let's learn english : Types of sub-clauses

v Noun clause

Ø The clause must be started with words “that, what, whatever, who, whom, whoever, whomever”.

Ø Pattern: sub-coordinate conjunctions + s + v + o

Ø Examples :

§ Whatever you learn will help you in future. (noun clause as a subject)

§ What you said made him upset. (noun clause as a subject)

§ He said that John came there the day before. (noun clause as an object)

§ Now I realize what he would have thought. (noun clause as an object)

Ø Function: as a noun in a sentence.

Ø Position: as a subject and an object.

v Adjective clause

Ø Adjective clause must be started with relative pronoun “that, who, whom, whose, and which.”

Ø Pattern: sub-coordinate conjunctions + s + v

Ø Examples :

§ I met the boy who had helped me.

§ The book which I like is helpful in preparation for test.

§ The house where I live consists of four rooms.

§ The person who was shouting needed help.

Ø Function: as an adjective in a sentence.

Ø Position: as an object

v Adverb clause

Ø Pattern: sub-coordinate + s + v + adverb

Ø Examples :

§ Don’t go before he comes.

§ He takes medicine because he is ill.

§ I will go to school unless it rains.

§ You safe as long as you drive carefully.

Ø Function: as an adverb in a clause.

Ø Position : subject and object

Ø The subordinating conjunction used are:

§ Time: when, whenever, since, until, before, after, while, as, by the time, as soon as

§ Cause and effect: because, since, now that, as long as, so, so that,

§ Contrast: although, even, whereas, while, though

§ Condition: if, unless, only if, whether or not, even if, providing or provided that, in case.

Sub-coordinate Conjunctions

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