The eerie sound <they heard> was the howling of wolves

[AntiScam]

Hello,

How do you analyze or identify the clause in bold in terms of grammar? What is it? and what does it modify?

The eerie sound they heard was the howling of wolves.

 

[owlman5]

"They heard" modifies the noun "sound". It is a shorter way to express this sentence: The eerie sound that they heard was the howling of wolves.

Is this your sentence, AntiScam, or does it belong to someone else? If it does, it would be courteous of you to mention the source.

 

[Loob]

It's a relative clause modiying "the eerie sound".

Does it help to see that if you add in the optional "that"?
The eerie sound that they heard was the howling of wolves.

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cross-posted

 

[AntiScam]

Thank you owlman5 and Loob
So it works as an adjective clause modifying sound. I knew it modifies sound but was not sure how to fit the things together.
It is an example from the book Elements of Language by Irvin et al.

 

[owlman5]

Thanks for mentioning the source, AS. I'm always delighted to see posts from members who make some effort to follow the rules.