English grammar

271. In Lesson XX we learned that a dependent clause is one that does not make sense when standing alone; also that such a clause sometimes has the office of an adverb, modifying a predicate, and sometimes that of an adjective, modifying a noun. It is, therefore, called an adverbial clause or an adjective clause.

Select and classify the dependent clauses in each of the following sentences:—

(a) Old Stony Phiz set out on a visit to the valley where he was born.

(b) When I first came to Rivermouth, I looked upon girls as rather tame company.

272. A dependent clause is usually introduced by some word which indicates that it is a dependent clause. In the clause where he was born, this introductory word is where. What is the introductory word in the clause in sentence (b)?

This introductory word does more than introduce the clause; it joins the clause to the word the clause modifies. What does where join in (a)? What does the introductory word in (b) join?

But these words do more than join. Where denotes place, and modifies the verb was born. Hence it is an adverb. What does when denote? What does it modify?

Since these words have two uses, that of an adverb and that of a joining word, we call them conjunctive adverbs.

Summary.—A conjunctive adverb is one that introduces a clause, modifies some part of the clause, generally the predicate, and joins the clause to that part of the sentence which the clause modifies.

Some common conjunctive adverbs are when, where, whence, whenever, wherever, while, why, how. (See note, p. 177.)

An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that is used like an adverb.

An adjective clause is a dependent clause that is used like an adjective.

Both the adjective and the adverbial clause may be introduced by a conjunctive adverb.

Exercise.—Select all the conjunctive adverbs in the following sentences. Tell what clause they introduce, what they join, what they denote, and what they modify.

1. When his eyes got command of the dusk, he saw to his surprise that the den was empty.

2. Mr. Gathergold bethought himself of his native valley, and resolved to go back thither, and end his days where he was born.

3. The canals in Amsterdam are crossed by a great many drawbridges, and the people must sometimes wait while a ship or barge is passing.

4. Our lunch was only bread and tea and blueberries and cream, but do you remember how delicious it tasted that day when you came home from the circus as tired as a dog and as hungry as a bear?

5.

Whenever I cross the river

On its bridge with wooden piers,

Like the odor of brine from the ocean,

Comes the thought of other years.

6. The reason why men succeed who mind their own business is because there is so little competition.

7.

The frugal snail, with forecast of repose,

Carries his house with him where’er he goes.

8. When all the trees in the forest have the same number of leaves, then will all men be alike in their power and skill.

9.

While the breath’s in his mouth, he must bear without fail,

In the name of the Empress the Overland Mail.

10.

Where’er our footsteps range,

Comes the chilling breath of change,

And the best of friends look strange

When the purse is low.

11. The reason why men do not obey us is because they see the mud at the bottom of our eye.

12.

So shut your eyes while mother sings

Of wonderful sights that be.

13. Chip answered me with a cheery little note or two whenever I spoke to him.

14.

My heart leaps up when I behold

A rainbow in the sky.