Types of dependent clauses (answers)
The three most common types of dependent clauses in Spanish are:
-
Noun clauses (cláusulas nominales or cláusulas
sustantivas). In this case, the entire clause serves as a noun, usually
as the direct object of a verb. It is normally
introduced with the conjunction que [that]. [In Spanish, the
subjunctive mood will be used in the noun clause when the
verb that governs the clause is one of influence,
emotion, doubt, or negation; the indicative is used when the
governing verb is one of truth, certainty, reporting,
or affirmation.]
Example: Quiero que vengas conmigo
al concierto. I want you to come with me to the concert.
-
Adjectival clauses (cláusulas adjetivales). Here, the entire
clause takes on the function of an adjective, usually modifying a noun or
pronoun, the antecedent (antecedente).
Adjectival clauses are normally introduced by a relative pronoun such as
que [which/that] quien (who), el que
(which/that/who), or el cual (which/that/who). [In Spanish,
we use the subjunctive mood in adjectival clauses when the
antecedent is indefinite, nonexistent, or negated;
the indicative is used when the antecedent is known
or definite.]
Example: Busco una secretaria que hable
español. I'm looking for a secretary who speaks Spanish.
-
Adverbial clauses (cláusulas adverbiales). This type
of clause is usually introduced by an adverbial
conjunction, for example antes de que, cuando, mientras, or
tan pronto como to list just a few. [The subjunctive is used for adverbial
clauses when the action or state in the clauses is anticipated i.e.,
viewed as not yet happening or hypothetical; the indicative is used
when the action or state in the clause is viewed as a customary one or one
which has been completed.]
Example: Iremos tan pronto
como llegue Juanita.
We'll leave as soon as Juanita arrives.
Practice in identifying the types of clauses. Underline the dependent
clauses in the sentences given below and identify each as being a noun clause,
adjectival clause, or adverbial clause, using an appropriate abbreviation
such as noun, adj., or adv. Note: a sentence may contain
more than one dependent clause, or none at all.
-
No me dijiste que ibas a Guatemala.
dep. clause: |
|
que ibas a Guatemala |
type: |
|
noun (after a verb of reporting,
dijiste) |
-
No he visto a nadie que sea tan generosa como ella.
dep. clause: |
|
que sea tan generosa como ella |
type: |
|
adjectival (modifying a negated antecedent,
nadie) |
-
Cuando me desperté me encontré en algo que parecía una
selva.
dep. clause: |
|
Cuando me desperté |
type: |
|
adverbial (introduced by adverbial conjunction
cuando; action viewed as completed) |
|
|
|
dep. clause #2: |
|
que parecía una selva |
type: |
|
adjectival (modifying a definite antecedent,
algo) |
-
Me gustó que usted nos lo explicara tan inteligentemente.
dep. clause: |
|
que usted nos lo explicara tan inteligentemente |
type: |
|
noun (after a verb of emotion,
gustó) |
-
No vamos a hacer el viaje aunque reparemos el coche.
dep. clause: |
|
aunque reparemos el coche |
type: |
|
advervial (introduced by an adverbial conjunction,
aunque; action viewed as anticipated) |
-
Yo lo creo todo porque tú me lo contaste.
dep. clause: |
|
porque tú me lo contaste |
type: |
|
adverbial (introduced by the adverbial conjunction,
porque; action viewed as completed) |
-
Yo te daré la respuesta que buscas cuando me confieses qué
hiciste anoche.
dep. clause: |
|
que buscas |
type: |
|
adjectival (modifying a definite antecedent, la
respuesta) |
|
|
|
dep. clause #2: |
|
cuando me confieses |
type: |
|
adverbial (introduced by adverbial conjunction
cuando; action viewed as anticipated) |
|
|
|
dep. clause #3: |
|
qué hiciste anoche |
type: |
|
noun (after a verb of reporting,
confieses) |
-
¿Dónde está mi cámara, Manuel?
dep. clause: |
|
none |
type: |
|
N/A |
-
Antes de jugar, planeemos lo que vamos a hacer.
dep. clause: |
|
que vamos a hacer |
type: |
|
adjectival (modifying a definite antecedent,
lo) |
-
Ojalá que salgamos bien en el examen que nos darán mañana.
dep. clause: |
|
que salgamos bien en el examen |
type: |
|
noun (after an expression of emotion,
ojalá) |
|
|
|
dep. clause #2: |
|
que nos darán mañana |
type: |
|
adjectival (modifying a definite antecedent, el
examen) |
[Versión sin
respuestas]