Kinds of clauses

1. The noun clause
It is a group of words with a subject and a predicate which does the work of a noun or pronoun. But when it does not have a subject and a predicate it is a noun phrase:
• She decided to play badminton.(noun phrase)
  She decided (that) she would play badminton.(noun clause)
• Both the sentences could have been:She decided this.So the phrase or the clause replaces "this."
The noun clause can be used: i.As the object to a verb as in the last example.Further:
• They understand/verb (that) they have made mistakes/noun clause(object) ("That" may or may may not be used here.)
• They understand this or that or them.The clause "they have made mistakes" replaces the pronoun, and so functions as a noun clause.
• Who says I am a fool?
ii.As the subject to a verb:
• What he tells us now is importent.
iii.As the object to a preposition:
• Your books ae in the room where you were sitting.(object to "in")
  We have been saved by what he has done.(object to "by")
  On how she speaks in the interview depends her selection.(object to "on")
iv.Side by side with a noun when the noun clause is an explanation of the noun:
• Their idea that our business will fail is foolish.
  The story that tells of their travels through Africa has surprised us.
• "That" is used to connect the clause in italics with the noun before it.
v.As the complement to a verb.(See "complement" explained earlier):
• My idea was that she would not help me.They will be what they have never been.

Exercise

Pich out the noun clauses: The teacher can tell why you have failed. That the sun gives us the heat we need is a geographical fact. Very few people can study all that they desire to learn in their life. How acn you understand what we have written here? She rejected whatever I had suggested.

Provide noun clauses: She knows... Can you tell...? ... is true. Do not cry over... What you have told me is... Who can tell...?

2. The adjective clause
An adjective clause is a group of words,which has a subject a nd a predicate and which functions as an adjective.An adjective clause qualifies or tells about a noun or pronoun.It is generally introduced by relative pronouns- that,which,whom, etc.It should be placed close to the word or words it tells about. But when it does not have a subject and a predicate,it is an adjective phrase:
• The people arriving late at the meeting could not hear the speech.
• The adjective phrase "arriving late at the meeting" describes the noun "people"-it is a phrase without a subject and a predicate.
• The people,who arrived late at the meeting,could not hear the speech.
• The adjective clause "who arrived lat at the meeting" describes the noun "people"-it is a clause because it has the subject "who" and the predicate "arrived late at the meeting."
Other examples:
• I met a doctor with two clinics.(Adjective phrase)
  I met a doctor who had two clinics.(Adjective clause)
  They can tell about the time when the train departs.(Adjective clause)
  They can tell about the time of its departure.(Adjective phrase)

Exercise

Pick out the adjective clauses: The students who work hard succeed. The leaders who are liked by others should rule the country. Where is the shirt which I had bought last weak? Please give me the table that has ten drawers. The houses which are newly white-washed are all for sale.

Provide adjective clauses: That is the school... You should learn the subject... What is the difficulty...? The car.. has broken down. Where are the books...?

3. The adverb clause
It is a groups of words with a subject and a predicate which does the work for an adverb.Thus,it describes a verb,adjective or adverb in another clause.
• They play after finishing their work.
• Here adverb phrase, "after finishing their work" describes the main clause,"They play," "play" being a "verb."Clearly it does not have a subject and a predicate.
• They play after they finish their work.
• Here "after they finish their work" is an adverb clause, as it has a subject (they) and a clause (finished their work).It qualifies "the verb "play."
• He is hardworking,so he succeeds.
• Here "so he succeeds" is the adverb clause qualifying the adjective "hardworking."
• They work well when they get a lot of facilities.
• Adverb clause decribing the main clause with the adverb "well."
• When the people have more money,prices rise.
• Adverb clause, "prices rise," describing another clause.

Exercise

Pick out the adverb clauses: The students protested when the fines were announced. He will come if you call him. They have failed the exam because they did not work hard. We earn money so that we may live comfortably. The teachers teach well so long as the students obey them.

Provide adverb clauses: Play the game... They spoke so fast... If you read your lessons well,... People hate him... They never do...