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An adjective clause or relative clause is a dependent cause introduced by a relative pronoun or

relative adverb. It functions as an adjective, and it modifies or describes a noun or pronoun in the
independent clause.
* A relative pronoun replaces a noun or pronoun in the dependent clause. They are:
who, (refers to people and is a subject)
whom, (refers to people and is an object pronoun)
which, (refers to things and is a subject or object pronoun)
that, (refers to thing or people and is a subject or object pronoun)
whose + noun (refers to thing or people and is a possessive)
* A relative adverb replaces a prepositional phrase in the dependent clause. They are:
where, (refers to place)
when (refers to time)
why (refers to reason)
It is important to distinguish between defining/restrictive and non-defining relative/non-restrictive clauses.
DEFINING RELATIVE/ RESTICTIVE CLAUSE
Defining relative clause is an essential part of the meaning of a sentence and therefore it cannot be
left out. It defines exactly who or what we are talking about.

1. Relative pronouns as subjects


Ex. The woman who lives next door is a registered nurse.
The doctor who helped me most was Dr. Smith.
2. Relative pronoun as objects


Ex. The Doctor (whom) I found most helpful was Dr. Smith.
There is the house that I'd like to buy.
3. Possessive relative clauses
A. In the subject pattern

Ex. I know someone whose father served in World War II.
who
which + verb + complement
that
whom
which + subject + verb + complement
that
whose + noun + subject + verb + compliment
whose + noun + verb + compliment
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B. In the object pattern
Ex. I explained my absence to the teacher whose class I had missed.
NON-DEFINING RELATIVE/ NON-RESTRICTIVE CLAUSES
Non-defining relative clause is used by adding extra information to the noun that stands in front of
it, and it can be left out of a sentence. Comma(s) is/are needed.
1. Relative pronouns as subjects

Ex. Dr. Jonh, who has written several books, spoke at the workshop last night.
My favorite drink is Whisky, which is one of the most profitable exports.
2. Relative pronoun as objects


Ex. Stephen, whom (who) the Prime Minister sacked from the cabinet, has become the chairman of Redland
Bank.
3. Possessive relative clause
A. In the subject pattern

Ex. Opportunities for NUM graduates, whose degrees are Business of Administration, are first priority in
getting a job.
B. In the object pattern

Ex. I explanted my absence to CP teacher, whose class I had missed.
PRACTICE 1
Underline the adjective clause in each of the following sentences. Write R for a restrictive and NR for a non-
restrictive clause in the space provided. Circle the word it modifies.
1. ______Mike, whose ancestors came from Ireland, marched in the St. Patrick's Day parade.
2. ______The woman who lives next door is a registered nurse.
3. ______Williamsburg, Virginia, is a place that I'd like to visit.
4. ______Math, which is Dave's favorite subject, has always been easy for him.
5. ______There is the house that I'd like to buy.
6. ______Larry's letter, which he mailed Tuesday, reached me on Thursday.
7. ______Summer, which is my favorite season, will be here in another week.
who
which + verb + complement

whom
who + subject + verb + complement
which
Whose + noun + verb + compliment
Whose + noun + subject + verb + compliment
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8. ______Phil is reading The Call of the Wild, which is Jack London's most famous book.
9. ______We live just twenty miles from O'Hare Airport, which is the world's busiest airport.
10. ______Newton, Iowa, is the town where Barbara was born.
11. ______I'm taking golf lessons from Erika Lavery, who is a pro at the country club.
12. ______That dog that you found belongs to the Olsons.
13. ______Is that the jacket you want to buy?
14. ______There is a chance that Norm will win the election.
15. ______Is this the letter you were expecting?
16. ______Over there is the school that I attended.
17. ______Mr. Hartman is a history teacher who also coaches track.
18. ______Is that the antique show you visited?
19. ______The Harveys have a dog that is fourteen years old.
20. ______For dinner, we had chicken fried steak, which is my favorite dish.
PRACTICE 2
1. The man was sick. He looked very pale.
..
..
2. He was sitting in the emergency room. It was very crowded.
..
..
3. A nurse was nearby. He called to her.
..
..
4. The nurse called a doctor. He came quickly.
..
..
5. The doctor asked him to lie down. She looked very worried.
..
..
6. She gave the man an injection. It made him go to sleep.
..
..

Lecturer: NGET DARO
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ANSWER
1. The man, who looked very pale, was sick.
The man, who was sick, looked very pale.
2. He was sitting in the emergency room, which was very crowded.
3. He called to a nurse, who was nearby.
He called to a nurse who was nearby.
A nurse, whom he called to, was nearby.
A nurse whom he called to was nearby.
4. The nurse called a doctor, who came quickly.
The nurse called a doctor who came quickly.
5. The doctor, who looked very worried, asked him to lie down.
6. She gave the man an injection, which made him go to sleep.
She gave the man an injection which made him go to sleep.
She gave the man an injection that made him go to sleep.