Language Studies II: Syntax and Morphology

Prof. Alessandra
April 27, 2016
RELATIVE CLAUSES. ADDITIONAL EXERCISES
A) The sentences below (in Portuguese) contain wrong uses of
relative clauses. Correct them (in Portuguese) and then translate
them to English:
E.g.: O nome da mulher que ns jantamos na casa dela Lcia.
Correo: O nome da mulher em cuja casa ns jantamos Lcia.
Traduo: The name of the woman in whose place we ate is Lcia.
1. O marido que a mulher representante de vendas tornou-se
representante de vendas tambm.
Correo:
Traduo:
2. Foi uma situao onde me senti frustrada.
Correo:
Traduo:
3. A escola que meu filho estuda tima.
Correo:
Traduo:
4. O lugar que eu fui nas frias maravilhoso.
Correo:
Traduo:
5. O menino que eu estudei junto no ensino fundamental tornou-se
um mdico importante.
Correo:
Traduo:

DEPEND VS. INDEPENDENT CLAUSES

Relative clause is a DEPENDENT clause. Other dependent clauses in
sentences are as follows:

He finally finished his novel, after months of research.

While I was asleep, the cat knocked over the plant.

A helium nucleus has two protons, whereas hydrogen has only

one.
Where is the ice cream that was in the freezer?
After Mike sneezed all over the hamburger patties, no one wanted
to eat.
The author, whom I met at the book signing, was very cordial.
You may play outside until the street lights come on.
That cat that you found belongs to the Smiths.
Whenever I go to Greece, I will visit Santorini
Since no one else volunteered, the job is yours.
If I had a million dollars, Id be rich.

Exercises on dependent clauses. Select the correct answer:

1. If you don't fix the car, IT WILL CONTINUE TO LEAK OIL.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause
2. WHILE THE CAR IS BEING FIXED, we will need to take the bus.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause
3. It isn't necessary to cram all night IF YOU HAVE STUDIED A LITTLE
EACH DAY.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause
4. Before you begin studying for the exam, YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT
TO REST.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause
5. I can't go to the movies SINCE I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause
6. WHETHER HE ATTENDS THE PARTY OR NOT, I have decided to go.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause
7. I WILL STOP PLAYING THE DRUMS when you go to sleep.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause

8. SINCE YOU'VE TAKEN YOUR EXAM IN BIOLOGY, you probably don't feel
like studying for tomorrow's exam in math.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause
9. Until he apologizes to me for his rude behavior, I REFUSE TO SEE HIM.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause
10. I wore my boots BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE IT MIGHT SNOW.
a.) dependent clause
b.) independent clause

PUNCTUATION
Observe the sentences above. When was a comma used between
dependent and independent clauses?
Tips:
a. Never use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from
its object.
NYU Steinhardt's undergraduate programs in applied psychology, studio
art, teacher education, health, media studies, music and music
professions, and educational theatre combine inquiry in the liberal arts
and sciences with study abroad and hands-on learning.
b. However, when you insert a dependent clause between a subject and
its verb or between a verb and its object, you must add commas around
this dependent clause.
E.g.: Casey Clabough, author of the 2012 historical novel
"Confederados, said the history of the Confederate migrants is one
of the lesser-known stories of the Civil War.
I understand that, although I am not a member of the club, Im
allowed to participate if I pay a fee.
Exercise: Add commas correctly in the text below:
More than 175 years ago Albert Gallatin the distinguished statesman
who served as secretary of the treasury under Presidents Thomas
Jefferson and James Madison declared his intention to establish "in this
immense and fast-growing city a system of rational and practical
education fitting for all and graciously opened to all." Founded in 1831
New York University is now one of the largest private universities in the
United States. Of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in

America New York University is one of only 60 member institutions of the

distinguished Association of American Universities.