Adjective Clause definition, usages and examples

Adjective Clauses

An adjective clause, also referred to as a relative clause, is a dependent clause that acts as an adjective. It provides extra details about a noun or pronoun in the main clause, enhancing the sentence with more specific information.

About Adjective Clauses:

• Definition: An adjective clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb, serving as an adjective by modifying a noun or pronoun in the main clause.
• Introduction: Adjective clauses are typically introduced by relative pronouns like “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” or “that,” or relative adverbs such as “where,” “when,” or “why.”
• Modifying Nouns: These clauses provide additional details, descriptions, or clarifications about the noun or pronoun they modify, helping to paint a clearer picture.
• Placement: An adjective clause generally follows directly after the noun or pronoun it modifies. It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
• Essential vs. Nonessential: Adjective clauses can be categorized as essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive), depending on how crucial they are to the sentence’s meaning. Nonessential clauses are set off by commas.

Examples of Adjective Clauses:

• Essential (Restrictive): “The painting that she bought is very expensive.”
  • (modifies the noun “painting,” essential to the sentence’s meaning)
• Nonessential (Nonrestrictive): “My brother, who is a great chef, is hosting the dinner tonight.”
  • (adds extra information about “my brother,” but not essential to the sentence’s meaning)

Relative Pronouns and Adverbs in Adjective Clauses:

• Relative Pronouns: These are used to introduce adjective clauses, and they vary based on their function in the clause (subject, object, possessive). Example: “The athlete who broke the record is celebrating.”
• Relative Adverbs: These introduce adjective clauses that add information about time, place, or reason. Example: “I remember the moment when we first arrived.”