Meeting 7

Adjective Clause

Adjective clause is a group of words which contains a subject and a verb/predicate of its
own and does the work of an adjective.
See the examples below:
1. The umbrella with a broken handle is mine. (which umbrella?)
2. The umbrella which has a broken handle is mine. (which umbrella?)

The first group of words “with a broken handle” describes umbrella that is qualifies the
noun umbrella and does the work of an adjective. We called adjective phrase. The second group
of words “which has a broken handle” also describes the umbrella and so does the work of an
adjective, but because it contains a subject and a verb/predicate of its own, it is called adjective
clause.

SKILL 11: USE ADJECTIVE CLAUSE CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

ADJECTIVE CLAUSE CONNECTORS
whom which that
(for people) (for things) (for people and thing)
S V adjective connector S V
I like the book which you recommended
S adjective connector S V V
The book which you recommended was interesting
Note: The adjective connectors can be omitted. The omission is very common in spoken English
or in casual written English. It is not as common in formal English or in the structure section of
the TOEFL test.

EXERCISE 11: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the
subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Put boxes around the adjective clauses.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I). Give your reason!
C 1. It is important to fill out the form in the way that you have been instructed.
I 2. The car which I have been driving for five years for sale at a really good price.
3. I just finished reading the novel whom the professor suggested for my book report.
4. The plane that he was scheduled to take to Hawaii was delayed.

1
 5. The movie which we watched on cable last night it was really frightening.
6. I made an appointment with the doctor whom you recommended.
7. The enthusiasm with he greeted me made me feel welcome.
8. The story that you told me about job.
9. The men with whom were having the discussion did not seem very friendly.
10. I’m not really sure about taking part in the plans that we made last night.

SKILL 12: USE ADJECTIVE CLAUSE CONNECTOR/ SUBJECTS CORRECTLY

ADJECTIVE CLAUSE CONNECTOR/SUBJECTS

who which that

for people for thing for people and thing
S V adjective connector/subject V
She needs a secretary who type fast
S adjective connector/subject V V
A secretary who type fast is in invaluable

EXERCISE 12: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the
subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Put boxes around the noun clauses.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I). Give your reason!
C 1. The ice cream that is served in the restaurant has a smooth, creamy texture.
I 2. The cars are trying to enter the freeway system are lined up for blocks.
3. I have great respect for everyone who on the dean’s list.
4. It is going to be very difficult to work with the man which just began working here.
5. The door that leads to the vault it was tightly locked.
6. The neighbor reported the man who was trying to break into the car to the police.
7. These plants can only survive in an environment is extremely humid.
8. The boss meets with any production workers who they have surpassed their quotas.
9. The salesclerk ran after the woman who had left her credit card in the store.
10 The shoes which matched the dress that was on sale.

2
EXERCISE (SKILL 9-12): Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause.
Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Put boxes around the noun
clauses. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I). Give your reason!
1.No one explained to me whether was coming or not.
2. The part of the structure that has already been built needs to be torn down.
3. The girl who she just joined the softball team is a great shortstop.
4. I have no idea about when the meeting is supposed to start.
5. We have been told that we can leave whenever want.
6. The racquet with whom I was playing was too big and too heavy for me.
7. I will never understand what he did.
8. He was still sick was obvious to the entire medical staff.
9. What is most important in this situation it is to finish on time.
10. The newspaper that were piled up on the front porch were an indication that the
residents had not been home in some time.

Your task:
Answer the questions from number 6 until 10 in EXERCISE (SKILL 9-12) above !

Compare 3 of the sentences below:

1. I knew where I could find him
2. I went to the place where I could find him
3. I went where I could find him

Examples:

Choose whether the underlined clause in each song lyric is an Adjective, Adverb or Noun Clause.
Remember that a noun clause answers questions like "who(m)?" or "what?"; an adjective clause
answers questions like "which (one)?"; and an adverb clause answers questions like "when?",
"where?", "why?", "with what goal/result?", and "under what conditions?".

1. I will not make the same mistakes that you did. ("Because of You", Kelly Clarkson)
2. When the sun shines, we will shine together. ("Umbrella", Rihanna)
3. Wash away the thoughts inside that keep my mind away from you. ("Remember When It
Rained", Josh Groban)

3
4. If they could love like you and me, imagine what the world could be. ("If Everyone Cared",
Nickelback)
5. That is what the summer is all about! ("What Time Is It?", High School Musical 2)
6. If it takes the rest of my life, baby I will wait for you. ("Wait for You", Elliott Yamin)
7. Because you're mine, I walk the line. ("Walk the Line", Johnny Cash)
8. Well, I am what I am and I am what I'm not, and I am sure happy with what I've got. ("Never
Wanted Nothing More", Kenny Chesney)
9. And as we lie beneath the stars, we realize how small we are. ("If Everyone Cared", Nickelback)
10. We'll have the life we knew we would. ("Hey There Delilah", Plain White Tees)

Your Task:
Name the Clause whether if it is Noun Clause, Adjective Clause, and Adverb Clause!

1. Some people buy expensive cars simply because they can.

2. Many people hope that Canada can resolve its economic problems.
3. The bankers need to know what they should do.
4. Which one is the person who stole your car?
5. Wherever there is a large American city, there will be poverty.
6. The books which the professor assigned were very expensive.
7. Canada might give up its marketing boards if the European Community gives up its grain
subsidies.
8. That is the place where Wolfe's and Montcalm's armies fought.
9. Unless the crown can make a better case, the accused murderer will not be convicted.
10. It is important to ask whether the wedding is formal or semi-formal.
11. The jury believed that the man was guilty.
12. Come when you like.
13. I know the girl who won the prize.
14. He confessed that he was guilty.
15. I know that you have great regard for him.
16. Do you think that I am a fool?
17. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
18. I will not go until he arrives.
19. The coffee maker that I bought for my wife is expensive.
20. If you give respect, you get respect.
21. If the manager is unable to help, try the assistant manager.
22. The mayor is the person to whom you should write the letter.
23. The man whose neck was broken has recovered completely.
24. The scientist said that the ozone levels were dangerous.
25. The city council objected when the mayor changed his mind.

4
26. It is unfortunate that Mr. Jones will not return.
27. Why you don't do your work is ridiculous to me.
28. This cemetery is where your Grandfather is buried.
29. The report that the island is under water is very misleading.
30. We offered whoever told the truth clemency.