Clause

Clause

A clause can act as an adjective, a noun, and an adverbial.

1.    An adjective clause usually comes after the noun it modifies and is made up of several words which, like all clauses, will include a subject and a verb.

2.    A noun clause is a clause that plays the role of a noun.

3.    An adverb clause begins with a subordinating conjuction (such as if, when, after, before because, or although) and usually includes a subject and a predicate.

Example of Clause

1.    Adjective Clause

e.g:

• My dog which usually refuses to go near the water, dived in the canal to chase a water vole.

(In this example, the clause acts like an adjective)

Compare the example above to this:

• My water-shy dog dived in the canal to chase a water vole.

(water-shy = adjective)

2.    Noun Clause

e.g:

• I cannot remember what I said last night.

(In this example, the clause acts like a noun)

Compare the example above to this:

• I cannot remember my speech.

(speech = noun)

3.    Adverbial Clause

e.g:

• He lost his double chin after he gave up beer.

(In this example, the clause acts like an adverb)

Compare the example above to this:

•      He lost his double chin recently.

     (recently = adverb)