Complex Sentences with Adjective (dependent) Clauses

1. An adjective clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adjective; that is, it gives more information about a noun or pronoun in the independent clause. The modified noun or pronoun is called the antecedent. 2. An adjective clause begins with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb. 3. Place an adjective clause after its antecedent and as close to it as possible to avoid confusion of meaning. 4. The verb in an adjective clause should agree in number with its antecedent. 5. Adjective clauses are either restrictive (necessary) or nondestructive (unnecessary). Add commas before and after nondestructive clauses. Examples with Relative Pronouns: 1. The professor who teaches my biology class won clause won a Nobel Prize two years ago. ( a restrictive clause without commas)

2. Professor Jones, who teaches my biology class, won a Nobel Prize two years ago. (nonrestrictive clause)

3. She loaned her car to someone whom she did not know.

4. Apple Computer, whose Macintosh computer changed computing, was started by two men working in a garage.

5. Her husband teaches algebra, which I enjoy the least.

6. The subject I enjoy the least is algebra.(‘that” may be omitted because it is an object)

6.a. The salesman that sold me my car was fired. (informal) Notice: “that” refers to animals and things; informally refers to people. 7.I work full time on days when I do not have classes.

8. She has never returned to the city where she was born.

9. Relative clause can describe the whole clause

9.a. He won the championship, which was a surprise.

Editing Practice

My friend whom I loaned my car to him returned it with several dents. Omit “him ”. INCORRECT REPETITION OF NOUNS OR PRONOUNS

2. I telephoned the student (who his) wallet I found in the parking lot. Omit “who his” and put instead “ whose” INCORRECT RELATIVE PRONOUN

3. People who lives in earthquake zones need earthquake insurance. Omit “s” and keep “live” because the subject “ people” is plural. DISAGREEMENT OF VERB AND ANTECEDENT

4. Electronic pagers, which always seem to beep at inappropriate times, should be turned off during concerts, lectures, and naps.

(Two commas added.) INCORRECT COMMA USAGE