In each of the following sentences, state whether the subordinate clause is an adjective clause, adverb clause or noun clause.
1. I did it because I wanted to.
An adverb clause of reason is usually introduced by a conjunction like as, since or because.
2. As he was not there, I spoke to his mother.
An adverb clause of reason is usually introduced by a conjunction like as, since or because.
3. Just as he entered the room, the clock struck eleven.
An adverb clause of time shows the time of the action mentioned in the main clause.
4. If you eat too much you will fall ill.
Adverb clauses of condition are usually introduced by the subordinating conjunctions if or unless.
5. We asked him many questions when he returned.
An adverb clause of time shows the time of the action mentioned in the main clause.
6. My parents were poor though they were of noble birth.
Adverb clauses of concession or contrast are usually introduced by the conjunctions though and although.
7. Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was as white as snow.
Here the adjective clause ‘whose fleece was as white as snow’ modifies the noun lamb.
8. I still live in the same city where I was born.
Here the adjective clause 'where I was born' modifies the noun city.
9. He met a girl whose eyes were blue.
Here the adjective clause whose eyes were blue modifies the noun girl.
10. I often wonder how you are getting on.
Here the noun clause ‘how you are getting on’ acts as the object of the verb wonder.
11. He asked me where I lived.
Here the noun clause ‘where I lived’ acts as the object of the verb asked.
12. The fact that he is silent proves his guilt.
Here the noun clause 'the fact that he is silent' is the object of the verb proves.
Answers
1. I did it because I wanted to. (Adverb clause)
2. As he was not there, I spoke to his mother. (Adverb clause)
3. Just as he entered the room, the clock struck eleven. (Adverb clause)
4. If you eat too much you will fall ill. (Adverb clauses)
5. We asked him many questions when he returned. (Adverb clause)
6. My parents were poor though they were of noble birth. (Adverb clause)
7. Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was as white as snow. (Adjective clause)
8. I still live in the same city where I was born. (Adjective clause)
9. He met a girl whose eyes were blue. (Adjective clause)
10. I often wonder how you are getting on. (Noun clause)
11. He asked me where I lived. (Noun clause)
12. The fact that he is silent proves his guilt. (Noun clause)
