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ATTRIBUTIVE CLAUSESDate: 2015-10-07; view: 965. ATTRIBUTIVE CLAUSES serve as an attribute to some noun or pronoun in the principal clause. This noun or pronoun is called ANTECEDENT [ænti'si:dənt] ATTRIBUTIVE CLAUSE
NOTE 1: The antecedent of an appositive clause can be only an abstract noun with a very general meaning (thing, reason, idea, point, moral, comment, remark, fact, feature, question, etc.) and it gives its content. An appositive clause cannot be asyndetical. The question whether it was he or not hewas hotly discussed. She had a strange sensation as if something had happened. If the clause does not disclose the meaning of an abstract noun, but qualifies it, it is a relative clause: Compare: The idea that something must be doneoccurred to me.(appositive) The idea that occurred to mewas vague. (relative limiting)
NOTE 2: A relative pronoun introducing a limiting clause can be omitted only if it an object in the subordinate clause. If it is the subject of the subordinate clause, it cannot be omitted. Compare This is the book that was brought yesterday. (subject. cannot be omitted) This is the book that I bought yesterday. (object. can be omitted. This is the book I bought yesterday.)
NOTE 3: If the antecedent is modified by the demonstrative pronoun such, the relative pronoun as is used: Mary was playing the piano with such feeling as couldn't be expected. NOTE 4: If the antecedent is expressed by everything, something, anything or nothing, the relative pronoun that is generally used, or else the clause is joined asyndetically.
NOTE 5: The relative pronoun whose can refer not only to living beings but also to things. I live in a house whose roof is green. NOTE 6: A sentential (continuative) clause is a sort of a descriptive clause. It refers not to a single word, but to the whole principal clause. it can be introduced only by the relative pronoun which. Helen passed the exam, which pleased her no end. I live near the university, which is very convenient.
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