Adjective Clause Examples with Definitions You Should Know

Adjective clause examples: Are you confused about what adjective clauses are and probably looking for some examples for clarity? Worry not, as we have got you covered! But before that, you must know what are clauses. As a grammar nazi, you must be aware that they are a group of words that include a subject or a verb which upon combining, form a sentence or a part of it. Similarly, a sentence with an adjective clause will include a subject and a verb. Without which they are meaningless in English grammar. 

Continue reading this blog as you will get to read about adjective clauses examples and how they can be used in sentences. 

Complete List of Adjectives From A-Z

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B

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What is an Adjective Clause? – Definition

An adjective clause is a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone) and acts like an adjective in the sentence. It is also known by another name, that is, relative clause. These clauses modify or describe a noun or a pronoun in the main clause of a sentence. 

Adjective Clause Examples with Usage

The usage of adjectival clauses can vary depending on the situation. However, it mainly provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Here’s how you can use an adjective clause within a sentence: 

1. Identifying Descriptive Purpose:

In this case, the purpose of what the subject is doing is pointed out in the sentence. 

• The man who is standing over there is my uncle.
• She lives in a house that has a blue door.
• This is the book that I was telling you about.

2. Restrictive or Non-Restrictive: 

Restrictive clauses narrow down the meaning of the noun they modify. They are not set off by commas and are necessary for the meaning of the sentence.

Example: The car that is parked in front of the house belongs to me.

Non-restrictive clauses provide additional information that could be omitted without changing the core meaning of the sentence. They are also set off by commas.

Example: My brother, who lives in New York, is a doctor.

3. Relative Pronouns:

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) introduce adjective clauses and connect them to the noun or pronoun they modify.

Example: The person who called you last night is my friend.

Example: The book that is on the table is mine.

4. Relative Adverbs:

Relative adverbs (where, when, why) can also introduce adjective clauses, providing information about place, time, or reason.

Example: This is the hotel where we stayed last summer.

Example: Do you remember the day when we went to the beach?

5. Position within a Sentence:

It can come immediately after the noun they modify or at the end of a sentence.

Example: The girl who is wearing the red dress is my sister.

Example: My brother is a doctor, which makes my parents proud.

6. Omitting the Relative Pronoun:

In informal speech and writing, the relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted if it is the object of the clause and not the subject.

Example: The person I met yesterday is a famous actor. (Instead of “The person whom I met yesterday…”)

Adjective Clause Examples in Sentences

Here are some example sentences of adjective clauses which will help you understand this in detail. 

1. Identifying Purpose:

• The car that is parked in front of the house belongs to my neighbour.
• She met the man whose dog saved her from drowning.
• Do you know the girl who won the singing competition?

2. Descriptive Purpose:

• This is the house that was built in the 19th century.
• He bought a computer which has a touchscreen display.
• The dress that she wore to the party was stunning.

3. Restrictive or Non-Restrictive:

• Restrictive: The boy who is wearing a blue hat is my cousin.
• Non-restrictive: My sister, who just graduated from college, is moving to New York.

4. Relative Pronouns:

• The woman whom I met at the conference is a renowned scientist.
• I visited the city where I was born last summer.

5. Relative Adverbs:

• This is the reason why I couldn’t attend the meeting.
• I remember the day when we went hiking in the mountains.

6. Position within a Sentence:

• The doctor who treated my grandmother was very kind.
• We visited the museum that is located downtown.

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