Adjective Clauses: Definition, Function, Placement

• An adjective clause contains a subject and a verb, modifying a noun or pronoun in the main sentence clause
• Adjective clauses start with relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (where, when, why)
• Adjective clauses are also known as relative clauses

Function

• An adjective clause's main function is to describe or add information about a noun/pronoun in the main clause
• They clarify which one, what kind, or how many about the modified noun

Placement

• Adjective clauses are typically placed right after the noun or pronoun they modify
• This placement ensures a clear connection between the clause and the noun it describes

Relative Pronouns

• Relative pronouns link adjective clauses to the nouns/pronouns they modify
• Who: Refers to people when the pronoun acts as the clause's subject, for example, "The man who is speaking is my professor."
• Whom: Refers to people when the pronoun acts as the clause's object, for example, "The person whom you saw was my sister."
• Whose: Shows possession for people/things, for example, "The student whose project won is very talented."
• Which: Refers to things, for example, "The book which I borrowed is very interesting."
• That: Refers to people or things, for example, "The car that I bought is new."

Relative Adverbs

• Relative adverbs introduce adjective clauses to indicate time, place, or reason
• Where: Refers to a place, for example, "The city where I was born is beautiful."
• When: Refers to a time, for example, "The day when we met was special."
• Why: Refers to a reason, for example, "The reason why I'm here is important."

Essential vs. Nonessential Adjective Clauses

• Adjective clauses are either essential (restrictive) or nonessential (non-restrictive)
• Essential clauses are needed to identify the noun they modify
• Nonessential clauses add extra information but aren't essential for identifying the noun

Essential (Restrictive) Clauses

• Essential clauses are necessary for clearly identifying the noun or pronoun
• They aren't set off by commas because they are vital to the sentence's meaning
• Without the essential clause, the sentence's meaning is incomplete or unclear
• An example is: "The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week" (that I borrowed from the library identifies which book)

Nonessential (Non-Restrictive) Clauses

• Nonessential clauses add extra information that isn't essential for identifying the noun/pronoun
• They are set off by commas because the sentence still makes sense without them
• These clauses offer additional details that are interesting but not crucial
• For example: "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in New York" (who is a doctor gives extra information but isn't essential)

Examples in Sentences

• "The car that he drives is very expensive" (modifies "car," identifies which car)
• "The woman who helped me was very kind" (modifies "woman," identifies which woman)
• "The house where I grew up is still standing" (modifies "house," specifies which house)
• "The movie which we watched last night was thrilling" (modifies "movie," identifies which movie)
• "My friend, whose car was stolen, is very upset" (modifies "friend," provides extra information)
• "The reason why I'm late is that my bus was delayed" (modifies "reason," explains the reason)
• "The time when I feel happiest is during the holidays" (modifies "time," specifies when)
• "The students who study hard usually succeed" (modifies "students," identifies which students)
• "The cake that she baked was delicious" (modifies "cake," identifies which cake")
• "The teacher, whom everyone respects, is retiring soon" (modifies "teacher," provides extra information)