Adjective & Adverb Clauses

Adjective Clause (just like an adj. prep phrase, it’s USUALLY in the middle of the sentence.) An adjective clause is used to describe a noun. Ex: Birthdays, which are great, only come once a year.

Non-defining (NONESSENTIAL) clauses: give extra information about the noun, but they are not essential. Commas mean you can TAKE IT OUT. Ex: The desk in the corner, which is covered in books, is Mrs. Garner’s. Our junior year, which has been a ton of fun, is coming to an end.

Defining (ESSENTIAL) clauses: gives essential information about the noun. There will NOT be a comma! Ex: The present that arrived this morning was for Mrs. Mullinax. The test which is tomorrow will be very difficult.

Adverb Clauses An adverb clause contains a subject and a full verb. Answers: where, when, why, how. Just like adverb prep. phrase, it will be in the front for sure and maybe in back (like this example). Move it to the front to check and see if it makes sense. If yes, then it’s adverb. Ex: I saw the movie before I left for Savannah. OR…. Before I left for Savannah, I saw the movie.

Common Adverb Clauses Place Ex: Wherever Ms. Conner is, there are students learning nearby. Time Ex: After this lesson is over, we will celebrate Mr. Pruitt’s birthday! Cause Ex: Jenny didn’t call the boy because she was shy.

Common Adverb Clauses Purpose Ex: Secrest goes to college so that she can become a teacher! Concession Ex: Although Kathy has a degree in nursing, she wants to be a teacher. Condition Ex: If Heather saves her money, then she can buy her wedding dress.

Adjective Clause- clause that describes a noun with either essential (defining) or unessential information (non-defining). Adverb Clause- a phrase that contains a subject and a verb and answers a questions How, when, why, where?

Relative Pronouns- An adjective clause usually begins with a relative pronoun That Which Who Whom Whose DON’T WRITE THESE DOWN BECAUSE YOU’LL GET THEM ANOTHER WAY.

Subordinating Conjunctions- Adverb clauses usually begin with subordinating conjunctions After Although As if As long as As soon as As though Because before How If In order that Since So that Than Though Unless until When Whenever Where Wherever Whether while

Punctuate- based on where it is located in the sentence. If it begins the sentence then it is followed by a comma. If it’s at the end – no comma Examples: When March came, the huge ice flow began to melt and break up. I could not audition for the school play (no comma) because I had a sore throat.

ELA8C1 Identifies and writes correctly punctuated adjective and adverb clauses.