Name __________________________________
Date ________
Bellringers Term 1 Week 4
Period ____
Focus: Clauses (Noun, Relative, and Adverbial)
Monday, August 31st
Noun Clause
A noun clause is a subordinate clause used as a noun in the sentence. A noun clause is most often
used as a subject or direct object of the verb, though it can also be used as a predicate noun, as object
of the preposition, or as an appositive.
Example 1 (the noun clause is underlined)
What I want for dinner is a hamburger. (the whole clause is the subject of the verb is)
Example 2 (the noun clause is underlined)
The host told us how he escaped. (the whole clause is the direct object of the verb told)
Underline the noun clause in each sentence. Write S if the noun clause is the subject of the
sentence. Write D if it is the direct object.
1. ____Andy promised that he'd be on time for the party.
2. ____Whether or not she should go camping worried Jane.
3. ____Who your ancestors were makes no difference to me.
4. ____Do you know who is the governor of Ohio?
Review: Note a difference you see between noun phrases and noun clauses.
______________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, September 1st
Relative or Adjectival Clause
A relative clause (also called an adjectival clause) begins with a relative pronoun and functions as an
adjective.
List of relative pronouns: who/whom, whoever/whomever, whose, that, and which
Example 1 (the relative clause is underlined)
The novel that won the Pulitzer Prize didn't sell well when it was first published.
Example 2 (the relative clause is underlined)
The ceremony, which several celebrities attended, received widespread media coverage.
Combine the following sentences by making the bolded sentence a relative clause.
Example:
The man is my brother. He is standing under the poster.

The man who is standing under the poster is my brother.
1. The woman will go to prison. She stole a car from the parking lot.
___________________________________________________________________________
2. The hat is yours. It is under the sofa.
___________________________________________________________________________
3. I like to listen to music. I like fast and loud music.
___________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, September 2nd
Adverbial Clause
An adverbial clause acts as an adverb and answers questions like how, when, where, why, to what
extent, and under what conditions. Adverbial clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions
like because, unless, if, when, and although.
Example 1 (the adverbial clause is underlined)
When Mauna Loa began erupting and spewing lava into the air, we drove away as quickly as we
could. (the clause answers the question “When did we drive away?”)
Example 2 (the adverbial clause is underlined)
The group of tourists decided to have lunch in the village because the van needed repairs. (the clause
answers the question “Why did the group decide to have lunch in the village?”)
In the following sentences, underline the adverbial clause. Then, tell what question it answers.
Example:
As we approached the intersection, we saw Nelson’s car.
Answers the question “When did we see Nelson’s car?”
1. When I delivered the newspaper, I saw Mrs. Sampson at the window.
Answers the question:_________________________________________________________
2. Because that clerk was so helpful, I praised her to the store manager.
Answers the question:_________________________________________________________
3. You may play outside until it's dark.
Answers the question:_________________________________________________________
Thursday, September 3rd
Review
Compose two sentences with noun clauses. Be sure to underline the clause.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
Compose two sentences with relative clauses. Be sure to underline the clause and circle the
relative pronoun.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
Compose two sentences with adverbial clauses. Be sure to underline the clause and circle the
subordinate conjunction.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
Friday, September 4th
Review
Now, it is time for you to look and see if you can find examples of these phrases in the passages
we have read so far this school year. Refer to your student packets.
1. Noun clause:________________________________________________________________
Passage:___________________________________________________________________
2. Relative clause:_____________________________________________________________
Passage:___________________________________________________________________
3. Adverbial clause:___________________________________________________________
Passage:___________________________________________________________________