In the following sentences state whether the subordinate clause is an adverb clause, adjective clause or noun clause.
1. They serve God well who serve His children.
Here the adjective clause ‘who serve His children’ modifies the noun God.
2. Quarrels won’t last long if the fault is only on one side.
Here the subordinate adverb clause ‘if the fault is only on one side’ modifies the verb ‘last long’.
3. That you should say so surprises me.
A noun clause can be the subject of a verb. Here the noun clause ‘that you should say so’ is the subject of the verb ‘surprises’.
4. Your statement that you found the money in the closet cannot be believed.
Here the noun clause ‘that you found the money in the closet’ is in apposition to the noun ‘statement’. Only noun clauses can be used like this.
5. I asked the boy how old he was.
Here the noun clause ‘how old he was’ is the object of the verb asked.
6. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
Here the adjective clause ‘that wears the crown’ modifies the noun head. Adjective clauses modify nouns and give additional information about them.
7. Youth is the time when the seeds of character are sown.
Here the adjective clause when the seeds of character are sown modifies the noun time.
8. Servants who are honest are trusted.
Here the adjective clause ‘who are honest’ modifies the noun servants.
9. Because I like you, I shall help you.
An adverb clause of reason expresses the reason for the action mentioned in the main clause.
10. The dog followed the boy wherever he went.
Here the adverb clause of place ‘wherever he went’ modifies the verb ‘followed’.
11. If I like it, I will buy it.
Adverb clauses of condition are usually introduced by the conjunctions if, whether or unless.
12. They spoke in a low voice so that the child would not wake up.
Here the adverb clause ‘so that the child would not wake up’ expresses the purpose of the action mentioned in the main clause.
Answers
1. They serve God well who serve His children. (Adjective clause)
2. Quarrels won’t last long if the fault is only on one side. (Adverb clause)
3. That you should say so surprises me. (Noun clause)
4. Your statement that you found the money in the closet cannot be believed. (Noun clause)
5. I asked the boy how old he was. (Noun clause)
6. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. (Adjective clause)
7. Youth is the time when the seeds of character are sown. (Adjective clause)
8. Servants who are honest are trusted. (Adjective clause)
9. Because I like you, I will help you. (Adverb clause of reason/cause)
10. The dog followed the boy wherever he went. (Adverb clause of place)
11. If I like it, I will buy it. (Adverb clause of condition)
12. They spoke in a low voice so that the child would not wake up. (Adverb clause)
