bank.
She would rather live single than love someone like you.

As well as
Ex: I, as well as he, will talk to you when we get there.
Gab as well as Brian will attend the party.

As soon as
Ex: The manager is trying to do damage control as soon as possible.
Do it as soon as possible, or you'll cram.

INTERJECTIONAL PHRASE
Study the expressions below:
Hurrah!
Wow!
Awesome!
These expressions are used when one is extremely happy, satisfied, or surprised.
These are called interjections. A group of words that functions as an interjection is called an
interjectional phrase.
An interjectional phrase is a syntactic structure that functions as an interjection.
Interjections are words or phrases that express feelings, reactions, exclamations, greetings
etc.
Examples:
 Oh my! I made a mistake.
 Goodness gracious! That was awful.
 Oh, really! Isn't that true?
 Oh yeah! You sound unbelievable.
 What a miracle! I won the first prize.
CLAUSES

A clause, just like a phrase, is a series of words arranged systematically to make meaning;
however, unlike a phrase, a clause contains a subject and a predicate. A clause can function as a
sentence by itself or part of a sentence.

You must gain the ability to recognize a clause and understand when a clause is capable of
acting as an independent unit. It is generally essential to master clauses to avoid run-on sentences
and sentence fragments and to produce well-coordinated statements both verbally and in writing.

The two main classifications of clauses are the main clause and the subordinate clause.

A. MAIN CLAUSE

A main clause is an independent clause. It has a subject and a predicate, which

could be à verb or a verb phrase, thus, it conveys a complete sense. A main clause can
stand by itself as a discrete sentence. When a main clause is separated from other
clauses, it is usually not referred to as a clause but as a sentence.

Examples:

 He ran fast.
 He loves running, and he runs fast.
 He is not an athlete, but he runs fast.

Every sentence must have at least one main clause. In the sentences above,
each clause expresses a complete thought, so they are considered main clauses. Main
clauses can be combined to form a larger unit. Two main clauses are usually joined by
a coordinating conjunction, which is not part of any of the clauses, as shown below:

A comma could be added before the coordinating conjunction, such as: "He is
not an athlete, but he runs fast." However, a comma does not replace a coordinating
conjunction. If the conjunction but" is removed to make the sentence "He is not an
athlete, he runs fast," the sentence would become a comma splice, where two
independent clauses are incorrectly joined together without using a conjunction. Instead
of using a comma in independent clauses where the conjunction is omitted, use a
semicolon to correct the sentence.

Further, the subject and predicate of the main clauses could be simple or
compound.

 Examples: He ran fast. (simple subject and simple predicate)

 He ran fast and quickly. (simple subject and compound adjective in the
predicate)
 He and I ran fast and quickly. (compound subject and compound adjective
in predicate) He loves running, and he runs fast. (simple subject and
simple predicate)
 He loves and go running every day. (simple subject and compound
predicate)
 He and I love and go biking every day, and we run fast and steady.
(combination)

The use of simple and compound subjects and predicates will recur in sentences,
whether the clause is independent or dependent. Note that coordinating conjunctions
may connect words, phrases, or clauses.

B. SUBORDINATE CLAUSE

A subordinate clause is a dependent clause. Although it still has a subject and a

predicate, it cannot stand on its own as a sentence and needs a main clause to be
complete. Examples: He ran fast because he didn't want to be caught.
She was the woman whom he made a promise to.
I was finishing my work when you arrived.

A subordinate clause is reliant on the rest of the sentence since alone, it does not
make sense, such as “because he didn't want to be caught, "whom she made promise
to", when you arrived."

Let us take a look further at these sentences:

Subordination makes one clause into a subordinate element. Its meaning is

dependent on the other clause in the sentence. A subordinating conjunction usually
introduces the subordinate clause, such as because whom, when, etc.
C. RELATIVE CLAUSE

Study the sentences below:

Set A: I met a nan. He can speak different languages.
Set B: I met a man who can speak different languages.

Set A: He was wearing a suit. It was too big for him.

Set B: He was wearing a suit that was too big for him.

There are two independent clauses in set A. These clauses are combined in set
B using a relative pronoun. When combining two main clauses using a relative pronoun,
the clause with the relative pronoun becomes dependent on the other. This clause is
called a relative clause.

Relative clauses are clauses introduced by a relative pronoun such as that,

who, which, whoever, whom, whomever, whichever, and whose. They are dependent
clauses.
Consider the sentences below:
The people who work in the city hall are not very friendly.
A thief is a person who steals others' property.
The man, who phoned, did not give his name.

It is noted that a clause, whether it is independent or dependent, should always

have a subject and a verb phrase or predicate. In relative clauses, the relative pronoun
is the subject, which the verb relates.

Examples:
A thief is a person who steals others’ property.
s + VP S(RP) + VP

Independent clause dependent clause

Relative clause

The man, who phoned, did not give his name.

Subject of the Predicate of the
Independent clause Independent clause

“Who steals others' property" and who phoned are both relative clauses
introduced by the relative pronoun who, which serves as the subject of the clause.

When an independent clause is constructed as a dependent relative clause, the

relative clause functions as a modifier. This functions as an adjective clause.

Consider the examples below:

 The woman was carrying a purse.

The purse that the woman was carrying...
 You wanted the book.
The book that you wanted…
 We believed in some people.
Some people whom we believed in…

Relative clauses are main clause modifiers. Some relative clauses can change
the clause they modify. Moreover, they can modify the entire clause or series of
clauses. A relative clause that modifies the entire clause is called a sentential clause.
 Examples:

 Jane did not attend the school, which surprised her teachers.
 Jane did not attend the school, and she did not even bother to call, which
surprised her teachers.

The relative clause, in the first sentence, "which surprised her teachers," refers to
Jane's not attending school. In the second sentence, the same clause could be about
Jane's not attending school, or her not calling school, or refers to both.

D. ADJECTIVE CLAUSE

An adjective clause is a type of subordinate clause that modifies a noun or

pronoun. An adjective clause may begin with relative pronoun who, whom, whose, that
which where or when. It normally follows the word it modifies.

Examples:

 Movies that have highly challenging plots are my favorite.

 The store where I buy sells the best items.
 Several book authors whom I admire contribute to a pool of literary works.

Where:

Main clause subject main clause predicate

Movies that have highly challenging plots are my favorite.

adjective clause

Main clause subject main clause predicate

The store where I buy sells the best items.

adjective clause

Take note that in the first sentence above, the word "movies" is modified by the clause
"that have highly challenging plots", while "the store" is modified by the clause where I buy".

Sometimes, relative pronouns in adjective clauses are dropped from the beginning.
Consider the examples below:
The sequel, The Twilight Saga, is the movie that I like best.
The sequel, The Twilight Saga, is the movie I like best.

Some adjective clauses are necessary to make the meaning of the sentence clear.
These adjective clauses are called essential clauses or restrictive clauses. Restrictive
adjective clauses must not be set off with commas.

Examples:
 Movies that have no substance bore me.
 The authors whom I like began writing during the Renaissance period.

Where:
Movies that have no substance bore me.
adjective clause
(restricted)

Compare:

 Movies that have no substance bore me.

Movies bore me.
 The authors whom I like began writing during the Renaissance period.
The authors began writing during the Renaissance period.

In both sentences, the adjective clauses are essential since they specify the nouns they
modify, such as only those movies that have no substance bore the speaker, "not all
movies." In the same manner that only those authors that the speaker likes, "not all the
authors."

While there are adjective clauses that cannot be omitted in the sentence, there are also
adjective clauses that are not necessary to make the meaning of the sentence clear, even
though they may add information to the sentence. These clauses are nonessential clauses or
nonrestrictive clauses. Commas are always needed to set off nonessential clauses.

Examples:

 James Cameron, who is a director, made good movies.

 His works, which include the Titanic, were blockbuster films.

When the adjective clauses are omitted in both sentences, the meaning remains. In the
first sentence, the focus is on James Cameron making good movies, not on him being named
as director. Thus, when the adjective clause is taken out, the meaning stays the same.
Similarly, in the second sentence, the Titanic is only one of the films that became a
blockbuster. If the clause "which includes the Titanic" is set off, the meaning remains as his
works were blockbuster films.

It is important to note that when using between and which to introduce an adjective
clause, use that to begin an essential clause, and use which to begin a nonessential clause.

E. ADVERB CLAUSE

An adverb clause is a dependent clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an

adverb. It tells when, where, how, why, to what extent, or under what conditions. An adverb
clause begins with a subordinating conjunction.

In the first example above, the adverb clause answers the question why and functions
as a modifier of the adjective "happy." Similarly, in the second example sentence, the adverb
clause answers the question "as to what condition?" and modifies the adjective "excited,'"

Adverb clauses can come at the beginning of the sentence, at the middle or at the end.
When it comes before the main clause, it has to be separated with a comma.

Examples:

 Before you get too close to people, you have to know them first.
 Although you come with an excuse, it doesn't mean you are.
 Before we can travel, we save money.
 Because I passed the test, I was satisfied.
 Before you say something, think first.

When adverb clauses are placed in the middle, they interrupt the main thought. Thus,
an adverb clause in the middle should be offset with commas to fully make sense.
 Examples:

 My friend, when she is sleeping, snores a lot.

 He decided, after thinking thoroughly, to let go. Jena, when she is upset, is silent
the whole day.
 Ants, although they are small, could leave big bites.
 Carlos, because he was exhausted, rested the whole day.

When adverb clauses are placed at the end of the sentence, they do not need
punctuation.

Examples:

 They studied for hours before they took the test.

 I never knew that I could love so much until I met you.
 There is always a rainbow after the rain. We can be friends as long as you want.
 We can never be friends unless you know me better.

Like adverbs, adverb clauses also function for reason, condition, contrast, time and
place.

Examples for adverb clauses of reason:

 She dances well, so I want her in our team.

 She was unable to perform as she had injuries.
 Because she practiced the whole day, she was exhausted at night.
 Since you are the leader, you have to act like one.

Examples for adverb clause of condition:

 Unless the travel costs too much, we will push through the plan.
 They will go out if the rain stops.
 You will improve if you practice.
 Unless you train hard, you won't win.
 Even if you try, it won't matter.

Examples for adverb clauses of contrast:

 Leaders lead while bosses intimidate.

 She gets the job although she does not deserve not deserve it.
 Even though he is tall, he is not very appealing.
 While he was upset, she was celebrating.

Examples for adverb clauses of time:

 During his term, the president made a lot of changes.

 He made a lot of promises when he was campaigning.
 We will leave as soon as she arrives.
 I will be watching over you before I need to leave.

Examples for adverb clauses of place:

 Wherever I go, I am with you.

 Actresses are recognized wherever they may be in the country.

F. NON CLAUSE

A noun clause is a subordinate clause that is used as a noun within the main clause of
the sentence. Noun clause can be used as a subject, a direct or indirect object, and
complements.
 Examples of a noun clause as a subject:

 Whoever wins the election will get the seat.

 What I like is a relaxing massage.
 What makes me laugh is a good joke.
 That she likes chocolate is obvious.

Examples of a noun clause as an object:

 You can see that she likes chocolates.

 Some actors will do whatever it takes to get noticed.
 I don't get why you consider that amusing.
 The politicians will give in to whoever asks for an interview.

Examples of noun clauses as a complement:

 It is obvious that laughter involves emotions.

 That is why we included you in the list.
 I believe that people change in time.

ASSESSMENT
I. DIRECTIONS: Underline the adverb phrase in each sentence below and write in the blank the word
that it modifies.
________________1. The man was running very slowly.
________________ 2. He seldom visits here.
________________3. He will get what he wants by hook or by crook.
________________4. Next season, the movie sequel will be released.
________________5. We are working hard to finish the book.
________________6. You are talking quite slowly.
________________7. I am reading under the nightshade.
________________8. I made them understand the plan in an easy way.
________________9. Tomorrow everything gets better.
________________10. She is typing very rapidly.

II. DIRECTIONS: Read the sentences and identify whether the underlined adverb phrase is an
adverb of manner, time, place, reason, or frequency.
________________1. I will do it in a few seconds.
________________2. We are talking in a very nationalistic way.
________________3. He will get there in time.
________________4. I write to you to express how I feel.
________________5. You are winning without trying.
________________6. We arrived earlier than expected.
________________8. I pay my dues every month.
________________9. Open the page to read the post.
________________10. We will see each other by the sea.

II. DIRECTIONS: Underline the subordinate clause in each sentence and tell whether it is an
adjective clause (ADJ), a noun clause (N), or an adverb clause (ADV). Write your answer on the
blank.
_____1. We can watch the movie as long as we get home by 10:00 pm.
_____2. This week's article, which will arrive tomorrow, might have some good write-ups.
_____3. Whoever gets there first must build the cottage.
_____4. Whichever food you eat will be my choice, too.
_____5. Whenever Cathy prepares dinner, I get home early.
_____6. The people who are the kindest are the most hurt.
_____7. Jane will never forget the time when she lost her wallet.
_____8. Jane's main concern is why she lost it in the first place.
_____9. Jane will show you the cake that she wants for her birthday.
_____10. I will tell you when I am ready.