Adjective Clauses: Sentence Structure

In English, we use adjective clauses to give more information about a noun in a sentence. These clauses help to describe or identify the noun in a more detailed way. Let’s explore how they work.

What is an Adjective Clause?

An adjective clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It functions as an adjective in a sentence, modifying a noun or pronoun. These clauses often begin with relative pronouns such as ‘who’, ‘which’, ‘that’, ‘whom’, or ‘whose’, and sometimes with relative adverbs like ‘where’, ‘when’, or ‘why’.

How to Identify an Adjective Clause?

To identify an adjective clause, look for the following:

1.  Relative Pronouns: These words introduce adjective clauses. They connect the clause to the noun it modifies.Example: The book that is on the table belongs to me.
2.  Relative Adverbs: These words can also introduce adjective clauses, providing additional information about time, place, or reason.Example: She visited the place where she was born.

Functions of Adjective Clauses:

1.  Describing Nouns: Adjective clauses provide more information about the noun they modify.Example: The student who won the competition is my friend.
2.  Identifying Nouns: Adjective clauses help to identify or specify the noun.Example: I like the car that is parked outside.

Placement of Adjective Clauses:

Adjective clauses can come before or after the noun they modify, depending on the structure of the sentence. When the information is essential, it is not separated by commas. However, when the information is extra, it is separated by commas.

Example:

• Essential: The man who lives next door is a doctor. (No commas)
• Non-essential: John’s sister, who lives in Paris, is visiting us. (Commas)

Practice Exercise:

Identify the adjective clauses in the following sentences:

1.  The house that Jack built is very old.
2.  She found the keys which were missing.
3.  I don’t know the reason why he left.
4.  Do you know the girl who won the race?
5.  This is the place where I first met her.

Exercises : 

• Exercise 1: Adjective Clauses | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 2: Adjective Clauses | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 3: Adjective Clauses | Practice Test Online

Conclusion:

Understanding adjective clauses is essential for constructing complex sentences and providing detailed descriptions. Practice using them in your writing to enhance clarity and precision.