Master the Construction of Sentences with Substantive Subordinate Clauses

Objectives

1. Recognize substantive subordinate clauses as those that function like a noun within a sentence.

2. Develop the ability to identify and classify different types of substantive subordinate clauses in various texts.

3. Understand the importance of substantive subordinate clauses in constructing complex and cohesive sentences.

4. Apply the acquired knowledge in the creation of your own sentences and texts.

Contextualization

Imagine you are writing a cover letter for your dream job or drafting an article for a magazine. In both cases, clarity and cohesion are fundamental to effectively convey your ideas. Substantive subordinate clauses play a crucial role in this structure as they help connect thoughts and information in a logical and fluid manner, facilitating the reader's understanding. For example, in an article, when stating 'I believe that education is essential,' the substantive subordinate clause 'that education is essential' functions as the direct object of the verb 'believe,' ensuring clarity in communication.

Relevance of the Theme

Substantive subordinate clauses are widely used in journalism, advertising, law, and administration. Journalists need to write clear and cohesive texts to inform the public, while advertisers create campaigns that engage and convince consumers. Legal and administrative professionals often use these structures in reports and contracts to ensure precision and clarity. Mastering the use of these clauses is essential for effective and cohesive communication, skills that are increasingly valued in the job market.

Definition of Substantive Subordinate Clause

A substantive subordinate clause is one that serves the function of a noun within a main sentence. This means it can act as a subject, direct object, indirect object, nominal complement, predicative, or appositive. These clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns and are essential for constructing complex and cohesive sentences.

• Noun Function: Acts like a noun within the main clause.

• Introduction: Generally introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

• Position in the Sentence: Can occupy different positions, such as subject, direct or indirect object, nominal complement, predicative, or appositive.

Types of Substantive Subordinate Clauses

Substantive subordinate clauses can be classified according to their function in the main clause. The most common types include: subjective, direct objective, indirect objective, nominal complements, predicative, and appositive. Each type plays a specific role in the sentence's structure, contributing to the text's clarity and cohesion.

• Subjective: Functions as the subject of the main clause.

• Direct Objectives: Functions as the direct object of the main clause.

• Indirect Objectives: Functions as the indirect object of the main clause.

• Nominal Complements: Functions as a nominal complement.

• Predicative: Functions as the predicative of the subject.

• Appositives: Functions as an appositive.

Identifying Substantive Subordinate Clauses in Texts

Identifying substantive subordinate clauses in texts involves recognizing their noun function within the main clause and the conjunction or relative pronoun that introduces them. This skill is essential for grammatical analysis and for producing cohesive and clear texts.

• Conjunction Recognition: Identify the subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun that introduces the clause.

• Function Analysis: Determine the function the subordinate clause serves in the main clause.

• Context: Consider the context of the sentence to understand the relationship between the subordinate and main clauses.

Practical Applications

• Journalism: Journalists use substantive subordinate clauses to create informative and cohesive texts, facilitating reader comprehension.
• Advertising: Advertisers employ these clauses to build persuasive and clear campaigns, logically connecting ideas.
• Law: Lawyers and legal professionals use substantive subordinate clauses in contracts and legal documents to ensure precision and clarity.

Key Terms

• Substantive Subordinate Clause: A clause that functions as a noun in the sentence.

• Subordinating Conjunction: A word that introduces a subordinate clause, connecting it to the main clause.

• Predicative: A term that attributes a quality or condition to the subject or object in the clause.

Questions

• How can the correct use of substantive subordinate clauses improve the clarity and cohesion of your texts?

• In what ways can the ability to identify and employ substantive subordinate clauses be useful in your future professional career?

• What challenges do you face when trying to incorporate substantive subordinate clauses into your written productions?

Conclusion

To Reflect

Today's lesson demonstrated the importance of substantive subordinate clauses in constructing complex and cohesive sentences. By mastering the use of these structures, you will significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your texts, which is an essential skill in both academic environments and the job market. Consider the various areas where written communication is crucial, such as journalism, advertising, law, and administration. In all these contexts, the ability to logically and fluidly connect ideas can make the difference between a confusing text and an effective one. Continue practicing and applying what you’ve learned to become a more competent and confident communicator.

Mini Challenge - Practical Challenge: Applying Substantive Subordinate Clauses

Let’s consolidate what we’ve learned with a mini practical challenge!

• Write a short paragraph (5-7 lines) on a topic of your choice, using at least three substantive subordinate clauses.
• Replace simple sentences with substantive subordinate clauses to make the text more complex and cohesive.
• Review your paragraph, checking that the substantive subordinate clauses are correctly used and contribute to the clarity of the text.
• Share your paragraph with a colleague and ask for feedback on the cohesion and clarity of your text.