Substantive clauses show the various substantive constructions. Thus:—
1. Subject: ["Thou shalt not covet,” is the tenth commandment].
2. Object: [I know what you wish].
3. Appositive: [The truth that the earth is spherical is generally believed].
4. Attribute complement: [The truth is that she is not well].
Modifying clauses show adjective and adverbial constructions.
Thus:—
1. Adjective: [The house which you see is mine].
2. Adverb: [I will go when it is possible].
B. Subordinate clauses may also be classified according to the introductory word.
(a) Clauses introduced by relative or interrogative pronouns: who, which, what, that (= who or which), as (after such), and the compound relatives, whoever, whichever, whatever (the first three are both relative and interrogative): [The school that stands on the hillside is painted white. I know whom you mean].
(b) Clauses introduced by a relative or interrogative adjective: [The man whose library is well furnished is rich. I see which way I ought to take].
(c) Clauses introduced by a relative or interrogative adverb, such as when, whenever, since (referring to time), until, before, after, where, whence, whither, wherever, why, as, how: [I know the house where lie lives].
(d) Clauses introduced by a subordinate conjunction, such as because, since (= because), though, although, if, unless, that (= in order that), as, as if, as though, then: [I will go since you wish it].
C. Subordinate clauses may also be classified according to the nature of the thought expressed.
(a) General description: [The house, which stands on the hill, has a fine view].
(b) Place: [The house where he was born is torn down].
(c) Time: [He works whenever he can].
(d) Cause: [Since you wish it, I will go].
(e) Concession: [Although he is my friend, I can see his faults].
(f) Purpose: [Run, that you may obtain the prize].
(g) Result: [She was so tired that she stumbled].
(h) Condition: [If it rains, we shall not go].
(i) Comparison: [You look as if you were tired].
Note that the subordinate clauses in the above examples are modifying clauses.
(j) Direct quotation: [She said, “I will go"].
(k) Indirect statement: [She said that she would go].
(l) Indirect question: [I knew where his house was].
Note that the subordinate clauses in the above examples are substantive clauses.