Introduction
A
contingent adjective clause, also known as a conditional adjective clause, is a
type of subordinate clause that provides a condition or circumstance under
which the main clause's action or state applies. These clauses often include a
subordinator, such as "when," "if," or "whether,"
but they can sometimes omit this subordinator while still conveying the
intended meaning. In this lesson, we will explore the structure and function of
contingent adjective clauses, providing examples and exercises to help students
master their use.
Understanding Contingent Adjective
Clauses
Contingent
adjective clauses give more information about the main clause by specifying the
conditions under which something happens. These clauses can describe when,
where, why, or under what conditions the main clause is true. Here are key
characteristics of contingent adjective clauses:
- Presence
of a Subordinator:
Most contingent adjective clauses start with subordinators like
"when," "if," "whether," etc.
- Implicit
Subjects:
The subject of the contingent clause is often the same as the main clause
but can also be different.
- Omission
of Subordinators:
Sometimes, the subordinator can be omitted, and the sentence still makes
sense.
Examples of Contingent Adjective
Clauses
Example 1:
- With
Subordinator:
"When scared, she makes bad decisions."
- Without
Subordinator:
"Scared, she makes bad decisions."
In
both sentences, the clause "when scared" or simply "scared"
provides the condition under which "she makes bad decisions."
Example 2:
- With
Subordinator:
"Whether hot or cold, coffee is enjoyable."
- Without
Subordinator:
"Hot or cold, coffee is enjoyable."
Here,
"whether hot or cold" specifies the condition under which
"coffee is enjoyable."
Example 3:
- With
Subordinator:
"When upset, she becomes uncontrollable."
- Without
Subordinator:
"Upset, she becomes uncontrollable."
In
these examples, "when upset" or "upset" provides the
condition under which "she becomes uncontrollable."
Different Subjects in Contingent
Adjective Clauses
While
the understood subject of the contingent adjective clause is usually the same
as that of the main clause, it can sometimes be different, particularly when
the clause modifies the object of the main clause.
Example 4:
- "You
may eat it raw."
In
this sentence, "raw" describes the condition under which "you
may eat it."
Example 5:
- "They
can leave the glass if broken."
Here,
"if broken" describes the condition under which "they can leave
the glass."
Example 6:
- With
Subordinator:
"When exhausted, Chinedu often forgets his assignments."
- Without
Subordinator:
"Exhausted, Chinedu often forgets his assignments."
Example 7:
- With
Subordinator:
"Whether ripe or unripe, mangoes from Zainab's farm are
delicious."
- Without
Subordinator:
"Ripe or unripe, mangoes from Zainab's farm are delicious."
Example 8:
- With
Subordinator:
"When happy, Adebola sings loudly."
- Without
Subordinator:
"Happy, Adebola sings loudly."
Example 9:
- "Bola
will eat the jollof rice if spicy."
- "They
can use the car if necessary."
Exercises
Exercise 1: Rewrite the following sentences by adding or removing
subordinators as needed to form contingent adjective clauses.
- Tired,
Uche fell asleep immediately.
- If
injured, the footballer will not play the match.
- Whether
sunny or rainy, the festival will take place.
- Excited,
Amara couldn't stop smiling.
Exercise 2: Create your own sentences using contingent adjective
clauses. Ensure that at least one sentence uses a different subject for the
contingent clause than the main clause.
Contingent
adjective clauses are a powerful tool in English that allow writers and
speakers to specify conditions or circumstances succinctly. By mastering these
clauses, students can enhance their writing and speaking, making their
communication more precise and effective.