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January 23, 2001
CLAUSE MODIFIERS--PART II
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Last week we began a three-part series on clause modifiers, beginning
with adjective clauses. This week let's look at adverb clauses.
ADVERB CLAUSES do the following:
1. They are introduced by a subordinating conjunction such as "because" or "although."
EXAMPLE: Because Henry has automotive experience, he was able to repair the engine.
The subordinating conjunction "Because" introduces the clause ". . . Henry has automotive
experience," linking it to the second clause.
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2. They are used to modify adjectives, clauses, other adverbs, phrases, verbs, or even whole sentences.
In the above example, "Because Henry has automotive experience" modifies the verb phrase, "was able to repair."
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3. They answer questions such as how, when, where, or why.
The above example explains WHY Henry could repair the engine--"Because Henry has automotive experience."
Next week we will look at the third type of clause modifiers, the noun clause.
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SPELLING OR WRITING TIP
When writing about a general topic, be sure to distinguish between researched information, which must be cited, and general or common
information such as the following which need not be documented:
EXAMPLES OF GENERAL INFORMATION WHICH NEED NOT BE CITED:
1. General opinions or observations shared by large groups of people.
EXAMPLE: the pro-life stand against abortion
2. Historical facts, figures, and actions by well-known figures.
EXAMPLE: Hitler's initiation of the Holocaust
3. Widespread information as published in the media:
EXAMPLE: Tuberculosis is making a comeback in large institutions such as nursing homes and prisons.
If in doubt about your material, go ahead and document it.
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NEW WORD OF THE WEEK:
ZEPHYR (zef er) noun. 1a. The west wind, or 1b. a gentle breeze.
(often poetic) The zephyr's velvet touch lulled Iona into a light slumber.
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YOUR GRAMMAR AND WRITING QUESTIONS
QUESTION: Which is correct?
Agenda for Monday's Staff Meeting
-or-
Agenda for Mondays' Staff Meeting
GRAMMARCHECK: Assuming one meeting is intended, your first example shows singular possession, and thus, is the correct choice.
Your second example referencing "Mondays' Staff meeting" suggests plural Mondays showing possession of just one meeting!
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QUESTION: With respect to last week's issue, some writers--especially the British--may use these words interchangeably, but that doesn't make
it correct in American English. It is easy to make a sentence's meaning ambiguous by using one where the other would be clearer. Here is the
instruction I give copy editors who are doing work for me:
I'm picky about the use of "which" and "that," believing that each as a specific use and that they are not interchangeable. Dogs, which have
four legs and a tail (meaning all--or at least most--of the species), usually chase cats that run from them, but ignore those that stand their
ground (meaning only a select group).
To make the decision easier, I also add that "which" should have something in front of it--a comma or a preposition. "That" should have
neither.
GRAMMARCHECK: Your guidelines seem quite similar to those we discussed last week. The relative pronoun "that" should be used only with
essential (also called "restrictive") relative clauses--those that are necessary to identify the nouns being modified, while "which" can be
used either with essential relative clauses or with nonessential (nonrestrictive) relative clauses--those adding extra information only.
As we pointed out, writers often are careless with these distinctions, so your editors probably appreciate your helping them out with specific
guidelines.
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QUESTION: Which word is intended in the following sample:
During the month of January you have been hearing sermons that have related to stewardship and the profound effect (or is it "affect"?) that
good stewardship has on our lives. . . .
GRAMMARCHECK: "Affect" is a verb meaning to have an influence or to bring about change in, and is used principally in psychology. The noun
"effect" (meaning "result") is appropriate for the above sentence:
During the month of January you have been hearing sermons that have related to stewardship and the profound effect (result) that good
stewardship has on our lives.
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QUESTION: Which is proper?
The scissors were invented.
-or-
The scissors was invented.
GRAMMARCHECK: The word "scissors" is a plural form, though it can take either a singular or a plural verb:
The scissors are heavy.
-or-
The scissors is heavy.
Since it sounds kind of funny, use "a pair of" to avoid potential confusion:
Her pair of scissors is heavy.
Use "pair" with "scissors" to indicate a single item. However, "pair" also can refer to more than one and take a plural verb:
That pair need watching!
When referring to plural items, add -s to pair:
Maria had three pairs of twins.
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QUESTION: What is the plural of "rendezvous"?
GRAMMARCHECK: The word is both singular and plural:
Karen met Francis for a rendezvous.
How many rendezvous did the couple enjoy?
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