Adjective Clauses

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An adjective clause, also called, a relative clause, starts with a RELATIVE PRONOUN, such as who, which, or that. Or an adjective clause can start with a RELATIVE ADVERB,  such as when or where.

An adjective clause modifies the NOUN or PRONOUN  that it follows:

A.) The car that Jack bought is practical. [The adjective clause describes the noun car; that is a relative pronoun referring to car.]

B.) The day when I can buy my own car is getting closer. [The adjective clause modifies the noun day; when is a relative adverb referring to day.]

Use who, whom, whoever, whomever, and whose when an adjective clause refers to a person or to an animal with a name:

A.) The Smythes, who collect cars, are wealthy.

B.) Their dog Bowser, who is large and loud, has been spoiled. 

Use which or that when an adjective clause refers to a thing or to an animal that isn't a pet. Sometimes writers omit that from an adjective clause. For grammatical analysis, however, consider the omitted that to be implied and, therefore, present.


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