English Dependent Clauses

Front 1

Adjectival dependent clause

Back 1

Has the same kinds of syntactic functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun phrase. It is normally placed right after the noun it modifies.

Front 2

Nominal dependent clause

Back 2

Has the same kinds of syntactic functions as a noun phrase: subject, direct object, indirect object, subject predicative and complement of preposition. Nominal clauses are often extraposed with the help of the anticipatory it according to the end weight principle.

Front 3

Adverbial dependent clause

Back 3

Has the same kinds of syntactic functions as an adverb phrase, typically an adverbial in another clause, and more rarely a modifier of an adjective phrase or adverb phrase. It is introduced by a subordinating conjunction.

Front 4

Types of adjectival dependent clauses

Back 4

* relative clause;

* infinitive clause;

* -ing clause;

* past participle clause;

* verbless clause

Front 5

Types of nominal dependent clauses

Back 5

* that-clause;

* nominal relative clause;

* indirect question;

* infinitive clause;

* -ing clause

Front 6

Types of adverbial dependent clauses

Back 6

* adverbial clause;

* sentential relative clause;

* infinitive clause;

* -ing clause;

* past participle clause;

* verbless clause

Front 7

Restrictive relative clause

Back 7

Is needed in order to identify the reference of the antecedent.

Example: John has an aunt who is a writer.

Front 8

Non-restrictive relative clause

Back 8

Adds interesting and important information about the antecedent.

Example: John's aunt, who is a writer, owns a library.

Front 9

Sentential relative clause

Back 9

Used to convey comments on facts or situations, and can be analysed as disjunct adverbials. It has the entire main clause as its antecedent.

Example: I inherited this dress from my mother, which made me very happy.

Front 10

Nominal relative clause

Back 10

Is introduced by a wh-word (what, where, who, whatever etc.), and contain its own antecedent.

Example: That was what she said.

Front 11

Verbless clauses

Back 11

Do not contain a verb at all, and may be considered to be abbreviated clause structures.

Example: If in doubt, read the instructions.