English Grammar Reference Sheet
What is a Clause?
A Clause is a group of related words. A clause has both a subject and a predicate.
What is an Adjective Clause?
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An adjective clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adjective in
the sentence. Adjective clauses can also be called relative clauses. An
adjective clause begins with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb. Often
the relative pronoun or relative adverb will function as the subject of the
clause.
Here is a list of relative pronouns:
who whom which that whose
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Here is a list of relative adverbs:
when why where
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How to find an adjective clause:
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1) A dependent clause in a sentence will always contain both a subject and a verb.
Make sure that when you find something you think as a clause it does have a
subject and a predicate(verb).
2) An adjective clause will begin with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb. Does
the clause that you found begin with one of those?
3) Finally, does the clause answer the same types of questions that an
adjective
answer? Does it tell you which one, what kind, or how many? Does it give you more
information about a noun or pronoun that comes before it? If so, then you have
found an adjective clause.
Examples of Adjective Clause:
Below are some examples of sentences containing adjective clauses, with
explanations.
1) The lady who lives across the street is my aunt.
The subject of the clause is "who" and the verb is "lives". This clause is giving us more
information about the "lady"-which one?
2) The book that is on the chair belongs to Marvin.
The subject of the clause is "that" and the verb is "is". This clause is giving us more
information about the "book"-which one.
Here are some additional examples of sentences with adjective clauses.
3) I do not like people who are mean to animals. (gives more information about
people)
4) Did you go to the school where my friend Jim goes? (gives more information
about school)
5) The moment when the clown burst in to surprise the teacher was great! (gives
more information about the moment)
6) The reason why I left is a secret. (gives more information about reason)
7) Can you see the bird that is on the fence? (gives more information about bird)
8) The cat whom we are watching just caught a mouse! (gives more information
about cat)
9) The boy whose shoes are on the floor is my little brother. (gives more information
about boy)
10) I like pizza, which is also the favourite of my sister Jean. (gives more information
about pizza)
What is an Adverb Clause?
An adverb clause is a group of words that is used to change or qualify the meaning
of an adjective, a verb, a clause, another adverb, or any other type of word or
phrase with the exception of determiners and adjectives that directly modify nouns.
Example: The boy was abandoned by all until he found a foster home.
Adverb clauses always meet three requirements:
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First, an adverb clause always contains a subject and a verb.
Second, adverb clauses contain subordinate conjunctions that prevent them
from containing complete thoughts and becoming full sentences.
Third, all adverb clauses answer one of the classic “adverb questions:” When?
Why? How? Where?
Examples of Adverb Clauses
As you read the following adverb clause examples, you’ll notice how these useful
phrases modify other words and phrases by providing interesting information about
the place, time, manner, certainty, frequency, or other circumstances of activity
denoted by the verbs or verb phrases in the sentences. While adverb clauses are
slightly more complicated than simple adverbs, they are worth learning about.
The adverb clauses in these examples are italicized for easy identification.
1. Jennifer scrubbed the bathtub until her arms ached. (This adverb clause
describes how Jennifer scrubbed.)
2. The dogs started chasing my car once they saw it turn the corner. (This adverb
clause describes when the dogs started chasing my car.)
3. After having my wisdom tooth out, I had a milkshake for dinner because I
couldn’t chew anything. (This adverb clause describes why I had a milkshake
for dinner.)
4. When you get home, call me. (tells us when the person should call)
5. Put the games up so that you can eat your dinner. (tells us why the games
should be put away)
6. Wherever you see a rainbow, a rain shower has been recent. (tells us where
the rain shower has been)
7. I will give you a cookie if you clean your plate. (tells us under what conditions
the cookie will be given)
8. I am sad, although you did a good job of trying to cheer me up. (tells us under
what conditions I am sad)
9. Since you are coming over anyway, why don't you bring your bike? (tells us
why to bring the bike)
10. You must go to bed after we watch the fireworks tonight. (tells us when you
must go to bed)