Scott,
You have some interesting responses to your question.  May I
offer a slightly different one?  I would argue that the function of
the clause [that they avoid the campground of the masses] is
nothing more than an adverb clause that serves to clarify the
meaning of "so," the adverb that modifies "ardent."
tj


On Friday 02/25/2011 at 10:14 am, Scott Woods   wrote:
>
>
>
> Dear List,
>
> How would you explain the clause bracketed clause in the following 
> sentence?
>
>    Some in this group are so ardent [that they avoid the campgrounds 
> of the masses.]
>
> Does the clause start at so? Or does it modify ardent?
>
> It seems like a very common type, but it doesn't seem to fit the 
> normal pattern of a noun clause, an adjective clause, or an adverb 
> clause.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Scott Woods
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