Clauses: Practice Set

Advanced English Clauses Quiz

Test your expertise with 50 complex questions. You have 30 minutes!

1. Identify the function of the underlined clause: The problem is that we have run out of time.

• Direct Object
• Object of a Preposition
• Subject Complement
• Adjective Clause

Rule: A noun clause that follows a linking verb (like 'is', 'was', 'seems') and renames or describes the subject is called a subject complement.

2. Identify the type of the underlined clause: The reason why he resigned is still a mystery.

• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause of Reason
• Adjective (Relative) Clause
• Independent Clause

Rule: The clause modifies the noun 'reason'. Clauses starting with relative adverbs like 'why', 'where', or 'when' that modify a noun are adjective clauses.

3. Identify the type of the underlined clause: He was punished because he disobeyed the rules.

• Noun Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause of Reason
• Adverb Clause of Result

Rule: The clause explains 'why' he was punished. It modifies the verb 'was punished' and begins with the subordinating conjunction 'because', making it an adverb clause of reason.

4. Identify the function of the underlined clause: Whoever wins the race will receive a grand prize.

• Direct Object
• Appositive
• Adjective Clause
• Subject of the sentence

Rule: The entire clause acts as the subject of the main verb 'will receive'. A clause that functions as a noun is a noun clause.

5. Which sentence contains a non-restrictive (non-defining) adjective clause?

• My brother, who lives in Delhi, is a doctor.
• The man who lives in Delhi is a doctor.
• Any man who lives in Delhi can be a doctor.
• I know the doctor who lives in Delhi.

Rule: A non-restrictive clause provides extra, non-essential information and is set off by commas. 'My brother' is already specific, so 'who lives in Delhi' is extra information.

6. Identify the type of the underlined clause: I will wait here until you return.

• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause of Time
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause of Condition

Rule: The clause answers the question 'how long?' or 'when?' about the verb 'will wait'. It begins with the subordinating conjunction 'until', making it an adverb clause of time.

7. Identify the function of the underlined clause: Pay careful attention to what I am about to say.

• Subject
• Adjective modifying 'attention'
• Object of a Preposition
• Direct Object

Rule: The noun clause 'what I am about to say' follows the preposition 'to' and acts as its object.

8. Identify the type of the underlined clause: If you work hard, you will succeed.

• Adverb Clause of Reason
• Adverb Clause of Condition
• Noun Clause
• Adjective Clause

Rule: The clause sets a condition for the main clause 'you will succeed'. It begins with the subordinating conjunction 'if', making it an adverb clause of condition.

9. His belief, that all people are inherently good, was unshakable.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause in Apposition
• Adverb Clause
• Subject Complement

Rule: The noun clause 'that all people are inherently good' renames or explains the noun 'belief' that comes before it. This function is called apposition.

10. This is the village where the famous poet was born. The underlined part is a(n)...

• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause of Place
• Noun Clause
• Independent Clause

Rule: The clause modifies the noun 'village'. A 'where' clause that modifies a noun is an adjective (relative) clause. An adverb clause of place would modify a verb (e.g., 'I will stay where I am.').

11. I am surprised at how quickly she solved the puzzle.

• Adverb Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause
• Reduced Clause

Rule: The clause functions as the object of the preposition 'at'. Any clause that functions as a noun (in this case, as an object) is a noun clause.

12. As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

• Adverb Clause of Time
• Adverb Clause of Reason
• Adverb Clause of Manner
• Adjective Clause

Rule: In this context, 'As' means 'because'. The clause gives the reason why I spoke to his brother, making it an adverb clause of reason.

13. The question is whether we should proceed with the plan.

• Direct Object
• Subject Complement
• Object of a Preposition
• Adverb Clause

Rule: The noun clause follows the linking verb 'is' and renames the subject 'The question'. This function is known as a subject complement.

14. He speaks English better than I do. The underlined clause is an elliptical adverb clause of...

• Comparison
• Condition
• Manner
• Concession

Rule: The clause makes a comparison with the main clause. It's often elliptical, meaning some words are omitted (e.g., 'He speaks English better than I [speak English]'). It is an adverb clause of comparison.

15. The man to whom I spoke was the manager.

• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Independent Clause

Rule: The clause modifies the noun 'man'. It starts with the relative pronoun 'whom' and functions as an adjective, making it an adjective (relative) clause.

16. Although he is wealthy, he is not happy. The underlined part is an...

• Adverb Clause of Condition
• Adverb Clause of Concession
• Adverb Clause of Reason
• Noun Clause

Rule: Clauses beginning with 'although', 'though', or 'even though' present a contrast or a surprising circumstance. This is known as an adverb clause of concession.

17. I do not understand how the machine works.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause acting as a Direct Object
• Adverb Clause of Manner
• Noun Clause acting as a Subject

Rule: The clause answers the question 'understand what?'. It functions as the direct object of the verb 'understand', making it a noun clause.

18. The boy whose father is a scientist won the scholarship.

• Noun Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause
• Main Clause

Rule: The clause modifies the noun 'boy'. It starts with the possessive relative pronoun 'whose' and functions as an adjective.

19. We planted the tree where the old swing used to be.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause of Place
• Adverb Clause of Time

Rule: The clause answers the question 'where?' about the verb 'planted'. Since it modifies the verb, it is an adverb clause of place. It does not modify a noun.

20. The suggestion that he be removed from the team was met with opposition.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause in the Subjunctive Mood
• Adverb Clause
• Independent Clause

Rule: The clause 'that he be removed...' is a noun clause in apposition to 'suggestion'. It uses the subjunctive mood ('be' instead of 'is') which is common after nouns of suggestion, demand, or request.

21. He finished the work faster than I had expected.

• Adverb Clause of Manner
• Adverb Clause of Degree
• Adverb Clause of Comparison
• Noun Clause

Rule: The clause, introduced by 'than', compares the speed of his work to my expectation. This is an adverb clause of comparison (or degree).

22. The fact of the matter is that no one is willing to take responsibility.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause acting as a Subject Complement
• Noun Clause acting as a Direct Object
• Adverb Clause of Result

Rule: The noun clause follows the linking verb 'is' and renames/explains the subject 'The fact of the matter'. It functions as a subject complement.

23. This is the same person that I saw yesterday.

• Restrictive Adjective Clause
• Non-Restrictive Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause

Rule: The clause is essential to identify 'which person' we are talking about. It restricts the meaning of 'person'. Therefore, it is a restrictive clause. 'That' is commonly used in restrictive clauses.

24. Lest you should fail, you must work harder.

• Adverb Clause of Condition
• Adverb Clause of Reason
• Adverb Clause of Purpose (Negative)
• Noun Clause

Rule: The conjunction 'lest' introduces an adverb clause of negative purpose. It means 'for fear that' or 'so that... not'. It is typically followed by 'should'.

25. Give the book to whoever asks for it first.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause as Object of a Preposition
• Adverb Clause
• Noun Clause as Direct Object

Rule: The entire clause 'whoever asks for it first' acts as the object of the preposition 'to'. Therefore, it is a noun clause.

26. Whether you agree or not makes no difference to me.

• Adverb Clause of Condition
• Noun Clause acting as a Subject
• Adverb Clause of Concession
• Adjective Clause

Rule: The entire clause introduced by 'Whether' serves as the subject of the main verb 'makes'. A clause functioning as a subject is a noun clause.

27. He is not the man that he once was.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause of Comparison
• Main Clause

Rule: The clause 'that he once was' modifies the noun 'man', describing the type of man he is no longer. It functions as an adjective clause.

28. I wonder why the sky is blue.

• Adverb Clause of Reason
• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause as Direct Object
• Indirect Question

Rule: The clause is the direct object of the verb 'wonder' (I wonder what?). A clause that functions as a noun is a noun clause. While it is an indirect question, its grammatical type is a noun clause.

29. Such was his strength that he could bend an iron rod.

• Adverb Clause of Manner
• Adverb Clause of Result
• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause

Rule: The 'that' clause here shows the result or effect of his strength (which was 'such'). This is an adverb clause of result or consequence.

30. This is the place. The accident happened here. Combine using an adjective clause.

• This is the place that the accident happened.
• This is the place which the accident happened.
• This is the place where the accident happened.
• This is the place, the accident happened here.

Rule: To modify a noun of place ('place'), the relative adverb 'where' is used to introduce the adjective clause.

31. However hard he tries, he never seems to succeed.

• Adverb Clause of Manner
• Adverb Clause of Concession
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause of Degree

Rule: A clause starting with 'However + adjective/adverb' indicates a contrast or concession, similar to 'Although'. It shows that despite his hard work, he doesn't succeed.

32. The man, an engineer from a reputed firm, is the one who designed this bridge.

• Noun Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause
• Appositive Phrase

Rule: The clause modifies the pronoun 'one', specifying which one. Any clause that modifies a noun or pronoun is an adjective (relative) clause.

33. He invests his money wherever he sees an opportunity.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause of Place
• Adverb Clause of Condition

Rule: The clause answers the question 'invests where?'. It modifies the verb 'invests' and indicates a location (even if abstract), making it an adverb clause of place.

34. It is essential that you be on time for the meeting.

• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause of Purpose
• Noun Clause in Subjunctive Mood
• Main Clause

Rule: The clause functions as the true subject in an "It is..." construction (It = that you be on time). It uses the subjunctive mood ('be' instead of 'are') because it follows an expression of necessity ('It is essential').

35. I will give you my number so that you can call me later.

• Adverb Clause of Result
• Adverb Clause of Purpose
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause of Reason

Rule: The clause explains the purpose for which I will give my number. Clauses introduced by 'so that' indicate purpose and are adverb clauses.

36. The book that is on the top shelf is a first edition.

• Noun Clause
• Restrictive Adjective Clause
• Non-Restrictive Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause

Rule: The clause is essential to identify which book we are talking about. It is not set off by commas, and it restricts the meaning of 'The book'.

37. We were concerned about whether the project would be approved.

• Adverb Clause of Condition
• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause as Object of a Preposition
• Adverb Clause of Concession

Rule: The clause acts as the object of the preposition 'about'. A clause functioning as an object is a noun clause.

38. She looked as if she had seen a ghost.

• Adverb Clause of Comparison
• Adverb Clause of Manner
• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause

Rule: The clause describes 'how' she looked. Clauses introduced by 'as if' or 'as though' are adverb clauses of manner.

39. Can you tell me whose car this is?

• Noun Clause as Direct Object
• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause
• A question

Rule: The clause is the direct object of the verb phrase 'Can tell' (Can you tell me what?). Grammatically, it is a noun clause functioning as an object.

40. He worked so hard that he made himself ill.

• Adverb Clause of Purpose
• Adverb Clause of Result
• Adverb Clause of Reason
• Noun Clause

Rule: The structure 'so + adjective/adverb + that...' introduces an adverb clause of result or consequence.

41. The moment the bell rings, the students rush out.

• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause of Time
• Noun Clause
• Elliptical Clause

Rule: This is a tricky one. The clause modifies the noun 'moment', specifying which moment. Therefore, it functions as an adjective clause. It looks like an adverb clause, but its grammatical role is to modify the noun.

42. That he is a genius is acknowledged by everyone.

• Adverb Clause of Fact
• Noun Clause as Subject
• Adjective Clause
• Appositive Clause

Rule: The entire clause 'That he is a genius' is the subject of the main verb 'is acknowledged'. A clause that acts as a subject is a noun clause.

43. The chairman's demand is that all members be present.

• Noun Clause as Direct Object
• Noun Clause as Subject Complement (in Subjunctive Mood)
• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause of Purpose

Rule: The clause follows the linking verb 'is' and renames the subject 'demand'. It's a subject complement. It uses the subjunctive 'be' because it follows a noun of demand.

44. No sooner did he see the police than he ran away.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause of Time
• Adverb Clause of Result

Rule: The correlative construction 'No sooner... than...' introduces an adverb clause of time, showing immediate sequence.

45. This is the office in which I work.

• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Independent Clause

Rule: The clause 'in which I work' modifies the noun 'office'. Clauses starting with a preposition + 'which' are formal adjective clauses.

46. Do it as your teacher tells you to.

• Adverb Clause of Manner
• Adverb Clause of Comparison
• Noun Clause
• Adjective Clause

Rule: The clause explains 'how' to do it. It modifies the verb 'Do' and describes the manner of action.

47. A man who is honest is trusted by all. The underlined clause is...

• Non-restrictive and can be removed
• Restrictive and cannot be removed
• A noun clause
• An adverb clause

Rule: The clause is essential to define which type of man is trusted. Without it, the sentence "A man is trusted by all" loses its specific meaning. Therefore, it is a restrictive (or defining) adjective clause.

48. He will succeed, provided he works hard.

• Adverb Clause of Time
• Adverb Clause of Condition
• Adverb Clause of Purpose
• Noun Clause

Rule: The conjunction 'provided' (or 'providing') introduces a condition, similar to 'if'. This makes it an adverb clause of condition.

49. He gave a prize to the girl whose essay was the best.

• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause
• Adverb Clause
• Main Clause

Rule: The clause modifies the noun 'girl', specifying which one. It starts with the possessive relative pronoun 'whose', making it an adjective clause.

50. I am not certain that he will come.

• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause
• Noun Clause complementing an Adjective
• Independent Clause

Rule: The noun clause 'that he will come' completes the meaning of the adjective 'certain'. It explains what the speaker is not certain about.

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