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January 16, 2001
CLAUSE MODIFIERS--PART I
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In one of our back issues we discussed dependent and independent
clauses. In the next few issues, let's look at modifying clauses, that is, clauses that add description or explanation to a sentence.
You will recall that a clause is a group of words containing a subject and a predicate verb. If a clause can function as its own sentence--but
for some reason is part of a larger sentence--it is called an independent or main clause. A dependent
clause is one that cannot stand alone and therefore must be part of a longer sentence.
The three types of dependent clauses are adjective clauses, adverb clauses, and noun clauses. This week we will study adjective clauses.
1. Adjective clauses also may be called relative clauses.
2. They modify nouns and pronouns and generally follow the noun or pronoun being modified.
3. An adjective clause usually begins with a relative pronoun (that, which, who, whom,
whose--also how, when, where, or why).
4. Adjective clauses modify nouns and pronouns in typical noun positions such as subject, subject complement, and object.
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EXAMPLES:
A person [who drinks too much] may become an alcoholic.
The course [which requires the most work] tends to be most enlightening.
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Relative pronouns serving as direct or indirect objects in an adjective clause may be omitted:
The red-haired girl [who] I used to date recently got married.
(Nonessential: The red-haired girl I used to date recently got married.)
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It is common, though not necessary, to use the relative pronoun "that" with essential (or "restrictive") relative clauses:
EXAMPLE:
The antique table that had been shipped from Portugal was chipped in transit.
("that" is essential--NOT "The antique table had been shipped from Portugal was chipped.")
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The relative pronoun "which" can be used both with essential and nonessential relative clauses, those that simply add information.
EXAMPLE:
His novel [which was] published last year sold over two million copies.
("which was" is nonessential: "His novel published last year sold over two million copies.")
The weapon [which had] played a vital role in the lawsuit mysteriously disappeared.
("which" is essential--NOT "The weapon had played a vital role in the lawsuit mysteriously
disappeared.")
Keep in mind that distinctions between the use of "that" and "which" tend to be flexible. Many writers use them interchangeably.
Next week we will look at adverb clauses.
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SPELLING OR WRITING TIP
When creating writing that is public-centered, such as brochures or pamphlets, keep the following in mind.
1. Design an attractive cover with a captivating title.
2. Use prose to write short, focused paragraphs that describe or explain.
3. Include graphics that are simple and clear.
4. Balance printed areas with white space. Many professionals recommend a fifty percent ratio of printed material to margins and spacing.
5. Write for the reader. Know who your readers are and write in ways that will appeal to and hold their attention.
6. Close with a recommended action step, invitation, or positive accent.
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NEW WORD OF THE WEEK:
YEARN (yurn) v. 1. To have a strong desire; to be filled with longing.
EXAMPLE: Does Stacey still yearn for a baby?
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YOUR GRAMMAR AND WRITING QUESTIONS
QUESTION: Is there always a comma separating the word "too," as in "I love you, too"?
GRAMMARCHECK: "Too" may be considered an interrupting or qualifying word. Words like "too" that interrupt or add unneeded meaning should be
set off by commas:
EXAMPLES:
I love you, too, Mom.
Jenny and Bill have had their tonsils removed, too.
However, in informal writing such commas are used less frequently nowadays:
I love you too, Mom.
Jenny and Bill have had their tonsils removed too.
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QUESTION: When writing a name with "Jr." on a form that requires the last name first, where should "Jr." go?
EXAMPLE:
Name = George W. Smith Jr.
Last name first:
Smith Jr., George W.
-or-
Smith, George W. Jr.
GRAMMARCHECK: Your last example is correct, but add a comma after the middle initial:
Smith, George W., Jr.
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QUESTION: My wife is from the North and I am from the South. We often disagree on which word to use. As an example, which of the following is
correct and why?
I'm going to take a casserole to Mom's house.
-or-
I'm going to bring a casserole to Mom's house.
GRAMMARCHECK: The use of "bring" suggests "to come [here] with" (as in conveying or accompanying) in a movement toward the speaker. But the use
of "take" implies movement away from the speaker or place of origin, as in "go [there] with."
In this case, the speaker is conveying the casserole to a place away from him or her. Thus, your first example is correct:
I'm going to take a casserole to Mom's house.
However, "Mom" could say, "My son is bringing a casserole to my house."
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QUESTION: Is "most always" grammatically correct?
GRAMMARCHECK: The term "most always" is an informal expression suggesting "most of the time." Another interpretation is that it is an
abbreviated form of "almost always."
The two words may be construed as mutually exclusive, since "most" implies nearly all, while "always" conveys an absolute. Many experts
believe that "most" should be replaced by "almost" and is more acceptable in speech than in writing.
To be correct and clear, use one term or the other:
I brush my teeth most of the time.
-or-
I always brush my teeth.
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QUESTION: When I use the word "doctor" in plural form, is it "doctors" or "doctor's"?
GRAMMARCHECK: For a simple plural, spell it "doctors." Remember that the apostrophe before the "s" (doctor's) shows singular possession,
while an apostrophe after the "s" (doctors') shows plural possession.
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