Complex Sentences with Object Clauses

Object clauses perform the function of an object to the verb or verb equivalent in the principal clause.

1) Like objects in a simple sentence, object clauses may be non-prepositional or prepositional: I don’t know what you mean. I’m sorry for what I said to you the other day.

There are few words in English that require ‘it’ (a correlative pronoun) before an object clause (to take, to like, to depend, etc). I like it that you like my work.

In the English sentence the preposition used with a connective pronoun may stand at the end of the sentence: Wonder, what he’s writing to me about.

2) In English the subject is always expressed in an object clause: He told us what he remembered.

In Russian it may be omitted: Он рассказал нам, что помнил.

3) In English the word order in an object clause is always direct: I wonder if he likes this job.

4) In English the sequence of tenses is usually observed in object clauses.

5) As a rule object clauses are not separated by a comma from the principal clause.

Complex Sentences with Attribute Clauses

Attribute clauses modify a noun (pronoun) in the principal clause. They are classified into:

1) limiting; 2) qualifying; 3) continuative (т и дело повторяющийся); 4) appositive.

1) The man I’m writing about is not famous.

2) You could not but feel sympathy for a man who took so much delight in simple things.

3) a) Erik walked slowly over to Tony, who stood by the other window.

b)She avoided speaking and meeting with him, which he couldn’t help noticing.

5. We haven’t yet settled the question where we are going to spend our summer vacation.

Limiting and qualifying attributive clauses are closely connected with the antecedent; they may be joined to the principal clause asyndetically.

Continuative clauses give some additional information, they can be felt out without destroying the meaning of the sentence. As the connection between the continuative clause and the principal clause is loose, they are not introduced asyndetically.

Complex Sentences with Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial clauses refer to a verb and adjective or an adverb of the principal clause. They are usually joined to the principal clause by means of subordinating conjunctions; except sometimes adverbial clauses of condition and result.

I. Adverbial Clauses of Time and Condition

To express a future action the Present Tense is used in clauses of time and condition in English. The child will stay with me till his mother comes.

In sentences of unreal condition different forms of the subjunctive mood are used in English. The choice of forms depends on the time of the action and the degree of unreality.

1. If I had time, I should finish the book today.

2. If I had had time yesterday, I should have finished the book.

II. Adverbial Clauses of Place are introduced by ‘where’, ‘whenever’ or preposition + ‘where’, ‘whenever’. An adverbial clause of place is the only type of adverbial clause in which a preposition is used alongside of a conjunctive adverb. E.g. So I went to where she was. Clauses of place can also be used in a metaphorical sense, that is, the place indicated may not be a place at all, but a certain condition of action.: e.g. Where there is a will there is a way.

3) There are also clauses of cause and purpose, introduced by simple conjunctions: because, as, since (cause), that, lest (purpose) and by phrase conjunctions: for the reason that, seeing that, on the ground that (cause), in order that, so that (purpose).

Parenthetical clauses functioning as a parenthesis. E.g. It is part 10, I think.