Dependent clauses enhance sentence complexity and provide additional information about the main clause. One question that arises is whether such conjunctive phrases as “such as” can introduce these dependent clauses. This article explores the syntactic role of “such as” and its relationship with dependent clauses, examining its proper usage and alternative constructions that may be employed.
Can a Dependent Clause Start with ‘Such’?
Dependent clauses, unlike independent clauses, cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They must rely on an independent clause to make sense. One common question about dependent clauses is whether they can start with the word “such.” The answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind.
When to Use “Such”
“Such” is a relative pronoun that can refer to a noun in the independent clause. It is often used to emphasize the quality or characteristic of the noun. For example:
- The student who studied the most got such a good grade.
- The weather was such that we had to stay inside.
In the first example, “such” refers to the noun “grade.” It emphasizes the fact that the grade was very good. In the second example, “such” refers to the noun “weather.” It emphasizes the fact that the weather was so bad that we had to stay inside.
Examples of Dependent Clauses Starting with “Such”
Here are some more examples of dependent clauses that start with “such”:
- Such is the power of love.
- Such were the consequences of his actions.
- Such is the state of the world today.
Tips for Using “Such”
- Make sure that the noun that “such” refers to is clear from the context.
- Avoid using “such” too often, as it can become repetitive.
- Use “such” to emphasize a specific quality or characteristic of a noun.
Table of Examples
| Independent Clause | Dependent Clause |
|---|---|
| The food was delicious. | Such was the flavor. |
| The movie was boring. | Such was the plot. |
| The music was loud. | Such was the volume. |
Question 1:
Can a dependent clause begin with a conjunction such as “such as”?
Answer:
Yes, a dependent clause can begin with a conjunction such as “such as.” A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject, a verb, and an object, but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. A conjunction is a word that connects two words, phrases, or clauses. “Such as” is a conjunction that introduces examples or illustrations.
Question 2:
What is the function of a dependent clause that begins with “such as”?
Answer:
A dependent clause that begins with “such as” functions as an adjective clause. An adjective clause provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. In this case, the dependent clause introduced by “such as” provides examples or illustrations of the noun or pronoun in the main clause.
Question 3:
Is there any limitation on the type of dependent clause that can be introduced by “such as”?
Answer:
No, there is no limitation on the type of dependent clause that can be introduced by “such as.” The dependent clause can be a noun clause, an adjective clause, or an adverb clause. However, it is most commonly used to introduce adjective clauses.
All righty, folks! That wraps up our little exploration into the world of dependent clauses and their curious friend, “such as.” Hope you found this journey as fascinating as we did. Remember, if you’re ever curious about grammar and language, don’t be afraid to dive right in and explore. Thanks for hanging out with us today, and be sure to check back later for more linguistic adventures!