Let us talk about clauses and sentences.......
At the beginning let us refresh our memory. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a finite verb. A principal clause can be used independently as a separate simple sentence but a sub-ordinate clause cannot be used in isolation.
Sub-ordinate or dependent clauses are broadly divided into three categories-a) sub-ordinate noun clause or nominal clause b) sub-ordinate adjective clause or relative clause and c) sub-ordinate adverbial clause. Of them the most difficult clause to identify is the NOUN CLAUSE. Therefore, we propose to discuss NOUN CLAUSE in a separate lesson. We have to devote the full space of lesson for it.
1.The easiest clause to identify is the Adjective Clause or Relative clause. The function of an adjective is to qualify a noun or pronoun. An adjective clause does the same. The only difference is instead of one word we use an entire clause to qualify a noun or pronoun. Generally the adjective clause sits just after the noun or pronoun it qualifies. For this reason sometimes it breaks the previous clause into two halves. Study the following examples;
1. This is Debnathbabu who teaches us English. ( It is a straight forward adjective clause qualifying the noun Debnathbabu)
2. Debnathbabu who teaches us English is a very good photographer.( If you pay attention you will find that the principal clause has been broken into two halves so the the adjective clause can sit near the noun it qualifies.)
3. He who desires happiness in life must lead an honest and simple life.( Here the adjective clause is qualifying a pronoun.) I hope you can now easily identify an adjective clause. It will help you in many ways.
An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective or an adverb. That is exactly the function of an adverb clause. Sometimes they are called conditional clause or 'if'' clause. Study the following examples;
1. If it rains in the evening we will not go to the stadium to watch the match. ( The condition is stated in the first clause which is obviously an adverbial clause. Or you may call it a conditional clause. )
2. Though Apratim is not rich he has a kind heart.( Again stating a condition )
3. I will do the job when you come.( Indicating time and condition both.)
4.As soon as Tisha finished her homework she went upstairs to watch her favourite programme on TV. ( Time and condition)
5. Shreya was crying because her mother had rebuked her for neglecting her study.( Stating a reason)
I am sure you have got a clear idea about how to identify an ADJECTIVE or an ADVERB clause. We shall discuss the NOUN CLAUSE in our next lesson.
In my opinion simple sentence is the most beautiful sentence. But if you want to convey complex ideas you have to write complex and compound sentences. So it will help having a fair idea about sub-ordinate clauses. If you are lawyer or businessman or a politician you have to use complicated sentences. Life is not so simple as it appears to us.
And the purpose of language is to as much to conceal our intention as to express it. We want peole to understand us and not understand us at the same time. So language is a double-edged sword in a manner of speaking.
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spk 31/7/15
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