What is an adjective clause? I'll show you!

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore adjective clauses, also known as relative clauses, which are essential for adding detail and depth to your sentences. Understanding how to use these clauses can enhance your writing and communication skills. We will break down the concept, provide examples, and offer tips on how to identify and use adjective clauses effectively.

Step 1: Understanding Adjective Clauses

Adjective clauses are dependent clauses that modify nouns. They typically begin with relative pronouns such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," or "that." Here’s how they work:

• Function: They provide more information about a noun in the sentence.
• Placement: They usually follow the noun they modify.

Example:

• The book that you lent me was fascinating.
  (Here, "that you lent me" is the adjective clause describing "the book.")

Step 2: Identifying Relative Pronouns

Recognizing the relative pronouns is crucial for identifying adjective clauses. Here’s a list of common relative pronouns:

• Who: Refers to people.
• Whom: Also refers to people (more formal).
• Whose: Indicates possession.
• Which: Refers to animals or things.
• That: Refers to people, animals, or things.

Tip: Focus on the noun being described to determine the correct relative pronoun to use.

Step 3: Creating Adjective Clauses

To form an adjective clause, combine a relative pronoun with a verb and provide additional information. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with the noun you want to modify.
2. Choose the appropriate relative pronoun.
3. Add a verb and any necessary details.

Example:

• Original sentence: The teacher is strict.
• Modified with an adjective clause: The teacher who teaches math is strict.

Step 4: Using Sentence Diagrams

Visual aids like sentence diagrams can help clarify how adjective clauses fit into sentences. To diagram an adjective clause:

1. Identify the main clause.
2. Draw a line to connect the main clause to the adjective clause.
3. Label the parts of the sentence, highlighting the noun being modified and the relative pronoun.

Practical Tip: Use sentence diagrams as a study tool to visualize and reinforce your understanding of how adjective clauses function.

Step 5: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When using adjective clauses, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Misplacing the clause: Ensure the clause follows the noun it describes to avoid confusion.
• Using unnecessary clauses: Avoid adding clauses that do not provide essential information.
• Confusing restrictive and non-restrictive clauses: A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence (no commas), while a non-restrictive clause adds extra information (use commas).

Example:

• Restrictive: The car that is parked outside is mine.
• Non-restrictive: My car, which is parked outside, is blue.

Conclusion

Adjective clauses are a powerful tool for adding detail and clarity to your writing. By understanding how to form and use them correctly, you can enhance your communication skills. Practice identifying and creating adjective clauses in your writing, and consider using sentence diagrams to improve your understanding. For more resources, check out the additional materials on the Grammar Revolution website. Happy learning!