ADJECTIVE CLAUSE

An adjective clause or a relative clause is a dependent clause introduced by a relative pronoun or relative adverb. It functions as an adjective; that is, it modifies or describes a noun or pronoun in the independent clause.

1) Relative Pronouns: A relative pronoun replaces a noun phrase or pronoun in the dependent clause. The relative pronouns are:

Subordinator

Meaning

Who

Refer only to people and is a subject pronoun

Whom

Refers only to people and is an object pronoun.

Which

Refers to things or animals and is a subject or object pronoun.

That

Refers to things, animals or people and is a subject or object pronoun in restrictive or defining clause only.

Whose + noun

Refers to things, animals or people and is a possessive.

Example:

- Students who like study usually try hard to do research.

- Mr. Phearum married Ms Kanhchana whom I know very well.

- The car which I want to buy is available in Kampong Speu.

- These are the candidates that will compete on Christmas Day.

- I know the poor man whose son was killed last week.

2) Relative Adverbs: A relative adverb replaces a prepositional phrase in the dependent clause. The relative adverbs are:

Subordinator

Meaning

Where

When

Why

Refers to a place.

Refers to a time.

Refers to a reason.

Example:

- I want to visit Angkor Wat where most of the tourists want to see.

- We will never forget the time when we share happiness and sadness together.

- Mr. Kheang didn’t tell me the reason why he gave up his study.

Relative Pronouns as Object of Prepositions formed in two ways:

Pronoun + whom/which/(whose + noun) + subject + verb + complement (formal)

Whom/which/(whose + noun) + subject + verb + complement + Preposition (informal)

Example:

- The candidate for whom I voted didn’t win the election. (formal)

- The candidate whom I voted for didn’t win the election. (informal)