Adjective clause connector : TOEFL Skill 9

Previous Skill <---- Skill 8 : Noun Clause Connector

An adjective clause describes a noun. Because the clause is an adjective, it is positioned directly after the noun that it describes.

A, This is the house
B, I want to buy it

If we combine them:

This is the house that/which I want to buy

In the first example, there are two clauses: this is the subject of the verb is, and I is the subject of the verb want. That/which is the adjective clause connector that joins these two clauses, and the adjective clause that I want to buy describes the noun house.

A, The house is big
B. I want to buy it

If we combine:

The house that/which I want to buy is big


In the second example, there are also two clauses: house is the subject of the verb is, and I is the subject of the verb want. In this sentence also, that is the adjective clause connector that joins these two clauses, and the adjective clause that I want to buy describes the noun house.

The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The job _____ started yesterday was rather difficult.
(A) when
(B) was
(C) after
(D) that he

In this example, you should notice quickly that there are two clauses: job is the subject of the verb was, and the verb started needs a subject. Because there are two clauses, a connector is also needed. Answers (A) and (C) have connectors, but there are no subjects, so these answers are not correct. Answer (B) changes started into a passive verb; in this case the sentence would have one subject and two verbs, so answer (B) is not correct. The best answer to this question is answer (D). The correct sentence should say: The job that he started yesterday was rather difficult. In this sentence job is the subject of the verb was, he is the subject of the verb started, and the connector that joins these two clauses.

EXERCISE 9: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. I did not believe the story that he told me. (C)

   Analysis:

   First Clause                            : I did not believe the story
   Second Clause                       : He told me
   Adjective clause connector     : that

2. Ms. Brown, whom did you recommend for the job, will start work tomorrow.(I)

    Analysis:

    First clause                         : Ms. Brown will start work tomorrow
    Second clause                    : Did you recommend for the job (incorrect)
                                                It should be you recommended for the job
    Adjective clause connector : whom

    The correct sentence is Ms. Brown, who you recommended for the job, will start work tomorrow.

3. The lecture notes which lent me were not clearly written.(I)

     Analysis:

     First clause                       : The lecture notes were not clearly written
     Second clause                  :  lent me (incorrect)
                                               It should be I lent
     Adjective clause connector : which

     The correct sentence is the lecture notes which I lent were not clearly written

4. Sally has an appointment with the hairdresser whom you recommended. (C)

    Analysis:

     First clause                         : Sally has an appointment with the hairdresser
     Second clause                    : you recommended
     Adjective clause connector : whom

5. The phone number that you gave me.

    Analysis:

     First clause                        : The phone number (incorrect: no verb)
     Second clause                   : you gave me
     Adjective clause connector : that
     The correct sentence is The phone number that you gave me IS wrong

6. She is able to solve all the problems which did she cause.(I)

     Analysis:

      First clause                       : She is able to solve the problems
      Second clause                  : did she cause (incorrect)
                                                It should be she caused
      Adjective clause connector: She is able to solve all the problems which she caused
       
7. The day that she spent on the beach left her sunburned. (C)

      Analysis:

      First clause                         : The day left her sunburned
      Second clause                     :  she spend on the beach
      Adjective clause connector :  that

8. Next week I am going to visit my cousins, whom have not seen in several years.(I)

    Analysis:

    First clause                           : Next week I am going to visit my cousins
    Second clause                      :  have not seen in several years (incorrect)
                                                   It should be I have not seen in several years
    Adjective clause connector   : whom
    The correct sentence is Next week I am going to visit my cousins, whom i have not seen in several years

9. Did you forget the promise whom you made? (C)

    Analysis:

    First clause                            : Did you forget the promise
    second clause                        : you made?
    Adjective clause connector    : whom

10. The teacher whom the students like the most is their history teacher.

   Analysis:

   First clause                             : The teacher is their history teacher
   Second clause                        :  the students like the most
   Adjective clause connector     :  whom


Next skill <------ skill 10 : Adjective clause connector/Subject

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

TOEFL Structure Skill 8: Noun Clause Connectors/ Subjects

Previous skill <----- Skill 7:  Noun clause connector

In Skill 7 we saw that noun clause connectors can be used to introduce noun clauses. In Skill 8 we will see that in some cases a noun clause connector is not just a connector; a noun clause connector can also be the subject of the clause at the same time. Study the clauses and connectors in the following sentences.

I know what happened yesterday

            NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT OF VERB

We are thinking about what happened yesterday.

                                  NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT OF PREPOSITION

In the first example, there are two clauses: I know and what happened yesterday. These two clauses are joined by the connector what. It is important to understand that in this sentence the word what serves two functions. It is both the subject of the verb happened and the connector that joins the two clauses.

 

In the second example, there are two clauses. In the first clause we is the subject of are thinking. In the second clause what is the subject of happened. What also serves as the connector that joins the two clauses. The noun clause what happened yesterday functions as the object of the preposition about.

The following example shows how this sentence pattern could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The company was prepared for ________ happened with the economy.

(A) it
(B) the problem
(C) what
(D) when

EXERCISE 8: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The teacher heard who answered the question. (C)

    Analysis:

    Who answered the question is a noun clause connector, and the sentence is correct.

2. I do not understand it went wrong. (I)

    Analysis:

    it went wrong is a noun clause connector/subject. But, the sentence is incorrect.
    It should be what went wrong

3. Of the three movies, I can’t decide which is the best. (C)

   Analysis:

   Which is the best is a noun clause connector/subject. The sentence is correct.
   
4. She did not remember who in her class. (I)

   Analysis:

   Who in her class is a noun clause connector, but the sentence is incorrect.
   It should be Who is in her class.

5. No one is sure what did it happen in front of the building. (I)

   Analysis:

   What did it happen in front of the building is a nouc clause connector, but the sentence is incorrect.
   It should be what happened in front of the building.

6. We found out which was her favorite type of candy. (C)

    Analysis:

   Which was her favorite type of candy is a noun clause connector/subject, and the sentence is correct.
  
7. Do you know what caused the plants to die? (C)

   Analysis:

   What caused the plants to die is a noun clause connector/subject and the sentence is correct.

8. I am not sure which it is the most important course in the program. (I)

   Analysis:

   which it is the most important course in the program is a nou clause connector/subject, but it is
   incorrect.
   It should be which is the most important course in the program.

9. We thought about who would be the best vice president.(C)

    Analysis:

   Who would be the best vice president is a noun clause connector, and the sentence is correct.

10. She saw what in the box in the closet. (I)

   Analysis:

   What in the box in the closet is a noun clause connector, but it is incorrect.
   It should be what is in the box in the closet.

Continue with:

• Exercise 7 - 8, TOEFL Exercise (7-8) and TOEFL Review Exercise (1-8). Click here to read them
• Or download all material here

 Next skill ------> Skill 9: Adjective clause connector

 To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

Adjective clause connector/Subject : TOEFL Skill 10

Previous Skill < ---- Skill 9 : Adjective Clause Connector

In Skill 9 we saw that adjective clause connectors can be used to introduce clauses that describe nouns. In Skill 10 we will see that in some cases an adjective clause connector is not just a connector; an adjective clause connector can also be the subject of the clause at the same time.

A. We a re looking for a house
B. The house is quite expensive

If we combine them:

We are looking for a house that/which is quite expensive

In the first example, there are two clauses: we is the subject of the verb are looking, and that is the subject of the verb is. These two clauses are joined with the connector that. Notice that in this example the word that serves two functions at the same time: it is the subject of the verb is, and it is the connector that joins the two clauses. The adjective clause that is quite expensive describes the noun house.

A. The house seems like a great house
B. The house is quite expensive

If we combine them:

The house  that  is quite expensive   seems like a great house

In the second example, there are also two clauses: house is the subject of the verb seems, and that is the subject of the verb is. In this example, that also serves two functions: it is the subject of the verb is, and it is the connector that joins the two clauses. Because that is quite expensive is an adjective clause describing the noun house, it directly follows house.

The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

______ just dropped off a package for you is my sister.

(A) The woman
(B) The woman who
(C) Because the woman
(D) With the woman

In this example, you should notice immediately that the sentence has two verbs, dropped and is, and each of them needs a subject. The only answer that has two subjects is answer (B), so answer (B) is the correct answer. The correct sentence should say: The woman who just dropped off a package for you is my sister. In this sentence woman is the subject of the verb is, and who is the subject of the verb dropped. Who is also the connector that joins the two clauses?

The following chart lists the adjective clause connector/subjects and the sentence patterns used with them.

Now, You must read exercise 10 and the analysis.

 To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

Adjective clause connector/Subject : exercise 10

Read Skill 10 before doing exercise 10 below:

EXERCISE 10: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The children that were vaccinated did not get sick. (C)

    Analysis:

    First Clause      : The children did not get sick (correct)
    Second Clause : that were vaccinated (correct)
                              THAT functions as CONNECTOR  and SUBJECT, too. Verb is WERE.

2. I did not vote for the politician who he just won the election. (I)

    Analysis:


    First Clause      :  I did not vote the politician. (Correct)
    Second Clause :  Who he just won the election (Incorrect)
                               It should be "Who just won the election". There are double subject: WHO and HE.
                               WHO  functions as CONNECTOR and SUBJECT. WON is Verb. So, remove HE.
                              
3. The dog that barking belongs to my neighbor. (I)

    Analysis:

    First Clause      : The dog belongs to my neighbor (correct)
    Second Clause :  that barking (incorrect).
                              THAT functions as CONNECTOR and SUBJECT. But IS is missing
                              The second sentence should be "that is barking".

4. I took two of the blue pills, which were very effective. (C)

    Analysis :


    First Clause      : I took two of the blue pills. (correct)
    Second Clause :  which were very effective (correct)
                              Which fucntions as CONNECTOR ans SUBJECT, too.

5. We rented an apartment from the landlord who does he own the buildings on Maple Street. (I)

    Analysis  :

    First Clause      :  We rented an apartment from the Landlord. (correct)
    Second Clause :  Who does he own the building on Maple Street. (incorrect)
                               Who functions as Connector and Subject.
                               Own is VERB.
                               Does and HE should be removed.
                               The correct sentence is Who owns the building on Maple Street.



6. She forgot to attend the meeting which it began at 11:00. (I)

    Analysis  :

    First Clause     : She forgot to attend the meeting. (correct)
    Second clause : which it began at 11:00. (incorrect)
                             WHICH fucntions as Connector and Subject, too. began is Verb.
                             it should be removed. So, the correct sentence is which began at 11:00.

7. Any student who does not turn in the paper by Friday will fail the class. (C)

    Analysis   :

    First clause      : Any student will fail the class. (correct).
    Second clause : who does not turn in the paper by Friday. (correct).
                            Who functions as connector and Subject, too. Verb is does not turn in.

8. The people which came in late had to sit at the back. (C)

    Analysis  :

    First clause      : The people has to sit back. (correct)
    Second clause :  which came in late. (correct).
                             which functions as connector and subject. Verb is came.

9. The courses that satisfy the graduation requirements they are difficult. (I)

   Analysis     :

   First clause      : The course they are difficult. (incorrect)
                            There are double subjects: the course and they. So, they should be removed.
                            The  correct clause should be the course are difficult.
   Second clause :  that satisfy the graduation requirements. (correct)

10. After dinner she went to visit her parents, who were living down the street. (C).

  Analysis    :
 
  First clause      : After dinner she went to visit her parents. (correct).
  Scond clause   : who were living in the street. (correct).
                           Who functions as connector and subject. Verb is are living.

Next, You can practice:

•  EXERCISE (skill 9 - 10)
• TOEFL EXERCISE (skill 9 - 10)
• TOEFL REVIEW Exercise (skill 1-10). Download all material here.

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

TOEFL Exercise (Skill 9 10)

Before reading and doing the exercise below, you should read the explanation of skill 9 (Adjective Clause Connector) and skill 10 (Adjective Clause Connector/Subject).

EXERCISE (Skills 9—10): Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. My sisters prefer to eat food that have cooked themselves.

2. The boat that hit the underwater rock sank.

3. The car which he was driving could not possibly be his.

4. The children built a house in the tree that in the backyard.

5. The cost of the trip which we wanted to take.

6. The children are playing with the toys which their mother told them to put away.

7. The guests who were seated around the dinner table.

8. The students have to read all the chapters which are on the test.

9. I really do not like the artists which you like.

10. The stones that they were set in the ring were quite valuable.

For more exercise of TOEFL EXERCISE (Skill 9-10) and TOEFL REVIEW Exercise (Skill 1-10), please Download here.

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

Parallel Structure with Coordinate Connector (Skill 14)

Previous problem/Skill: Problem/skill with  Agreement after certain words (skill 13).

The job of the coordinate conjunctions (and, but, or) is to join together equal expressions. In other words, what is on one side of these words must be parallel to what is on the other side. These conjunctions can join nouns, or verbs, or adjectives, or phrases, or clauses; they just must join together the same structures. Here are examples of equal structures correctly joined by coordinate conjunctions:

He discussed the problem with the nurse and the doctor

The professor was knowledgeable but boring

She hikes, jogs, or rides her bicycle whenever she can.

There are meetings in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening

You can do the work because you want to do it or because you have to do it

In the first example, two nouns are joined by the coordinate conjunction and. In the second example, two adjectives are joined by the coordinate conjunction but. In the third example, three verbs are joined by the coordinate conjunction or. In the fourth example, three phrases are joined by the coordinate conjunction and. In the last example; two clauses are joined by the coordinate conjunction or.

The sentences that follow show the types of errors in parallel structure that are common on the TOEFL test.

The evening dress was beauty* but expensive.

The student reads each chapter, takes a lot of notes, and memories* the material.

In the first example, the coordinate conjunction but joins the noun beauty and the adjective expensive. The adjective beautiful is needed in place of beauty. In the second example, the coordinate conjunction and joins the verb reads, the verb takes, and the plural noun memories. The verb memorizes is needed in place of memories.

The following chart outlines the use of parallel structures with coordinate con junctions.

EXERCISE 14: Each of the following sentences contains words or groups of words that should be parallel. Circle the word that indicates that the sentence should have parallel parts. Underline the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The pastries in that shop are very expensive but quite deliciously. (I)

     Analysis:

• before BUT  and after BUT must have the same structure. EXPENSIVE is adjective, but deliciously is adverb. So, it is incorrect.
• It should be ....very expensive but quite delicious.

2. You can find some change to buy a paper in the drawer, on top of the dresser, or in the jar. (C)

     Analysis:

• in the drawer, on top of the dresser, or in the jar are all in same structure (adverb). So, it is correct.

3. The living room was decorated with expensive paintings and elegance lamps. (I).

    Analysis:

• expensive (adjective) painting and elegance (noun) lamps have different structure. So, it is incorrect.
• It should be ....expensive painting and elegant lamps.

4. He knew that the financial problems were serious, that the situation was not going to improve, and that he needed to get a job.

    Analysis:

• ......that the situation was not going to improve and that he needs to get a  job have the same structure. Both sentences are clauses. So, it is correct

5. All day long during the trip to the mountains, they were skiing, sledding, or played in the snow. (I)

   Analysis:

• ...skiing, sledding, or played....(incorrect). It should be ..skiing, sledding, or playing.

6. The car needs new tires but not a new engine. (C)

    Analysis:

• ...new tires (phrase) but not a new engine (phrase). So, it is correct

7. He stops working when he gets too tired to continue or when he has finished. (C)

    Analysis:

• ...when he gets too tired to continue (clause) or when he has finished (clause). So, it is correct

8. To get to the office, you should go through this door, turn to the left, and continuation down the hall. (I)

    Analysis:

• ...go (verb) through this door, turn (verb) to the left, and continuation (noun) down the hall. So it is incorrect.
• It should be ".....go......, turn, and continue,,,,,,,"

9. For dessert we could serve lemon pie, fruit tarts, chocolate cake, or butter cookies.(C)

    Analysis:

• ....lemon pie, fruit tarts, chocolate cake and butter cookies are all phrases. So, it is correct.

10. The sick child needs some medicine, some juice, and to rest. (I)

      Analysis:

• some medicine, some juice and to rest. (incorrect)
• It should be "..some medicine. some juice and some rest"

Next Problem/Skill: Problem/Skill with  parallel structure with paired conjunction

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