Helping English

Adjective Clause

An adjective clause is a subordinate or dependent clause which functions as an adjective. An adjective clause begins with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, that, which, whose.

Examples: 

The umbrella which has a broken handle is mine.

These are the colour pencils which I want to buy.

I know the woman whose child was hurt.

The old lady whom we met in the shop was Amina’s grandmother.

This is the girl who stood first in the class.

Shazia likes the candies that her father brought from the market.

Exercise

Underline the adjective clauses in the following sentences. Also encircle the relative pronouns.

1. He tells a tale that sounds untrue.
2. People who eat too much die early.
3. I met the woman whose son helped me.
4. He is the man whom we all respect.
5. I have an urgent piece of work which I must do.

Answer Key.

1.  He tells a tale that sounds untrue.
2. People who eat too much die early.
3. I met the woman whose son helped me.
4. He is the man whom we all respect.
5. I have an urgent piece of work which I must do.

Write suitable adjective clauses.

1. Where is the book ______________________.
2. Any student ____________________________ will be punished.
3. I know the woman __________________________.
4. That is the girl _________________________.
5. Where is the man _______________________.

Answer key:

1. Where is the book that I gave you?  
2. Any student who cheats on the test will be punished.
3. I know the woman who lost her gold chain.  
4. That is the girl whom we met at the park.
5. Where is the man who caught the big fish?