006 Types of Subord Clauses
.docTYPES OF SUBORDINATE CLAUSES
Subordinate clauses perform the functions of various parts of the sentence.
I. Subject clauses
e.g. What I need now is someone to do the job.
It was necessary that an investigation should be made into the matter.
It was possible that something may happen.
II. Predicative clauses
e.g. His only desire was that life should fall in with his own plans.
He looks as if he got a present.
III. Object clauses (they modify verbs and adjectives)
e.g. Nobody knew what she meant.
I thought (that) they were joking.
Helen was anxious that her niece should enjoy her visit to London.
It is very lucky that you have come.
He found it important that they should start as soon as possible.
They took it for granted that his theory was correct.
IV. Adverbial clauses (they modify verbs and adjectives)
1) of time
e.g. When they reached the village, Jane got out of the taxi and looked about her.
I won't leave till you come.
2) of place
e.g. They stopped where the road turned to the river.
3) of cause
e.g. He was glad to talk to her because it set her at ease.
4) of purpose
e.g. He spoke loudly and clearly so that all might hear him.
5) of condition
e.g. If we start now, we won't be late.
6) of concession
e.g. Whatever happens she won't have it her own way.
7) of consequence
e.g. He was so embarrassed that he could hardly understand her.
8) of comparison
e.g. Her lips moved soundlessly, as if she were rehearsing.
V. Attributive clauses (they modify nouns, modifying them)
e.g. I know a man who can help us.
All the presents (that) he had given her were in their usual places.
VI. Appositive clauses (they modify nouns, adding additional essential information)
e.g. I had the impression that she felt ill at ease.