 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
84
b. relative pronouns
When a relative pronoun is used as a subordinator, it sometimes acts as a noun, and sometimes as a
determiner (i.e., it can either replace a noun, or come before a noun).
We know who wrote the letter, (as a noun) We know which way they went (as a determiner)
2. Adjective clauses
These are used, like an adjective, to modify a noun or a pronoun.
Usually they are introduced by relative pronouns
(e.g. That's the man who came to dinner). Sometimes they are introduced by subordinating conjunctions
such as «when»; «where»; and «why»
(e.g. «There's no reason why this should happen»). Sometimes the connective is omitted (though it is
understood to be there). This occurs only when the information in the subordinate clause is essential in defining
the noun it modifies.
(e.g. This is the place [where] we saw the accident).
3. Adverb clauses
An adverbial clause is a dependent clause used as an adverb; it therefore can modify a verb, an adjective, a
verbal, and another adverb.
Adverb: He studies hard.
Adverb clause: He studies as all his brothers before him have studied.
Adverb: He went home early.
Adverb clause: He went home as soon as he could.
Although adverbs usually follow the verb of the sentence, adverbial clauses do not occupy any fixed
position. The adverbial clause frequently precedes the subject of the sentence. It also may be found in the
middle of the clause it is related to. e.g. He went home as soon as he could. As soon as he could he went home.
Subordinating Words in Adverb Clauses
A subordinate conjunction, or connective, introduces the adverb clause and connects it with a word in the
main clause. The following are frequently used subordinate conjunctions:
Although
As
As if
Even if
As long as
as soon as
because
before
after
in order that
provided
since
than
that
though
that until whether
unless while
when if
whenever
where
Exercises:
Now do the exercises related to Complex Sentence pattern in Unit 1 of Section II [Part II] above.
UNIT 3. PUNCTUATION *
* based on MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 2nd ed , 1984
1. Apostrophes (')
Apostrophes indicate contraction (do not = don't) and possessives (John's).
Apostrophes are also used to form the plurals (p's and q's; A's, B's. C's).
2. Colons (:)
A colon indicates that what follows will be an example, explanation, or elaboration of what has just been
said.
He was in the midst of a dilemma about his career: he wanted to stay, but he preferred the job in Florida.
Colons are commonly used to introduce quotations (He said: «Where are you?») and to separate titles from
subtitles (Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays).
3. Commas (,)