Learn English Grammar: The Adjective Clause (Relative Clause)

Summary

In this educational video, Adam from www.engvid.com delves into the intricacies of adjective clauses, also known as relative clauses. He explains the distinction between defining and modifying clauses, their function in sentences, and the use of relative pronouns like 'who', 'which', and 'that'. Adam clarifies when to use a comma and highlights the importance of placing the clause close to the noun it modifies. He also touches on exceptions to this rule and the use of prepositions with conjunctions, providing examples to illustrate each point.

Takeaways

• 📘 The script introduces the concept of the adjective clause, a type of dependent clause that functions like an adjective by providing information about a noun in the sentence.
• 🔍 Adjective clauses are also known as relative clauses, and they can be found in various grammar books under either term.
• 📌 There are two types of adjective clauses: defining (essential to the meaning of the noun) and modifying (additional, non-essential information).
• 🚫 Defining adjective clauses do not use a comma, whereas modifying adjective clauses are set off by a comma.
• 📝 Adjective clauses begin with a relative pronoun, which can also act as the subject of the clause in some cases.
• 🙅‍♂️ Relative pronouns like 'whom', 'whose', 'when', 'where', and 'why' cannot be the subject of the clause and only serve as conjunctions.
• 👥 'Who' can be used for people, but 'that' is generally used for things, although 'that' can also refer to people.
• 🏷 'Whose' indicates possession and is not limited to people; it can refer to possession by things as well.
• 📍 The position of the adjective clause is crucial; it usually comes immediately after the noun it modifies, but there are exceptions.
• ✂️ Adjective clauses can be complex, with multiple clauses in a single sentence, but clarity should be maintained to avoid confusion.
• 🔄 The use of 'which' can modify the entire preceding clause, not just a single noun, and is one of the exceptions to the proximity rule.

Q & A

What is an adjective clause also known as?

An adjective clause is also known as a relative clause. Different grammar books may use these terms interchangeably.

What is the primary function of an adjective clause in a sentence?

The primary function of an adjective clause is to act like an adjective, providing additional information about a noun in the sentence.

What are the two types of adjective clauses mentioned in the script?

The two types of adjective clauses are defining adjective clauses, which are necessary to identify the noun, and modifying adjective clauses, which provide extra information about the noun.

Should you use a comma before an adjective clause?

You should not use a comma before a defining adjective clause, but you should use a comma before a modifying adjective clause.

What is a relative pronoun and why is it important in an adjective clause?

A relative pronoun is a word that begins an adjective clause and serves as a conjunction. It is important because it connects the clause to the noun it modifies.

Which relative pronouns can also function as the subject of the clause?

The relative pronouns 'that', 'which', and 'who' can also function as the subject of the clause.

What is the difference between 'who' and 'whom' when used in an adjective clause?

'Who' can be used as a subject in an adjective clause, while 'whom' can only be used as an object and must be followed by a verb.

Can an adjective clause be placed far away from the noun it modifies?

Generally, an adjective clause should come right after the noun it modifies. However, there are exceptions where it can be placed further away if the context is clear.

What is the purpose of using 'whose' in an adjective clause?

The word 'whose' is used in an adjective clause to indicate possession, and it does not necessarily have to refer to a person.

Can you use 'that' and 'which' interchangeably in all cases?

While some grammar books suggest that 'that' and 'which' can be used interchangeably, it is often preferred to use 'that' for identifying clauses and 'which' for modifying clauses.

What is a special use of 'which' in an adjective clause?

A special use of 'which' is to modify the entire clause preceding it, rather than just a single noun, and this is indicated by a comma.

Can a sentence have more than one adjective clause?

Yes, a sentence can have multiple adjective clauses, as many as there are nouns that require additional information.

What is the role of a preposition in an adjective clause?

In an adjective clause, a preposition can be used with a relative pronoun to indicate a specific relationship, such as possession or location, and it should be placed at the beginning of the clause.