Noun Clause

Noun clause = a group of words with a subject and a verb that serves as a noun

Noun clauses often include one of the “wh-” words, such as “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “why,” and the related words “whatever,” “whenever,” and “whomever.” Other question words such as “if,” “how,” and “that” are also common in noun clauses.

Noun clause, subject

Noun clause, objects of prepositions

Noun clause, direct objects

Noun clause, indirect objects

Noun clause, predicate nouns.

Adjective Clause

Adjective clause = a group of words with a subject and a verb that serves as an adjective

Purpose: add detail about a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun by providing more information about which one or what type.

Begin with a relative pronouns that connects it to the noun being described:

that, when, where, which, who, whom, whose, why.

Location: after the noun they describe and are not moveable.

Also called: a relative clause (because they begin with a relative pronoun). Adjective clauses are a type of dependent/subordinate clause.

Can be either a restrictive or non-restrictive clause.

can sometimes be reduced down to a noun phrase, appositive: Tracy, who is an avid reader, loved the book. (adjective clause) > Tracy, an avid reader, loved the book. (noun phrase, appositive)

Adverbial Clause

Adverbial clause = a group of words with a subject and a verb that serves as an adverb

Purpose: add detail about why, when, where, to what degree, and under what conditions.

Begin with a subordinating conjunction.

Location: moveable – can move to different positions within a sentence.

Can be either a restrictive or non-restrictive clause.