Adjective Clauses

MORE ABOUT ADJECTIVE CLAUSES

As we have seen, an Adjective Clause in a Complex sentence is a subordinate clause which does the work of an Adjective, and so qualifies some noun or pronoun in the main clause.

An Adjective Clause is introduced by a Relative Pronoun or by a Relative Adverb; as,

Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.

He is the man whom we all respect.

The time when the boat leaves is not yet fixed.

The house where the accident occurred is nearby.

The reason why I did it is obvious.

Sometimes, however, a Relative Pronoun introduces a Coordinate clause; as, I met Rama, who (= and he) gave me your message.

Here we are using the Relative Pronoun who to introduce a coordinate clause.

[It might appear, at first sight, that the clause, who gave me your message, is an Adjective clause and therefore Subordinate. It will be seen that this is not the case however, for it in no way identifies or describes Rama.

In the sentence,

He is the boy who broke the window.

the clause, who broke the window, clearly identifies and describes the boy, and is therefore an Adjective clause.]

Below are further examples of who (and which) used to introduce a co-ordinate clause.

I met Mr. Joshi, who (= and he) thereupon shook hands with me.

The prisoner was taken before the Captain, who (= and he) condemned him to instant death.

He gave me a message, which (- and it) is this.

He released the bird, which (= and it) at once flew away.

The Relative Pronoun or the Relative Adverb, introducing an Adjective clause, is sometimes understood, and not expressed; as,

            1.  Eat all --- you can.

[Here the Relative Pronoun that is understood.]

2. I saw a man --- I know.

[Here the Relative Pronoun whom is understood.]

3. Where's the book --- he left for me ?

[Here the Relative Pronoun which is understood.]

On the day --- you pass the examination I shall give you a reward. [Here the Relative Adverb when is understood.]

The reason --- I have come is lo ask for my money.

[Here the relative Adverb why is understood.]

In order English but was used as a relative pronoun as in the sentences below. In such cases but is equivalent to a relative pronoun followed by not.

There was not a woman present hut wept to hear such news. [That is, who did not weep to hear such news.]

And not a man of the three hundred at Thermopylae but died at his post. [That is, who did not die at his post.]

Nor is there a man here but loved our Caesar. [That is, who did not love our Caesar.]

There was not a widow but longed to die upon the pyre of her husband. [That is, who did not long to die, etc.]

There is no fireside but has one vacant chair. [That has not one vacant chair.]

Note that than is sometimes used as a Preposition before a Relative Pronoun in the Adjective Clause; as,

They elected Rama than whom no better boy ever went to school. We will follow Brutus than whom Rome knows no nobler son. It was a blow than which no crueller was ever struck.

The infinitive with to is often used as the equivalent of an Adjective Clause.

(a) Give me some food which I may eat.

    (b) Give me some food to eat.

(a) He has no boots which he can wear,

    (b) He has no boots to wear.

(a) The doctor has given me medicine which I must take.

    (b) The doctor has given me medicine to take.

(a) I have work which I must do.

    (b) I have work to do.

   (a) His mother gave him Rs. 10 which he might put in his money-box.

   (b) His mother gave him Rs. 10 to put in his money-box.

Exercise

Pick out each Adjective Clause in the following sentences and say which noun or pronoun in the main clause it qualifies:-

This is the house that Jack built.

He that climbs too high is sure to fall.

She sleeps the sleep that knows no waiting.

We obeyed the order the teacher gave us,

Servants that are honest are trusted.

They never fail who die in a great cause.

We love those who love us.

The moment which is lost is lost for ever.

I have a little shadow which goes in and out with me,

It is an ill wind that blows nobody good.

Youth is the time when the seeds of character are sown.

It was the schooner Hesperus that sailed the wintry sea.

They never pardon who have done the wrong.

He has a son who has made a name for himself.

A friend who helps you in time of need is a real friend.

All that glitters is not gold.

He could not answer the question I asked him.

He laughs best who laughs last.

All the blessings we enjoy come from God.

They that are whole have no need of the physician.

Little good work can be expected from men who are great boasters.

The plan you propose is a very good one.

The night is long that never finds the day.

 It is a long lane that has no turning.

He gave me everything I asked-for.

He failed in everything that he laid his hands upon.

He has tricks that remind me of his father.

I duly received the message you sent me.

The fox saw the grapes which hung over the garden wall.

The bark that held a prince went down.

He that is down need fear no fall.

We are such stuff as dreams are made on.

The man that hath no music in his soul is fit for treason.

True love's the gift which God has given to man alone beneath the heaven.

Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot Who lives longest sees the most.

Often I think of the beautiful town That is seated by the sea.

Exercise

Make ten sentences, each containing an Adjective Clause, in which a Relative Pronoun is understood

Exercise

Make ten sentences, each containing an Adjective Clause, in which a Relative Adverb is understood.