Noun clause is a type of subordinate clause which does the work of a noun; whereas, adjective clause is used as a adjective to modify noun and adjective in the sentence. Both are dependent, subordinating clauses, but play the different roles in the sentence. So, let’s know the difference between noun clause and adjective clause.
Classification types of clauses
- Finite clauses
- Main clause or independent
- Subordinating or depending
- Coordinating or also called independent
- Non-finite clause or infinitive clause
- Defining clause
- Non-defining clause
Classification of subordinating clause
Subordinating or dependent clauses are further divided on the basis of of role played in the sentence,
- Noun clause
- Adjective clause
- Adverb claus
In this blog, you will learn about two important clauses and theirs differences. They are are noun and adjective clauses.
Difference between noun and adjective clause
Noun clause is introduced by conjunctive words like- that, how, what, where, etc.
On the other hand, adjective clause is introduced with relative pronouns and adverbs like — which, who, that, when, where, how, why, etc.
Noun clause is used as the noun in the sentence; whereas, adjective clause plays the role of adjective.
Comma isn’t essential before noun clause, but in the non-restrictive adjective clause, comma is used. In the noun clause, antecedent isn’t required, but in the adjective clause, without antecedents, clause hardly make sense.
Adjective clause is also called relative clause, as it is introduced by relative pronouns and adverbs.
Similarities between noun and adjective clauses
Both noun and adjective clauses are subordinating, dependent clauses.
They cannot make complete sense without main clause.
Subordinating clauses are used to form complex and mixed sentences.
Examples of Noun clause
- I do not know how he solved the problem.
- She announces that she is not going to support our proposal.
- I thought that he might help us.
- Can you tell me when the delayed train will arrive ?
- I know that he is innocent.
- Wherever we decide to go is fine for everyone.
- Noun clause as a subject
- Why he is so late is yet to be known.
- What she planned was great surprise for us.
- Wherever we went to visit was memorable.
- Which goal is pursued is yet to be decided.
- Whoever aspires to join should declare immediately.
- That they are in trouble was completely unknown to me.
Role of Noun clause as an object
- I don’t know when we are going to leave.
- Everyone knows that this is big game for us.
- She is so weak in math. she will pay whomever you ask to teach $200 per month.
- Noun clause as object of infinitive
- Don’t wait. We have to purchase whatever is left.
- I want to learn how they assembles so quickly.
Use of Noun clause as object of preposition
- It is true that your success in this exam depends on how you prepare in the last month.
- Be aware about what you have learned so far.
As a Subject complement
- My advice is that you should keep patience in crisis.
- Antarctica is where everyone wants to go once in life.
- Magician is who shows miracle.
- As an adjective complement
- I am impressed that that you started a NGO.
Understanding Adjective clause by relative pronouns
Adjective clause is also called relative clause as it is introduced by relative pronouns and adverbs. It is a dependent subordinating clause used to add extra information to main clause. Generally, to provide descriptive information about noun, adjective clause is preferred.
Most used common relative pronouns to introduce adjective clause are,
Who
Whom
Which
That
Further, by adding, ever, or soever to what, who, and which, many different forms can be created. Such as,
Whosoever,
Whichever,
Whatever, etc.
Moreover, adjective clause is classified as
Restrictive adjective clause
Non-restrictive adjective clause
It is based on the information as essential or non-essential.
Whenever the restrictive clause is used, comma is generally omitted. Whereas, comma is placed only when the clause is non-restrictive which adds non-essential information.
Sometimes, adjective clause is placed in the main clause to make better sense. In this case, it becomes broken clause.
Examples restrictive, non-restrictive clause
The pen which you gifted me, is now lost. (broken clause with comma)
The lake, which we saw last time, is totally dried. (broken clauses)
This is the bike that we used for riding. (restrictive clause)
I always remember the people who helped us in need. (restrictive clause)
Equatorial forests, which are the storehouse of diverse species, are on the verge of degradation. (non-restrictive clause)
These are some useful examples of adjective clause begin with relative pronouns. The same forms of relative pronouns are used to singular and plural, masculine and feminine.
Explaining Adjective clause by relative adverbs
Some common relative adverbs are:-
Where, When
Why, How
Like relative pronouns, relative adverbs do the work of adjectives in the given sentence. You may refer our blog Relative clauses by relative adverbs for better understanding.
All the above content will help you to get better insight of adjective clause by relative pronouns and adverbs.