General English

Clauses

A group of words which has a subject and predicate of its own, makes complete sense and forms part of a largersentence is called a Clause.For eg :

If it rains, the journey will be cancelled.The above sentence contains two groups of words. If it rains and the journey will be cancelled.Here each group

makes sense and can be labelled as Clauses. The second clause the journey will be cancelled is more important than theother, as it contains the main thought of the sentence. So it is called the Main or Principal Clause. The first clause if it rainshas no independent existence. Such clauses, which depends upon another clause for its meaning is called the subordinateor Dependent Clause.Kinds of Clauses

The subordinate clauses can be classified into three - Noun Clause, Adjective Clause and Adverb Clause.Noun Clause

A group of words which has a subject and Predicate of its own and does the work of a Noun is called a nounclass.Eg : I told him that he had failed.

In the above sentence the object of ‘told’ is ‘that he had failed’, which is a clause that does the work of a Noun. Soit is called Noun Clause.Eg : (1) It is true that Ramu is passed.

(2) Whether he will be selected is doubtful.According to the functions in a complex sentence we can classify the Noun Clause as follows.

(1) Subject of a verbThat India will win the match is certain.How he won the election is being investigated.What he said is true.

(2) The object of a verbI don’t remember what he said then.The accused said that he was innocent.Can you tell me where Sathish has gone ?

(3) Object of a prepositionHe paid no attention to what I said.He always boasts of what he has achieved.She may take my advice for what it is worth.

(4) Complement of a verbHe is not what he seems.This is what we all expected.My belief is that he is guilty.

(5) In apposition to a Noun or PronounIt is pity that she should have lost her job ?The fact that he has grown rich is a surprise.The news that he has got the job pleases everyone.

ADJECTIVE CLAUSE

A group of words which has a subject and predicate of its own and does the work of an adjective is called AdjectiveClause. It is introduced by a Relative Pronoun or a Relative Adverb. So the Adjective Clause is also known as a Relative Clause.

Eg : Patel is a man who has great qualities.In the above sentence the noun ‘man’ is qualified by the Clause’ who has great qualities.Here, the clause does the work of an adjective.An Adjective Clause is introduced by a Relative Pronoun or a Relative Adverb.

(1) Introduced by Relative Pronouns(who, whose, whom, that, but, such as etc...)

4. I don’t know the man who came here.5. I give him such money as I had with me.

(2) Introduced by Relative Adverbs(when, where, why, how, etc.)1. Spring is the season when Nature appears at her best.2. That is the reason why I didn’t attend the party.3. I don’t know the way how he behaves.

(3) Omission of the RelativesThe Relative Pronoun or Relative Adverb is sometimes understood and not expressed.(1) The house he built has a splendid look. (which is omitted)(2) Take all you want. (that is omitted)(3) He is a man everybody hates. (Here whom is omitted)(4) We may accept the offer he has made. (which is omitted)

ADVERB CLAUSEA clause, which does the function of an Adverb in a sentence is Adverb Clause. Different kinds of Adverb Clauses are1. Clause of Time2. Clause of Place3. Clause of Comparison4. Clause of Manner5. Clause of Purpose6. Clause of Cause7. Clause of Result8. Clause of Condition9. Clause of Concession / Supposition

(1) Clause of Time :Adverb clause of Time is introduced by conjunctions like when, whenever, before, after, since, till, once, untill, as soon as,

as long as, etc.1. As soon as he reached the bus left.2. I shall wait until you have finished dressing.3. Whenever you get an idea for a story you should jot it down in a pocket book.4. As the officer arrived, we all stood up.5. I haven’t been to a cinema since I saw ‘The Return of The Dragon’.

(2) Adverb Clause of PlaceAdverb Clause of Place is introduced by the conjunctions where, wherever, everywhere.1. Where there is a will, there is a way.2. Whereever you go, I shall follow you.3. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed.

(3) Adverb Clause of ComparisonThese Clauses are introduced by as, so .....as, as ....as, than etc.1. She is as pretty as a doll.2. It is not a bad price, as prices go these days.3. He is older than he looks.4. Seena is not so intelligent as her sister.

(4) Adverb Clause of Manner : -Adverb Clause of Manner is introduced by as, as if, as though, in that :1. The cat lay as if it were dead.2. It looks as though it might rain.3. You may act as you like.4. Rajan disappointed his mother in that he didn’t write to her very often.

(5) Adverb Clause of PurposeThe Adverb Clause of Purpose states the purpose of the action mentioned in the main clause. The conjunctions used

are so that, that, in order that and lest.1. You must hurry up lest you should be late for the party.2. We eat that we may live.

3. She worked hard so that she might win the First Prize.4. Function was concluded early in order that the participants might reach home before the rain.

(6) Adverb Clause of Cause / Reason.This Clause gives the reason for the activity mentioned in the Main Clause. The conjunctions used in this Clause are

because, since, in as much as, that :1. I read Keats because I like poems.2. Since he has expressed his regrets, we won’t take any action.3. In as much as he is with us, we can hope to win4. I am glad that you like it.

(7) Adverb Clause of ResultThis clause states what has happened or what may happen as a result of the action in the Main Clause. The conjunctions

that introduce Adverb Clauses of Result are.So that, so ..... that, such .... that.1. It is raining heavily so that many trees fell down.2. We worked so hard that the work was completed with in a week.3. She spoke in such a low voice that few could hear her.

(8) Adverb Clause of Condition :-The conjunctions used in this Clause are if, unless, whether, provided, so long as, in case, on condition that1. In case you go to market, please buy some vegetable for me.2. I shall lend you some money on condition that you return it tomorrow.3. Whether you join me or not, I am going today.4. Unless you work hard, you will fail5. They will start some business provided you invest a major amount.

(9) Adverb Clause of Concession / SuppositionThe conjunctions used are though, eventhough, although, even if, while, whereas :1. Though he is rich he is humble.2. Even if I fail, I shall try again.3. Whereas Hari had several enemies, his brother was extremely popular.4. He managed to survive eventhough there were three days without water.5. Poor as he is, he leads a happy life.