ADJECTIVE CLAUSE

ADJECTIVE CLAUSE

Adjective clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adjective and a noun or pronoun describes a complex sentence. Complex sentence is a sentence that consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clause.

                Position adjective clause always follows the noun or pronoun (subject or object) is described. In other words, this clause is the information added to the subject or object.

                Adjective clause begins with a word called relative pronouns (who, Whom, etc). This word is useful to bridge relationships with subject / object described.

Function of the adjective clause or a relative clause is:

1.           Clarify or define which people or things are being discussed, without making a new sentence.

2.          Avoid unnecessary repetition of words. Remember, avoid repetition as much as possible.

Writing adjective clause in the sentence: With or without coma coma?

Sometimes we get confused in deciding whether the adjective clause must be separated from the main sentence with a comma or not. Understand this rule.

1.       Do not use commas if the adjective clause in the sentence where necessary as descriptors that define the person / thing that is being discussed. This is what in terms of grammar called defining relative clause. Without defining relative clause, those discussed in the sentence would be unclear.

2.       Use commas if the adjective clause in the sentence being only as additional information about someone / something. This is what in terms of grammar called non-defining relative clause. Without the use of a non-defining relative clause-one, things / people spoken of in the sentence is obvious.

Defining Relative Clause	Non-defining Relative Clause
The rhincodon typus is a species of shark which reaches approximately 12 metres (39 ft).	Sharks, which date from more than 420 million years ago, have diversified into 440 species.
I will introduce you to a friend who runs a successful business.	Mr. Lui, who has been our principal for two years, is a very energetic man.

Tips to make adjective clause

1. "Who" used when  adjective clause talking about people, not things.
• The doctor who is examining the patient is a heart specialist.
• I am going to tell you a story about a man who risked his own life to help another..

2. "That" or "which" used when  adjective clause talk about things, not a person.
• The book that I borrowed from the local library two days ago was about the theories of learning.
• My son enjoyed reading the storybook that I bought him last month.

3. "That" more commonly used than "which". But , non-defining relative clause should only be used "which".
• She lived in a house that / which overlooked the beach.
• He told us about his new job, which he enjoyed very much. (‘that’ is not possible)

4. "Whose" used to replace a possessive pronoun "his", "her", "their".
• A widow is a woman whose husband is dead. (her husband is dead)
• Do you still remember the boy whose book you borrowed?

5. "Whom" used to replace personal pronouns if the position is as an object in adjective clause. In spoken English, "whom" often replaced by "who", "that", or eliminated altogether.
• Do you know the man (whom) we met in the hotel lobby this morning?
• The student (whom) the teacher sent out was caught cheating during a test.

6. "Where" used when  adjective clause talking about place.
• The house where we lived before moving here was quite old.
• The beach where human skeletons were found is closed for public.

7. "When" used when  adjective clause talking about time.
• Do you still remember the day when we first met?
• September is the month when mango trees start to bear fruit.