Noun & Adjective Clauses (Defining & Non-defining)
A noun clause does the job of a noun (subject, object). An adjective (relative) clause describes a noun and usually begins with who, which, that, whose, where, when.
Noun clause examples
What he said was true. (subject)
I know that you are right. (object)
Adjective clause examples
The man who called is my uncle.
The book that I read was good.
Adjective clauses are of two types:
Defining (no commas) — gives essential information: The boy who won got a prize.
Non-defining (with commas) — gives extra information: My father, who is a doctor, is kind.
Tip: Non-defining clauses sit between commas and can be removed without breaking the main meaning. Defining clauses cannot be removed.
Common mistake: Using that in a non-defining clause. Use who/which with commas: "My car, which is red, is new" (not "that").
✏️ Test Yourself
1. What you need is rest.
2. The girl who sang is my sister.
3. I believe that he is honest.
4. The house that we bought is old.
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — in a quiet, gentle, and submissive manner.
“Try to talk meekly with anyone.”
Meaning — a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
“The film’s tragic ending put all in a melancholy mood.”
Meaning — someone who competes against .
“I can’t forgive my opponents.”
Meaning — strange; odd.
“I was a queer scene in my room.”
Meaning — a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others.
“Saba Dasthyari was a Philanthropist.”