Noun clause

A noun clause can be used like a noun. It can be a subject, predicate nominative, direct object, appositive, indirect object, or object of the preposition. Some of the English
words that introduce noun clauses are that, whether, who, why, whom, what, how, when, whoever, where, and whomever. Notice that some of these words also introduce
adjective and adverbial clauses. A clause is a noun clause if a pronoun (he, she, it, or they) could be substituted for it.
Examples:

I know who said that. (I know him/her. The dependent clause serves as the object of the main-clause verb "know".)

Whoever made that assertion is wrong. (He/she is wrong. The dependent clause serves as the subject of the main clause.)

Sometimes in English a noun clause is used without the introductory word.

Example:

I know that he is here.

I know he is here.

In some cases, use of the introductory word, though grammatically correct, may sound cumbersome in English, and the introductory word may be omitted.
Example:

I think that it is pretty. (less common)

I think it is pretty. (more common)

RELATIVE CLAUSES

CONTRAST CLAUSES
although

though

even though in spite of despite

***The linking words although,though,in spite of,despite express the idea of

contrast
***A contrast clause needs a main clause to make a complete sentence.

although

though

even though

We use a subject + verb after these conjunctions

in spite of despite

Purpose, reason and result clauses

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You will often need to use purpose, reason and result clauses in your written and
spoken work at university. This page provides you with reference and practice
material on these three types of adverbial clause.
On this page: Purpose Clauses, Reason Clauses, Result Clauses, Exercise
1. Purpose clauses
You use a purpose clause when you want to state the purpose of the action in the
independent clause. The most common type of purpose clause is a to-infinitive clause.
Sarah went to the computer lab to print out her research report.
In formal writing, in order to and so as to are often used.
The company conducted a detailed survey in order to gauge its clients views.
In formal writing, you can also introduce a purpose clause with so that or in order
that. These finite purpose clauses usually contain a modal.
Dr Chan adjusted the overhead projector so that the students would be able to see the
chart more clearly.
The lecturer finished his lecture five minutes early so that the students could come
and ask him questions.
The difference between so and so that is that so that implies that the cause was
deliberately done by someone in order to get a specific result. Click here for .
There are a number of other ways of expressing purpose in English. These are some of
the most common ones:
with a view to, with the intention of, with the object/aim of, for the purpose of
If you use these phrases, make sure that the verb is in the _ing form.
The university introduced two new English courses with a view
to enhancing students proficiency in the language.
2. Reason clauses

In your written and spoken assignments you will often need to answer the question
Why?. When you want to explain why something happens, you can use a reason
clause introduced by the conjunctions because, as or since.
As she wanted to practise her spoken English, Carrie regularly took part in the ELCs
Big Mouth Corner.
Mark joined the English Drama Club because he wanted to improve his intonation.
Dont use so in sentences beginning with since, as or because. Here is a common
mistake:
Since he was interested in movies, so David joined the PolyU International Film
Society.
You can also use the prepositional phrases because of and on account of to express
reason.
We were unable to carry out the experiment on account of a malfunction in the
computer.
We were unable to carry out the experiment because the computer malfunctioned.
As you will see in the Vocabulary section below, there are many other ways of
indicating reason and cause in English.
3. Result clauses
When you want to indicate the result of an action orsituation, you can use a result
clause. Result clauses are introduced by conjunctions such as so, so... that,
or such that.
The lecture was boring and irrelevant, so some of the students began to fall asleep.
Peter was having problems with mathematics, so he went to see his tutor to ask for
advice
There were so many books on the subject that Cindy didnt know where to begin.
There was such a lot of material to cover that Ivan found it difficult to keep up with
his studies.

There are many other ways of talking about the result of an action or situation. In
some situations you may prefer to use and as a result or with the result that.
The lecture was boring and irrelevant, and as a result some of the students began to
fall asleep.
The lecture was boring and irrelevant, with the result that some of the students began
to fall asleep.
As a result can also be used at the beginning of a new sentence.
The lecture was boring and irrelevant. As a result, some of the students began to fall
asleep.
The following words and phrases are used in the same way.
Therefore, Thus, In consequence, Consequently, For this/that reason
Causal relations can be expressed by ing-clauses of result.
The government increased the duty on wine. As a result, there was a fall in demand.
The government increased the duty on wine, resulting in a fall in demand.

Exercise
Choose the correct word from the drop-down list:
Exercise:
In each sentence, underline and identify the subordinate clause.
1. After Bob shot the sheriff, he forgot to shoot the deputy.
2. Josephine won the election after she campaigned so hard.
3. The pillow that I had brought is under the table.
4. Blue, which I have seen on the walls of your school, is my favorite color.

5. When it rains, it pours.

6. The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain, if you understand me.
7. Although I should keep my mouth shut, I am going to speak.
8. I could have spent the time that I used to write my paper playing basketball!
9. The mayor, who was sworn in yesterday, promised better schools.