Adjective Clause

Remember that some types of clauses are dependent, meaning

that they cannot stand alone. They do not express a complete
thought. Sometimes, these clauses are also calledsubordinate
clauses. A dependent clause, or subordinate clause, can
function in three ways in a sentence: as a noun, as an adjective, or
as an adverb.
An adjective clause is a dependent clause that functions as an
adjective in the sentence. Adjective clauses can also be
called relative clauses. An adjective clausebegins with
a relative pronoun or a relative adverb. Often the relative
pronoun or relative adverb will function as thesubject of the clause.
Here is a list of relative pronouns:
who whom which that whose
Here is a list of relative adverbs:
when why where
How to find an adjective clause:
1) A dependent clause in a sentence will always contain both a
subject and a verb. Make sure that when you find something you
think is a clause that it does have a subject and a verb.
2) An adjective clause will begin with a relative pronoun or a
relative adverb. Does the clause that you found begin with one of
those?
3) Finally, does the clause answer the same types of questions that
an adjective answers? Does it tell you which one, what kind, or how
many? Does it give you more information about a noun or pronoun
that comes before it? If so, then you have found anadjective
clause.
Examples of Adjective Clause:
Below are some examples of sentences containing adjective
clauses, with explanations.
1) The lady who lives across the street is my aunt.
The subject of the clause is "who" and the verb is "lives". This
clause is giving us more information about the "lady"-which one?
2) The book that is on the chair belongs to Marvin.
The subject of the clause is "that" and the verb is "is". This clause is
giving us more information about the "book"-which one.
Here are some additional examples of sentences with adjective
clauses.
3) I do not like people who are mean to animals. (gives more
information about people)
4) Did you go to the school where my friend Jim goes? (gives more
information about school)
5) The moment when the clown burst in to surprise the teacher was
great! (gives more information about the moment)
6) The reason why I left is a secret. (gives more information about
reason)
7) Can you see the bird that is on the fence? (gives more
information about bird)
8) The cat whom we are watching just caught a mouse! (gives more
information about cat)
9) The boy whose shoes are on the floor is my little brother. (gives
more information about boy)
10) I like pizza,which is also the favorite of my sister Jean. (gives
more information about pizza)