Dependent Clauses: Noun and Adjective

Noun Clauses

• Functions: Noun clauses can function as any part of a sentence that a noun can. These include:

  • Direct object.

  • Object of a preposition.

  • Object of an infinitive (e.g., in "to discover", the noun clause would be the object of the infinitive to discover).

  • Predicate nominative (renames the subject).

  • Appositive (renames another noun).

  • Subject of the sentence.

• Definition: The only difference between a plain noun and a noun clause is that a clause must contain its own subject and verb. The entire noun clause, despite having its own subject and verb, functions as a single noun within the larger sentence.

• Identification: Noun clauses are typically longer than single nouns and often begin with specific words:

  • Relative Pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, that, when, and where.

  • Connecting Words: what, how, why, and whether.

• Punctuation of Noun Clauses:

  • General Rule (No Commas):

    • Most noun clauses are not set off with commas.

    • Reason: If a noun clause functions as the subject of the sentence (containing its own subject and verb), it is immediately followed by the main verb of the sentence. Subjects and their verbs are never separated by a comma.

  • Exception 1: Dashes for Non-Essential Appositives/Interruptions:

    • Use an em-dash (represented by two hyphens in typing) before a noun clause if it is a non-essential appositive that ends the sentence.

    • Use a pair of em-dashes around a noun clause if it is a non-essential appositive that interrupts the sentence.

    • These dashes indicate that the noun clause is an interruption or provides additional, non-essential information.

    • Examples:

      • "There is in this case one overriding fact - that she had both motive and opportunity to commit the crime."

      • "We were involved in an important decision - what we were going to do about the house - and could not delay any longer."

      • "She delayed telling him the bad news - that she was leaving - and put their financial situation into chaos."

      • "This is what I was trying to tell you - that she no longer works for the company."

  • Exception 2: Commas for Out-of-Order Punctuation:

    • When an objective case noun clause (which typically follows the main subject and verb) is moved to the beginning of the sentence, it must be followed by a separating comma.

    • This punctuation is used because the clause is out of its natural, sequential order.

    • Examples:

      • "What he said, I believed." (Compared to: "I believed what he said.")

      • "How far I was standing from the intersection, I don't know." (Compared to: "I don't know how far I was standing from the intersection.")

      • "When she arrived home that night, I don't remember." (Compared to: "I don't remember when she arrived home that night.")

      • "Where he spends his time, I am unsure of." (Compared to: "I am unsure of where he spends his time.")

Dependent Clauses

• Definition: A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb.

• Dependency: A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it must rely on an independent clause to convey a complete meaning.

• Punctuation Implication: Because a dependent clause cannot stand alone, it generally does not receive a terminal punctuation mark when connected to an independent clause.

Adjective Clauses

• Function: Adjective clauses function exactly like single adjectives, modifying a noun or a pronoun. They describe, providing information such as "which one," "what kind of," or "how many."

• Nature: An adjective clause is a dependent clause, meaning it contains its own subject and verb and is part of a larger sentence.

• Identification: All adjective clauses will begin with specific words:

  • Relative Pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, where.

  • Subordinating Conjunctions: that, when.

• Punctuation of Adjective Clauses:

  • Cardinal Rule: Essential vs. Non-Essential (Most Important Factor):

    • Essential Adjective Clauses (Rule ext{5}):

      • Definition: These clauses are crucial for defining or identifying the noun or pronoun they modify. Removing them would significantly alter or obscurity the sentence's meaning.

      • Punctuation: Essential adjective clauses are never punctuated with commas.

      • Examples:

        • "I have a friend whom I can call about this matter." (The clause clarifies which friend.)

        • "The bank that we used had a reputation for integrity." (The clause specifies which bank.)

        • "He referred me to the clerk who was on duty that night." (Identifies which clerk.)

    • Non-Essential Adjective Clauses (Rule ext{6}):

      • Definition: These clauses provide additional, descriptive information that is not critical for identifying or defining the noun/pronoun. The sentence's core meaning would remain clear without them.

      • Punctuation: Non-essential adjective clauses are set off by commas (a pair of commas if in the middle of the sentence, or a single comma if at the end).

      • Examples:

        • "The driver of the getaway car, whom I cannot describe, did not leave the car." (The driver is already identified; the clause merely adds information.)

        • "I spoke first with my oldest sister, who is a paralegal, about this matter." (There is only one oldest sister; the clause is extra detail.)

        • "He referred me to Mister Rogers, who was on duty that night." (Mister Rogers is already identified by name.)

  • Specific Punctuation of Beginning Words:

    • That and When:

      • Adjective clauses starting with that or when are never preceded by a comma, regardless of whether they are essential or non-essential.

      • These words function as subordinating conjunctions in this context and do not require comma separation.

    • Who, Whom, Whose, Which, Where:

      • Adjective clauses starting with these relative pronouns are set off by commas only if they are non-essential.

      • If essential, no commas are used.

  • Removed Adjective Clauses (Rule ext{9}):

    • Definition: Sometimes an adjective clause is not placed immediately after the word it modifies; there are other words or phrases in between them (i.e., it is "removed" from close proximity).

    • Punctuation: If an adjective clause is significantly removed from the word it modifies, use a pair of commas around the clause for clarity.

    • Examples:

      • "The bank on the corner near my apartment in the city, which had been robbed three times, was just hit again." (The clause modifies "bank" but is separated by many words.)

      • "I saw a man near the corner just a few seconds before the accident, who was running into the street." (The clause modifies "man" but is significantly separated.)

      • "The agreement between the two parties at the inception of the partnership, which did not contain a valid signature for each party, was null and void." (The clause modifies "agreement" with many intervening words.)

  • Cardinal Rule: That Clauses (Rule ext{10}):

    • When an adjective clause begins with the word that, you do not comma around the clause, under any circumstances, whether it is next to the word it modifies or far apart.

    • The word that in this context has no punctuation-affecting function in the sentence.