Adjective Clauses

Definition

• Adjective clauses provide more information about a noun, essentially defining it.

Examples

• Example 1: "I love the shoes that you're wearing."
  • Shoes (noun) is defined by that you're wearing.
• Example 2: "The computer which I bought isn't very good."
  • Computer (noun) is defined by which I bought.

Types of Adjective Clauses

1. Defining Adjective Clauses

• Define exactly which person or thing is being talked about.
• Do not use commas.
• Examples:
  • "I love people who like to have a good time."
  • "I will eat anything that contains cheese."

Introduction of Adjective Clauses

• Introduced by relative pronouns:
  • Who, whom, that, which, when, where.

Usage of Relative Pronouns

1. As subjects of verbs:
   • "The man that is playing the piano is my friend."
   • "The store which sells that kind of furniture is Ikea."
2. As objects of verbs:
   • "Do you know the guy that I'm talking about?"
   • In spoken English, we often omit the relative pronouns:
     • Example: "The coffee you bought was absolutely delicious."

Specific Notes on Relative Pronouns

• Who and whom:

  • Used for people; whom is more formal.
  • Example: "Teachers are people whom I really respect" vs. "Teachers are people who I really respect."

• That:

  • Can be used for both people and things.
  • Example: "The library that we visited was quite beautiful."
  • Example: "The officer that spoke to us was quite rude."

• Which:

  • Used only for things.
  • Example: "The class which I study in is really fun."

Conclusion

• Understanding adjective clauses enhances sentence structure and clarity in communication.