Complex Sentences: Adjective (Relative) Clauses
The second kind of dependent clause is the adjective clause (also called a relative clause) — it functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. It begins with a relative pronoun: who/whom (people), which (things), whose/that (people or things), when (time), where (place).
Place the adjective clause as close as possible to the noun it modifies: The experiment that was carried out on the mouse was unsuccessful (clear) — not The experiment on the mouse that was carried out… (unclear).
Relative clauses are of two kinds:
| Kind | Role | Commas? |
|---|---|---|
| Restrictive (defining) | identifies the noun — essential | no commas |
| Non-restrictive (non-defining) | adds extra, non-essential information | commas |
Restrictive: The material which was used in the experiment was impure. (needed to identify which material)
Non-restrictive: The material from the experiment, which was impure, was weighed twice. (extra detail — can be removed)
Tip: If you can remove the clause without losing the noun's identity, it is non-restrictive — set it off with commas. If removing it leaves the noun unclear, it is restrictive — no commas.
Common mistake: Putting the adjective clause far from its noun, creating ambiguity. Keep it next to the noun it describes.
✏️ Test Yourself
1. "The material, which was impure, was weighed twice."
2. "The material which was used in the experiment was impure."
3. Non-restrictive clauses are set off with ___ .
4. An adjective clause should sit close to the ___ it modifies.
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — Filled to satisfaction.
Synonyms: Full, Packed
“The meal was replete with flavors from various cuisines.”
Meaning — Corrupt morally or impair the quality of something.
Synonyms: Corrupt, Spoil
“The evidence was vitiated by the lawyer's improper conduct.”
Meaning — Something intended to deceive.
Synonyms: Trick, Fraud
“The rumor about the alien sighting turned out to be a hoax.”
Meaning — Be larger in number, power, or influence.
Synonyms: Triumph, Dominate
“Justice will always prevail over evil.”
Meaning — A deceitful and unreliable scoundrel.
Synonyms: Scoundrel, Villain
“The rogue managed to escape the authorities once again.”