adverbial clause

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

Please read the following sentence:

We went along a dirt road that led down into a valley, about a mile out of town, where there was a pond.

The textbook explained that 'where there was a pond is an adverbial clause of place'. I don't think so. I think it should be an attributive clause modifying 'valley'. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

[matthewpage]

most native speakers would have no idea how to answer this question, you best consult a serious teacher or grammar guide. but most likely your book is correct. are you preparing for some grammar test, like IELTS?

[Mariner]

Hi Jiang,
It might be easier to understand the difference in sentences formed like this:

We went along a dirt road that led down into the valley where there was a pond

We went along a dirt road that led down into a valley, where there was a pond.

The second sentence (as the sentence in your example) involves a place adverbial. The first sentece involves a wh-clause with the function of post-modifier of "valley"

[MikeNewYork]

Dear teachers,

Please read the following sentence:

We went along a dirt road that led down into a valley, about a mile out of town, where there was a pond.

The textbook explained that 'where there was a pond is an adverbial clause of place'. I don't think so. I think it should be an attributive clause modifying 'valley'. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

I agree with you. This sentence refers to a "valley where or in which there was a pond". The clause is adjectival because it describes "valley".

[MikeNewYork]

Hi Jiang,
It might be easier to understand the difference in sentences formed like this:

We went along a dirt road that led down into the valley where there was a pond

We went along a dirt road that led down into a valley, where there was a pond.

The second sentence (as the sentence in your example) involves a place adverbial. The first sentece involves a wh-clause with the function of post-modifier of "valley"

I don't see the difference there. The article change doesn't really affect the function of the clause. IMO, it describes "valley" in both cases.

[Mariner]

It's not only about the article, but also the use of comma. I believe that we can treat it the same way as in sentences like:

I gave the book to a neighbor, who is tall
vs.
I gave the book to the neighbor who is tall

The second one, implies that we gave the book to the tall neighbor (and not the short one, for example).

Similarly, I think that
We went along a dirt road that led down into the valley where there was a pond implies that from all the valleys, the road led down into the valley where there was a pond.

At least that's how I would perceive the difference

[MikeNewYork]

It's not only about the article, but also the use of comma. I believe that we can treat it the same way as in sentences like:

I gave the book to a neighbor, who is tall
vs.
I gave the book to the neighbor who is tall

The second one, implies that we gave the book to the tall neighbor (and not the short one, for example).

I agree, but the "who" clause modifies "neighbor in both cases" With the comma, the information is viewed to be accessory; without the comma it is viewed as being essential/defining. In both cases, however, the neighber is tall.

{quote]Similarly, I think that
We went along a dirt road that led down into the valley where there was a pond implies that from all the valleys, the road led down into the valley where there was a pond.

At least that's how I would perceive the difference[/quote]

I agree, but as above, the clause with the pond describes the valley. IMO.

[jiang]

Hi matterwpage,

Thank you very much for your advise. I am not preparing for some grammar test.

Best wishes,

Jiang

most native speakers would have no idea how to answer this question, you best consult a serious teacher or grammar guide. but most likely your book is correct. are you preparing for some grammar test, like IELTS?

[jiang]

Dear Mariner,
Thank you very much for your help. But I see no difference between the sentences.

Best wishes,

Jiang

It's not only about the article, but also the use of comma. I believe that we can treat it the same way as in sentences like:

I gave the book to a neighbor, who is tall
vs.
I gave the book to the neighbor who is tall

The second one, implies that we gave the book to the tall neighbor (and not the short one, for example).

Similarly, I think that
We went along a dirt road that led down into the valley where there was a pond implies that from all the valleys, the road led down into the valley where there was a pond.

At least that's how I would perceive the difference

[jiang]

Dear Mike,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

I agree with you. This sentence refers to a "valley where or in which there was a pond". The clause is adjectival because it describes "valley".