Adverbial clause in English. Types of subordinate clauses

English proposal can be compared with Russian in that their structure is partially similar, and we are not talking about sentence members, but about parts of one phrase. So, in the language there are. The second, which will be discussed in this article, in turn, are compound, where all parts are equal and independent, and complex. A complex sentence is called so because one or more of its parts are subordinate to another, and these subordinating parts themselves can answer different questions and act as different components of the phrase. These features led to the emergence of such a concept as clauses, and determined the classification of types of clauses in accordance with the role in the sentence. This will be discussed in this article. We will look at what are subordinate clauses in English language What are their types and how do they differ from each other.

General information about accessory parts

The word clause will have a translation “part”, and then we are talking about those parts of a complex sentence that can convey different meaning and answer various questions. In general, there are main / principal - main and subordinate clauses - subordinate clauses in English (parts). Such a division is very clearly visible in the subjunctive mood, because conditional sentences in English consist directly of such components: the main sentence carries the main essence, and the subordinate part - the condition.

It is worth noting that parts of a complex sentence can be connected either through conjunctions or other connecting words, or not have any connecting units. An example of an allied connection:
She was sure that nobody would come to see her off She was sure that no one would come to see her off.

An example of a unionless relationship:
I wish I had been there a few days before– It is a pity that I was not there a few days before.

It is also impossible not to note the fact that the subordinate clauses do not have any specific place, that is, they can either precede the main parts or stand after them:

It was hard to overcome the problem because the task was too difficult– It was difficult to overcome the problem because the task was too difficult

· When he phoned in the evening, I was watching my favorite TV program - When he called in the evening, I was watching my favorite program

Translation of clauses today can also be considered all subordinate clauses, including those that contain the main members of the sentence. This is due, perhaps, to the fact that the types of subordinate clauses are very numerous, and when talking about parts of a complex sentence, it is important to emphasize all fragments of the phrase without exception. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the types of clauses in more detail, give examples from different categories and determine which questions each type answers.

The main types of accessory parts

It is customary to distinguish such types subordinate clauses in English:

1. Subject clause

or, more simply, a part that has a subject in its composition. It shows the relation of this clause to the predicate and can be either at the beginning or at the end and have different conjunctions or connecting words in front of it (who, what, which, where, that, etc.):

What does he want to do is to go away right now - What he wants to do is leave right now

2. Predicative clause - subordinate predicates

In many ways, they resemble the previously described subject clauses, since they also contain one of the two main members. In addition, approximately the same conjunctions and connecting elements are also used before them - who, what, that, how, why, etc. The only difference is that those subordinate clauses in English that have a predicative usually stand in the second half:

The problem was how the boys could reach that place– The problem was how the boys could get to that place

3. Object clause - additional clauses

In fact, they perform the function of a full-fledged supplement. connect with main part additional subordinate clauses can be through a variety of conjunctions and connecting elements - that, is, what, who, whatever, whoever, etc. Such parts are also called explanatory and answer questions of indirect cases: what? about whom? etc.:

He always does what his mother tells him to do He always does what his mother tells him to do.

4. Attributive clauses

They play the role of definitions and are associated with either nouns or pronouns that are in the main clause. Definitive sentences in English can be linked to main clauses through different elements: they can be relative pronouns (who, that, which, etc.), relative adverbs (when, where), and the method can be non-union. Complicated sentences with attributive clauses are quite popular because of the possibility of different ways of agreeing with the main part; Usually the attributive clause answers the question which one? and may look like this:

He started in the hope that everyone would support him He started in the hope that everyone would support him.

5. Adverbial clauses - adverbial clauses

which constitute perhaps the largest subgroup. Complicated sentences with adverbial clauses are very common, as they convey a lot of meanings and have several separate subtypes. It is logical to assume that NGN with adverbial adverbial clauses has a part in the circumstance function inside, which can have different meanings and be used to display different situations. So, any table with these types will offer the following options:

a) Adverbial clause of time

Quite often, parts of time and conditions stand together, since both subordinate conditions and time are clearly reflected in the subjunctive mood, where they have special grammatical norms for the formation of time. Temporary clauses have conjunctions that precede them - as, as soon as, till, until, when, etc.:
As soon as I saw her, I called my friends to tell them this news - As soon as I saw her, I called my friends to tell them this news

b) Adverbial clauses of place

There is usually nothing complicated in them, and the words that precede them are somehow connected with the place - where, wherever:
I feel good where I live– I feel good where I live

c) Adverbial clauses of purpose

Their essence lies in the name itself: they convey the purpose for which the action is performed. They are preceded by well-known structures such as in order, so that, etc.:

I looked at him so that he could understand the seriousness of my intention I looked at him so that he could understand the seriousness of my intention.

d) Of cause

This part is designed to show this or that reason in relation to the main part. May begin with unions because, for, since, as, etc.:

I decided not to go there since I didn't know anyone at that party– I decided not to go there because I didn’t know anyone at that party.

e) Of condition - relative clauses of the condition

They are quite familiar to those who remember Subjunctive Mood and Conditional Sentences. Conditional clauses usually begin with conjunctions such as if (whether), unless, in case, etc.:

In case she comes, nobody will meet her - In case she comes, no one will meet her

f) Of comparison - comparisons

Their essence is quite simple: their translation begins with the words “as if”, “as if”, which are usually expressed through unions identical in meaning as if / as though or other structures: as - as, so - as, etc .:

He looked as if nothing could frighten him He looked like nothing could scare him

g) Of result - the result or, as they are also called, the consequences

The translation of such constructions is “so much so that ...”, “such that ...”. Such clauses are usually expressed through the so that structure, but such a case of its use should not be confused with an adverbial clause of purpose, where the essence will be completely different. Here is what the subordinate corollary looks like:

We were deeply involved in working on the project, so that we didn't hear he come– We were so involved in the work on the project that we did not hear him come

h) Of manner

The conjunction as usually indicates how the action is performed, that is, the way it is performed. For example:
He did everything as you ordered him- He did everything as you ordered him.

i) Adverbial clause of concession

A typical translation from which such a part will begin is “although”, “despite”, etc. Such meanings are expressed through conjunctions although, though, however, despite, etc.:

thought he was free, he refused to help us - Although he was free, he refused to help us

As can be seen from all the above information, types accessory parts there are quite a few proposals, but each of them has individual distinctive features in the form of unions that introduce them, so the study of this detailed topic usually does not cause big problems and difficulties.

The use of subordinate clauses in English has its own characteristics. Let's look at what kind of subordinate clauses are and how to use them correctly with the main ones.

How to recognize a subordinate clause

A subordinate clause in English (clause), - also called a dependent - begins with either relative pronoun and contains . By itself, it does not form a complete statement, but only provides the reader with additional information.

List of subordinating conjunctions:

Take a look at these examples:

• After Bob came home from school

after- subordinating union; Bob - subject; came - predicate.

• Once John climbed the mountain

Once - subordinating union; John - subject; climbed - predicate.

• Until he watches his favorite film

Until - subordinating union; he - subject; watches is a predicate.

A subordinate clause in English cannot be independent, since it does not express a complete thought. It makes the reader think: “What next?”. If a word group starts with a capital letter and ends with a dot, it must contain at least one . Otherwise, it will be a gross grammatical error.

• After Bob came home from school (After Bob came home from school) - What happened next? Did he start doing homework or went to play with friends?
• Once John climbed the mountain (When John climbed the mountain) - What then? Did he go down or put up a flag?
• Until he watches his favorite film (Until he watches his favorite film) - Will he go to bed? Or won't he get to work?

How to connect a subordinate clause with a main clause

If the subordinate clause in English comes before the main clause, you need to separate them with a comma: subordinate clause + , + main clause

• After Bob came home from school, he had dinner.
• Once John climbed the mountain, he put up the tent.

If , punctuation is usually not required: main clause + Ø + subordinate clause

• Bob did poorly on his math test Ø because he did not review the material.
• John went straight back to the camp where his friends were waiting for him.
• He turned off the TV once the film was over.

Punctuation of subordinate clauses

Pay attention to the punctuation when a subordinate clause in English starts with .

Relative clauses can begin with a relative pronoun (then they are called attributive clauses). When the attributive clause begins, for example, with who, whose, or which, there are some nuances in punctuation.

Sometimes a comma is needed, sometimes not, depending on whether the English clause is individualizing or descriptive.

When the information contained in a subordinate clause specifies a general noun, it is individualizing and is not separated by a comma.

main clause + Ø + individualizing clause

• The old woman always left some milk for the cat Ø who lived near her house.

Cat is a general noun. About what cat in question? The subordinate clause explains this - who lived near her house. Thus, it is individualizing and does not require a comma.

When a subordinate clause in English follows a specific noun, the punctuation changes. The information in the subordinate clause is no longer so important, and it becomes descriptive. The descriptive sentence is separated by a comma.

main clause + , + descriptive relative clause

• The old woman always left some milk for her cat Missy, who lived in her house.

Missy is the name of a particular cat, and we immediately know who we are talking about. The information in this subordinate clause is not necessary to understand the meaning. In this case, it must be separated from the main clause by a comma.

The attributive clause can also be placed inside the main clause. Again, the individualizing sentence does not require punctuation in this case. If the sentence is descriptive, it must be separated by commas on both sides. Take a look at these examples:

• The woman Ø who gave us first aid Ø was a doctor from the local hospital.
• Mrs. Johnson, who gave us first aid, was a doctor from the local hospital.

subordination

Use subordination to combine two thoughts into one.

Writers often use the subjunctive to combine two thoughts into one sentence. Take a look at two simple sentences:

• Elizabeth gasped. A giant tree crashed onto the sidewalk in front of her.

Since they are interrelated, you can combine them into one to describe what is happening more expressively:

• Elizabeth gasped when giant tree crashed onto the sidewalk in front of her.

If two thoughts are not equal in importance, put the more significant one at the end so that the reader remembers it better. If we rewrite the example by swapping the fragments, the emphasis will shift:

• When a giant tree crashed onto the sidewalk in front of her, Elizabeth gasped.

However, it is not Elizabeth's reaction that matters to the reader, but the tree that has collapsed onto the sidewalk.

Knowing the rules for using subordinate clauses in English, you will be able to express your thoughts more competently and clearly. This, in turn, will allow you to significantly improve the level of your. If you have any questions about which of the two simple sentences make one difficult, we will be happy to answer them in the comments!

In a complex sentence, the subordinate clause performs a number of functions: circumstance, nominal part of the compound predicate, subject, definition and addition. Subordinate clauses in English are introduced into the composition of a complex sentence. Unions are used for this. that, if, before, because, as, unless, though till, when, since, after etc.

Classification of subordinate clauses

Adverbial clauses are divided into many types.

1. Subject clauses (Subject Clause). Perform the functions of the subject in the sentence and answer the questions who? what? Subject unions are connected that, whether, i f, who (whom), whose, what, which, when, where,how, why.

Where I live is a wonderful place. (The place where I live is wonderful)

How he behaves drives me mad. (His behavior drives me crazy).

2. Predicative Clauses. These sentences perform the functions of the nominal part of the compound predicate. The predicates are connected by the same unions as the subjects, and answer the question: what is the subject? (what is it? what is the subject?).

The problem is whether they are able to study. (The problem is whether they can learn)

The result was that we hadn't got any presents. (As a result, we did not receive any gifts)

3. Additions (Object Clause). In a sentence, they perform the function of a direct or prepositional indirect object. These sentences answer the question what?

They said that they did all the tasks. (They said they did all the tasks)

I was told that I was a strange person. (I've been told that I'm a strange person)

4. Definitions (Attributive Clause). In a sentence, they perform the functions of a definition and answer the questions what? which? whose? In turn, they are connected by alliances who, whose, which, that, where, when, why.

I like the song that I heard in the club. (I like the song that I heard in the club)

He wears the coat which he bought long ago. (He wears a coat he bought a long time ago)

5. Circumstances (Adverbial Clause). These proposals function various circumstances. When do they answer questions? where? where? why? as? and etc.

In English, sentences of this kind that perform the functions of circumstances are divided into 8 types according to their meaning:

• time;
• places;
• causes;
• consequences;
• mode of action and comparison;
• concessions;
• goals;
• conditions.

time

Between themselves they are connected by alliances when, while, as, as soon as, since, till, untill, after and others.

I won't eat until you join me. (I won't eat until you join me)

You haven't slept since morning. (You haven't slept since morning)

Places

Unions are connected with the main sentence where, wherever.

She leaves where the forest grows the biggest. (She lives where the densest forest grows)

Wherever I lived, I was always satisfied. (Wherever I live, I've always been satisfied)

Causes

With the main sentence they are connected by unions because, since, as, now, for.

I caught a cold because I was reckless. (I caught a cold because I was careless)

Since you study well, you may get some privileges. (Since you are a good student, you may get some privileges)

Consequences

Connect with the main clause with an alliance so that(so ... that), instead of which in colloquial speech so is often used.

I was a good boy so I can get sweets. (I've been a good boy so I can get sweets)

Mode of action and comparison

I'll think as you want to. (I will think the way I want)

Comparative sentences with the main are connected by conjunctions than, as…as, not so…as, the…the.

He is as handsome as his father. (He is as handsome as his father)

concessions

Connected by alliances though, although, however, whoever other.

She never was in love though many boys like her. (She never fell in love, although many guys liked her)

Goals

Unions are used so that, in order that, lest.

Do this work right now so that we may start another work. (Do this work now so we can start another work)

Conditions

Unions are used if, in case, unless, provided (that) other.

If we try better, we'll finish the work by noon. (If we try harder, we'll be done by noon)

The subordinate clauses in English differ in their functions in the sentence and in their meaning.

How often in our speech we assume, make plans, affirm the purpose for which we performed this or that action, regret the missed opportunities. If you do not learn the topic of subordinate clauses, then you will not be able to conquer all the peaks of the language.

Offer - it is not just a set of words, but an independent part of speech. Each of them has its own character: someone is simple, and someone is complex. Let's find a common language with the second units of speech.

Complex Sentences or Compound Sentences already by their names they say that they consist of two parts. Their main difference is in the interaction of parts with each other. So, in the first type there is a main and subordinate, in the second all relations are built on equality. Let's compare:

The music stopped and the couples took their places. The music stopped and the couples took their places (equal).

I thought that he would return on Monday. - I thought that he would return on Monday (main and dependent).

So, we are interested in complex phrases, namely, their dependent part. First of all, let's understand what is called subordinate clauses in English. In our speech, we often use phrases that explain the main action, reveal more information, giving us the opportunity to diversify our speech. In other words, the subordinate clause means a secondary action. Compare:

He said something. It was very important. - He said something. It was very important (two simple ones)

What he said was very important. What he said was very important. (subordinate clause is used)

Types of subordinate clauses

If we want to clarify subject, then we use unions or allied words “who” (who), “what” (what), “that” (that), “whose” (whose), “which” (which), “how” (how), “ wether"/"if" (if). To determine the type of offer, ask a question. So, Subject Clauses answer who? what?.

How did he make a mistake is not clear to us. How he made a mistake, we do not know. (This is unclear?)

Explain English predicate You can use the same unions as the subject. But Predicative Clauses will answer the question what did you do?

This is what he has done by 6 o'clock. “That's what he did by six o'clock.

Adnexal additions answer the question what?, whom? for what?. They are connected with the main proposal by all the same unions or in an allied way. Adnexal definitions answer what question? which? and are introduced using the unions "who", "whose", "which", "that", "whom", "when", "how".

She smiled at what I said . She smiled at what I said.

I know the girl who has worn the prize . — I know a girl who won the first prize.

Relative clauses in English characterizing circumstances of action, are the largest group.

• Adverbal Clauses of place(places) answer questions where? where? where? and join unions "where", "from where", "wherever" (wherever, wherever). Adverbal Clauses of time can be recognized by the unions "when", "after", "till / untill", "while", "since", "by the time", "before", "whenever" (whenever). Adverbal Clauses of manner(mode of action) adjoin the main thought with the help of the unions “as if”, “as”, “as though” and answer the questions how? how?. The great language of exceptions, English, makes us think here too. Thus, the adverbial tenses have features in expressing the future tense.

They went to the street where the famous writer was killed . They came to the place where the famous writer was killed.

I haven't written him since we left the school . I haven't written to him since we left school.

He looked at me as if he saw me for the first time. He looked at me as if seeing me for the first time.

• Adverbal Clauses of reason(causes) are introduced into a complex sentence by the unions “because”, “since” (meaning because), “as” (because) and answer the question why ?. Adverbal Clauses of purpose (goals) answer the question why? for what purpose? and are joined by the unions "that", "in order that", "so that" - in order to and the union "lest" - not to. Most often, the infinitive is used to explain the main action.

As we hadn't any food we couldn't continue our trip. Since we had no more food, we could not continue our journey.

She went to England to learn English. She went to England to study English.

She sent her children into the garden in order to work a little. She sent the children to kindergarten to do some work.

• Adverbal Clauses of result(consequences) express the result of an action from the main clause. Subordinate clauses of this type are adjacent to the main one with the help of the unions “so that”, “that”, “so” (so). This view is not as simple as the others. When connecting the main and secondary parts, do not forget about the timing.

He spoke for such a long time that we began to think that he never stops. He talked for so long that we started to think that he would never finish.

• Adverbal Clauses of concession(concessions) answer the question no matter what? and are joined by the unions "though", "however" (no matter how), "whoever" (whoever), "whatever" (whatever, whatever), "even if" (even if). Adverbal Clauses of condition(conditions)- "if", "unless", "in case".

However rich people are they always want to make more money. No matter how rich people are, they still want to earn even more money.

If he cleans his shoes it means he is having a date. If he shines his shoes, then he has a date.

Note: There are several types of conditionals that require careful study.

In spite of a large number of, subordinate clauses in English are quite easy to understand and remember. Define main idea and explanatory circumstances, pose a question, look at the connecting union - and you have found the answer.