Relative / Adjective ClausesSummary

Adding a Modifying PhraseJoining two sentences into one: the main sentence - the independent clause a modifying phrase - the dependent clause

The woman who is standing in the elevator  is a TV reporter.

Relative PronounsAdding a clause that modifies a person or thing. who whom that which Omitting an object pronoun

The woman who called you is here.The woman ( whom ) you called is here.

Adding a clause that modifies an animate possessive noun. whose (for people)

The woman whose name is Greek   is on the phone.

Adding a clause that modifies a noun of time or place: where (where)

when (time)

San Francisco  where the "flower children" began is a colorful city.

The 1960s when the "flower children" thrived was a colorful decade.

Adding a clause that modifies a noun that is an expression of quantity little of which some of which most of which all of which

California has a lot of visitors, most of which come to see Disneyland.

Adding a clause that modifies a noun that is possessive: the X of which  (for things)

whose  (for people or things)

The car  the door of which I dented   cost a fortune to repair.The car  whose door I dented   cost a fortune to repair.

Using Punctuation to Clarify MeaningPunctuating an adjective clause that identifies the noun it modifies (no commas)  adds extra information to the noun it modifies (commas) 

The water that I drank last night contained sodium.The Evian water, which I drank last night , contained sodium.

Punctuating a sentence to include a few or some -  specific (restrictive)  all (non-restrictive) 

The bio-scientist who creates green energy will make a profit.The bio-scientist, who creates green energy , will make a profit.

Referring to part or all of a clause that  (noun)

which  (noun, phrase or clause)

He deleted the picture that upset me . (The picture upset me.)

He deleted the picture, which upset me . (The action upset me.)

Shortening ClausesReducing a clause using that + "be" deletion who is that is which is

A talk show [which is] trying to improve its rating may plan a fight.A talk show trying to improve its rating may plan a fight.

Reducing a clause by changing that + verb to an "ing" phrase who lives = living that breaks = breaking which lies = lying

Congress, [which consists] of two houses, is on a break.Congress, consisting of two houses, is on a break.

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Adding an Adjective ClauseAn adjective can be one word, a phrase or a clause:A neighborhood woman is calling you.  (adjective) The woman next door is calling you.  (prepositional phrase) The woman who lives next door is calling you.  (adjective clause)  Adding an adjective clause, joins two sentences into one:One becomes the main sentence - the independent clause The other becomes a modifying phrase - the dependent clause

Joining the Subject of a Dependent ClauseJOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE

1. Replace the subject pronoun She with who.

The woman is a TV reporter. She is standing in the elevator.who is standing in the elevator.

2. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.3. Insert the clause into the main sentence. The woman who is standing in the elevator   is

a TV reporter.Common Mistake

ERROR FIX  (match adverbs with tense usage)* The woman is a TV reporter who is standing in the elevator.     (Misplaced modifier; place it after "woman".)

The woman who is standing in the elevator is a TV reporter.

Joining the Object of a Dependent ClauseJOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE

1. Replace the object pronoun  her with who /whom

The woman is a TV reporter.

I met her in the elevator.

I met whom in the elevator.2. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.3. Insert the clause into the main sentence. The woman whom I met in the elevator   is a TV

reporter.Common Mistake

ERROR FIX* The woman whom I met her is a news reporter.(Delete "her". Otherwise, there are two pronouns referring to the woman.)

The woman whom I met is a TV reporter.

PracticeJoin the two sentences into a clause.  (Leave the prepositions at the end of the sentence.) 1. The woman is an assistant. She is talking to the President.The woman who is talking to the President is an assistant. 2. The Secret Service Agent is standing by the President. He is wearing sunglasses.The Secret Service Agent who is wearing sunglasses is standing by the President. 3. The woman is also an agent. You met her.The woman who(m) you met is also an agent. 4. The Senator is well known on Capitol Hill. She is seated next to you.The Senator who is seated next to you is well-known on Capitol Hill. 5. The guest is nervous. He will speak at noon.The guest who will speak at noon is nervous. 6. The President was talking about a candidate. He doesn't like the candidate.The President was talking about a candidate who(m) he doesn't like.7. The man was acting suspicious. The secret service agent was watching him.The man who(m) the Secret Service Agent was watching was acting suspicious. 8. Most of the people were Democrats. They were attending the fundraiser.Most of the people who were attending the fundraiser were Democrats.

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Relative PronounsAn adjective clause uses pronouns to connect the dependent clause to the independent clause. who (people) that (things or people) which (things)

Using "Who"WHO - SUBJECT OF THE CLAUSE WHOM - OBJECT OF THE CLAUSE

The woman         who called you is here.               (She called you)

The woman    (whom) you called  is here.               (You called her)OPTION: You can omit the object pronoun.

Using "That"THAT / WHICH - SUBJECT OF THE CLAUSE THAT/ WHICH - OBJECT OF THE CLAUSE

The phone         that is red  is here.              (It is red)

The phone          that you bought  is here.               (You bought it)

OPTION: "That" can also refer to a person; "which" cannot.

OPTION: You can omit the object pronoun.

Common MistakesERRORS FIXES* The telephone is here that is yours. (The pronoun must be next to the word it modifies.)

The phone that is yours is here.

* The man which you are talking about isn't a friend. The man that you are talking about isn't a friend. ("Which" cannot refer to a person; use "that".)

Omitting an Object PronounCANNOT OMIT  - SUBJECT PRONOUN OF

CLAUSECAN OMIT  - OBJECT PRONOUN OF CLAUSE

The woman         who called you  is here.              (She called you)

The woman          (whom) you called  is here.               (You called her)

The phone           that is red         is here.                (It is red)

The telephone     (that) you bought     is here.

The phone          which is red      is here The telephone     (which) you bought   is here.

Practice  Which Relative Pronoun(s) can complete each sentence?1. My friend told me about a student _____ has taken the TOEFL test twelve times!a. who b. whom c. which d.that 2. The professor _____ I talked to didn't know the answer to my question.a. who b. whom c. which d. that 3. I am looking for a college program _____ offers a lot of computer courses.a. who b. 0 (omit the pronoun) c. which d. that 4. Some of the courses _____ I took last semester have been very useful.a. who b. 0 (omit the pronoun) c. which d. that 5. My friend _____ is in my Networks class studies with me in the afternoon.a. who b. whom c. which d. 0 (omit the pronoun) 6. Computer Information Systems is the kind of major _____ will guarantee a good job after graduation.a. who b. 0 (omit the pronoun) c. which d. that

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7. The class _____ I didn't do well in was 'Programming with PHP.a. who b. 0 (omit the pronoun) c. which d. that 8. The courses _____ are taught in the evening are mostly graphic arts classes.a. 0 (omit the pronoun) b. which c. that d. who 9. You should always study the subjects _____ you really like.a. who b. 0 (omit the pronoun) c. which d. that 10. A person _____ has a positive outlook will do well in life.a. who b. 0 (omit the pronoun) c. which d. whom

Relative Pronoun - whoseAn adjective clause uses pronouns to connect the dependent clause to the independent clause.whose  (possessive for people or things)

"Who" vs. "Whose"  -  subject pronounsWHO - REPLACES A SUBJECT NOUN WHOSE - REPLACES A POSSESSIVE SUBJECT

PRONOUN  

The woman         who is Greek     is on the phone.              (She is Greek)

The woman      whose name is Greek    is on the phone.               (Her name is Greek)

Adding a Clause with "Whose" -  subject pronounsJOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE1. Replace the subject pronoun She with who.

The woman is on the phone. Her name is Greek.whose name is Greek

2. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.3. Insert the clause into the main sentence. The woman whose name is Greek     is on the

phone.Common Mistake

ERROR FIX  (match adverbs with tense usage)* The woman who her husband is from Uruguay is going to be the CEO of the company.(Change "who her" to "whose".)

The woman whose husband is from Uruguay is going to be the CEO of the company.

"Who" vs. "Whose" - object pronounsWHO - REPLACES AN OBJECT NOUN WHOSE - REPLACES A POSSESSIVE OBJECT

PRONOUN  

The woman         who you met     is on the phone.             (You met her)

The woman   whose husband you met    is on the phone.             (You met her husband)

Adding a Clause with "Whose" - object prounouns1. Replace the object pronoun  her with whose

The woman is on the phone. You met her husband.You met whose husband.

2. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.3. Insert the clause into the main sentence. The woman whose husband you met     is on

the phone.Common Mistake

ERROR FIX  (match adverbs with tense usage)* The woman whose husband we chatted with him * The woman whose husband we chatted with [him]

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lives next door. lives next door.

Practice Join the two sentences into one sentence. Change the second sentence into a clause.  (Leave the prepositions at the end of the sentence.) 1. I like the TV program about a funny guy. His dog stares at him all the time.I like the TV program about a funny guy whose dog stares at him all the time. 2. The man has a great outlook on life. His family encourges him.The man whose family encourges himhas a great outlook on life. 3. One TV episode was about the man. His brother tapes his mouth shut to stop his snoring.One TV episode was about a man whose brother tapes his mouth shut to stop his snoring. 4. The main character is very picky. His tastes are very eccentric. (picky = choosy) (eccentric = unusual)The main character whose tastes are very eccentricis very picky. 5. The man lives in Seattle. His father is an ex-police officer.The man whose father is an ex-police officerlives in Seattle. 6. The father is always making fun of his son. His physical therapist is very pretty.The father whose physical therapist is very pretty is always making fun of his son. 7. After a while we get to know the man's brother. We laugh at his cleanliness phobias. (phobias= fears)After a while we get to know the man's brother whose cleanliness phobias we laugh at. 8. The TV show has been very popular. The show's fans are loyal.The TV show whose fans are very loyal has been very popular.

Relative Pronouns - when & whereAdding a When or Where Clausewhere  (for a place) when   (for a time)

"When" and "where"  (object pronouns)WHEN - REPLACES AN OBJECT NOUN WHERE - REPLACES AN OBJECT NOUN

San Francisco     where the "flower children" began  is a colorful city.             The "flower children" began  there.colorful = interesting and unusual

The 1960s when the "flower children" thrived   was a colorful decade.        The "flower children" thrived  then.decade = 10 year period;  thrive = live well and expand

Adding a Clause with "Where"JOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE1. Replace the object pronoun San Francisco with where

San Francisco is a colorful city. The "flower children" began in San Francisco.The "flower children" began where

2. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.3. Insert the clause into the main sentence. San Francisco where  the "flower children" began

is a colorful city.Adding a Clause with "When"

JOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSEReplace the object pronoun 1960s with when

The 1960s was a colorful decade. The "flower children" thrived in the 1960s.The "flower children" thrived when

Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.Insert the clause into the main sentence. The 1960s when  the "flower children" thrived

was a colorful decade.

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"Where" can replaceAT WHICH ON WHICH IN WHICH

The building at which I work is nearby.

The street on which I work is nearby.

The city in which I work is nearby.

The location at which I work  (at home)

The corner on which I work

The state in which I pay taxes is Utah.

The address at which I work  (at 310 Elm St.)

The island on which I work

The country in which I pay taxes is the U.S.A.

(exact address or residence) (street location, geographical place)

(city, area, state, country)

 "When" can replaceAT WHICH ON WHICH IN WHICH

The time at which I eat lunch is noon.

The day on which I was born was snowy.

The month in which I pay taxes is April.

The hour at which I eat lunch  (at 12:00)

The day on which I work  (Tuesday)

The season in which I pay taxes is spring.

The time at which I eat lunch   (at night)

The day on which I quit  (June 31)

The year in which I will retire is near.

(hour, time of the day) (day) (month, season, year, decade, century)

PracticeChange the sentence with "when' or "where" to a sentence with "in", "on" or "at which".Change the second sentence into a clause.  (Leave the prepositions at the end of the sentence.) 1. Monday is the day when we begin the work week.Monday is the day on which we begin the work week . 2. Midnight is the time when the date changes.Midnight is the time at which the date changes. 3. Three-fifty Main street is the address where you can write me.Three-fifty Main street is the address at which you can write me. 4. The lake where we swam was clean and clear.The lake in which we swam was clean and clear. 5. 2001 was the year when the new century began.2001 was the year in which the new century began. 6. Seven o'clock is the time when I get up.Seven o'clock is the time at which I get up.7. California is the state where I live.California is the state in which I live . 8. Parking lot D is the place where I parked my car.Parking lot D is the place in which I parked my car.  

         

 

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Punctuating Adjective ClausesPunctuation in a sentence with an adjective clause depends on whether the clause is: identifying (no commas)  non-identifying (commas) 

Identifying vs. Non-identifying ClausesAN IDENTIFYING CLAUSE - NO COMMAS A NON-IDENTIFYING CLAUSE - COMMASThe water that I drank last night contained sodium. The Evian water, which I drank last night,

contained sodium."That I drank last night" helps to clarify which water we are referring to.

"The Evian water" clearly says which water we are talking about, so "which I drank last night" provides extra information. 

NOTE: Which or that can be used. NOTE: That cannot be used in a non-identifying clause.

How can a clause add identifying information? by telling which one by telling where by telling when

Methods of IdentificationBY METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION WITH AN "EXTRA" NON-

IDENTIFYING CLAUSE(none) The store sells organic produce.

(unidentified)a clause The store where I shop sells

organic produce.a phrase The store on the corner of

Channing and University sells organic produce.

The store on the corner of Channing and University, where I shop, sells organic produce.

a name Whole Foods sells organic produce.

Whole Foods, where I shop, sells organic produce.

later mention The store that sells organic produce is Whole Foods.

The store selling organic produce, where I shop, is Whole Foods.NOTE:  "where I shop" = "in which I shop" = "which I shop in" (informal)

PracticeJoin the two sentences into one.  Decide whether to add commas to the clause:If the clause adds information that helps identify noun, don't add commas. If the clause adds "extra"  (non-identifying information) to the noun it modifies, add comma(s).1. San Francisco is a beautiful city. It is on the west coast.a. use commas     b. no commas San Francisco , (which is) on the west coast,is a beautiful city. 2. The bay is a major shipping port. It is on the shore of Oakland.a. use commas b. no commas The bay (which is) on the shore of Oaklandis a major shipping port. 3. Fisherman's Wharf has several restaurants and attractions. Visitors can walk there. a. use commas b. no commas Fisherman's Wharf , where visitors can walk,has several restaurants and attractions. 4. The mission was founded by Franciscan padres from Mexico (Spain). It dates back to 1776. a. use commas b. no commas The mission that dates back to 1776 was founded by the Franciscan padres from Mexico (Spain). 5. The most famous landmark in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. It spans the opening to the bay. a. use commas b. no commas The most famous landmark in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the opening to the bay. 6. The city was hit by a destructive earthquake. You may remember it in 1989.a. use commas b. no commas The city was hit by a destructive earthquake * No, commas.7. The restaurants serve all kinds of South and Central American cuisines. They are in the Mission District.

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 a. use commas b. no commas The restaurants * No, commas.serve all kinds of South and Central American cuisines. 8. The Bay Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges the world. It passes through Yerba Buena Island. a. use commas b. no commas The Bay Bridge , which passes through Yerba Buena Island, is one of the longest suspension bridges the world. 9. Carlos Santana has been a resident of San Francisco. He has won several grammy awards. a. use commas b. no commas Carlos Santana , who has won several grammy awards, has been a resident of San Francisco. 10. The San Francisco Forty-niners play football at Candlestick Park. They were named after the gold miners of 1849. a. use commas b. no commas The San Francisco Forty-niners , (who were) named after the gold miners of 1849,play football at Candlestick Park.

Punctuating Adjective ClausesThe way you punctuate a sentence with a clause can change it meaning! specific (restrictive)  all (non-restrictive) 

Specific vs. AllREFERS TO A SPECIFIC ONE/ KIND  - NO COMMAS

REFERS TO ALL – COMMAS

The bio-scientist who creates green energy will make a profit.(True for one kind of bio-scientist.)

The bio-scientist, who creates green energy, will make a profit. (True for all scientists classified as bio-scientists.)

The "green" household that reduces waste will save energy.(True for one kind of household.)

The "green" household, which reduces waste, will save energy.(True for all green households.)  

NOTE: Who or that can be used, not which.household=all the people living and working in the house

NOTE: Who or which can be used, not that.

Practice      Join the two sentences into one.  Decide whether to add commas to the clause:If the clause adds information that helps identify noun, don't add commas. If the clause adds "extra"  (non-identifying information) to the noun it modifies, add comma(s). 1. The cat is independent. He loves freedom. (true of all cats)a. use commas     b. no commas The cat , who loves freedom, is independent. 2. The dog needs to be taken away. The dog bit five children. (true of one dog)a. use commas b. no commas The dog [* No, commas.] needs to be taken away. The others can stay.3. The rabbits hopped out into the field. They wanted to eat alfalfa grass. (true of some.)a. use commas b. no commas The rabbits , where visitors can walk, hopped out into the field.   The others stayed in their holes.4. The birds catch the worms. They wake up early. (true of some)a. use commas b. no commas The birds [* No, commas] catch their worms. 5. Dogs are treasured. They love their owners. (true of some dogs)a. use commas b. no commas The dog [* No, commas.] are treasured . 6. Dogs are treasured. They love their owners. (true of all dogs)a. use commas b. no commas The dog [* Commas are needed.] are treasured . 7. People may suffer heart disease or diabetes. They are obese. (true of some people) (obese: extremely overweight)a. use commas b. no commas People [* No, commas.] may suffer heart disease or diabetes. 8. Athletes have fewer health problems. They exercise daily. (true of all athletes)a. use commas b. no commas Athletes , who exercise daily, have fewer health problems. 9. People get better cardio-exercise. They go on walks twice a day (true of some people)a. use commas b. no commas

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People who go on walks twice a day get better cardio-exercise. 10. The bald eagle is a bird of prey. It has a wing-span of about 75 inches. (true of all eagles)a. use commas b. noThe bald eagle , which has a wing-span of 75 inches, is a bird of prey.

Expressions of Quantity - "of"An adjective clause uses pronouns to connect the dependent clause to the independent clause. little of which   (pronouns for quantity) some of which most of which all of which

"X of which"  - subject pronounJOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE1. Replace the subject pronoun "most of them" with "most of which"

California has a lot of visitors. Most of them come to see Disneyland.

2. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.

most of which come to see Disneyland.

3. Insert the clause into the main sentence.4. Add punctuation. California has a lot of visitors , most of which come to see

Disneyland."X of which"  - object pronoun

JOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE1. Replace the object pronoun  "a lot of them" with "a lot of which"

California has a lot of visitors. You can see a lot of them at Disneyland.

2. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.3. Insert the clause into the main sentence.

a lot of which you can see at Disneyland.

4. Add punctuation. California has a lot of visitors , a lot of which you can see at Disneyland.

"Whose" - subject pronounJOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE1. Replace the subject pronoun "most of her" with "most of whose"

She listens to Mariah Carey. Most of her songs have been number one hits.

2. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.3. Insert the clause into the main sentence.

Most of whose songs have been number one hits.

4. Add punctuation She listens to Mariah Carey , several of whose songs have been number one hits.

Other Expressions of Quantity - "of" phrasessome of many of most of none of two ofhalf of both of neither of each of all ofboth of several of a few of a little of a number of

PracticeJoin the two sentences into one. Decide which pronoun to use. Then, write the clause. Remember punctuation.  The Estate of Elvis Presley -- When Elvis died on August 16, 1977 he was by no means broke, but his estate at Graceland was costing far too much to keep. 1. Priscilla received a lot of suggestions from friends. Many of them had been financial advisors to Elvis.

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Priscilla received a lot of suggestions from friends many of who(m) had been financial advisors to Elvis. [estate =

large house with land] 2. The suggestions involved selling off Graceland. None of them felt right to Priscilla.The suggestions, none of which felt right to Priscilla, involved selling off Graceland. 3. Today, Graceland welcomes over 600,000 visitors. Most of them come from outside of the city, a year.  Today, Graceland welcomes over 600,000 visitors, most of whom (which) come from outside of the city, a year. 4. The rooms are on view to the daily tours. All of them have been left as they were in 1977. The rooms, all of which have been left as they were in 1977, are on view to the daily tours. 5. His cars can be seen in the garage. Half of them are Cadillacs.His cars, half of which are Cadillacs, can be seen in the garage. 6. Elvis loved Cadillacs. One of them was his favorite - a 1955 pink Fleetwood.Elvis loved Cadillacs, one of which was his favorite - a 1955 pink Fleetwood.7. A museum across the street displays Elvis' planes. One of them he named after his daughter.A museum across the street displays Elvis' planes, one of which he named after his daughter.8. More projects are planned in the area surrounding the Graceland Mansion. A number of them include expansion.More projects, a number of which include expansion, are planned in the area surrounding the Graceland Mansion. 9. However, EPE, Elvis Presley Enterprises manages licensing and sales of Elvis' products. Many of them are available on the website. However, Elvis Presley Enterprises manages licensing and sales of Elvis' products , many of which are available on the website. 10. In 2005, Lisa Marie sold several EPE shares. The majority of them were bought by an entertainment company.In 2005, Lisa Marie sold several EPE shares, the majority of which were bought by an entertainment company. [shares= financial portions of a company]

The Estate of Elvis Presley (Text View)When Elvis died on August 16, 1977 he was by no means broke, but his estate at Graceland was costing far too much to maintain. Priscilla received a lot of suggestions from friends, many of whom had been financial advisors to Elvis.  The suggestions, none of which felt right to Priscilla, involved selling off Graceland.  Instead, Priscilla decided to open Graceland to the public. Today, Graceland welcomes over 600,000 visitors , most of whom come from outside of the city, a year. They bring 150 million per year into the economy of Memphis. The rooms, all of which have been left as they were in 1977, are on view daily.  Also, Elvis' personal items: costumes, wardrobe, awards are on view on the Graceland tour.   His cars, half of which were Cadillacs, can be seen in the garage.  Elvis loved Cadillacs, one of which was his favorite - a 1955 pink and white Fleetwood.A museum across the street displays Elvis' planes, one of which he named after his daughter and the other of which he named after his song "Hound Dog".  More projects, a number of which include expansion, are planned in the area surrounding the Graceland Mansion. Today, Lisa Marie Presley owns 100% of Graceland Estate.  However, Elvis Presley Enterprises manages licensing and sales of Elvis' products, many of which are available on their website. In 2005, Lisa Marie sold several EPE shares, the majority of which were bought by an entertainment company CKX, Inc.

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Relative Pronouns for ThingsAn adjective clause uses pronouns to connect the dependent clause to the independent clause. the X of which  (possessive pronoun - things) whose  (possessive pronoun - people or things)

Possessive Pronouns - People vs. ThingsPOSSESSIVE PRONOUN - PEOPLE & THINGS POSSESSIVE PRONOUN – THINGS

The woman     whose make over we watched on TV    looks great.          (We watched her make-over)makeover = renewal; updating

The house  the makeover of which we watched on TV  looks great.             (We watched its make-over)

Subject ClauseJOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE with

subject pronoun1. Replace the object pronoun  its makeover with the makeover of which

The house  looks great. Its exterior is brown.the exterior of which is brown

2. Insert the clause into the main sentence.

3. Add punctuation (unless it is an identifying clause.)

The house the exterior of which     is brown    looks great.

Object ClauseJOIN THE SENTENCES: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE  with

object pronoun1. Replace the object pronoun  its makeover with the makeover of which

The house  looks great. We watched its makeover on TV.

2. Insert the clause into the main sentence.

we watched the makeover of which on TV.

3. Move the relative pronoun to the front of the sentence.

4. Add punctuation (unless it is an identifying clause.)

The house the make-over of which     we watched on TV   looks great.

PracticeChange the second sentence into an adjective clause. Join it with the first sentence. 1. We bought a used car. The fender of it was dented. (USE "WHICH")We bought a used car, the fender of which was dented.  2. We wanted to buy a used car. The price of the car depended on the market.  (USE "WHICH")We wanted to buy a used car, the price of which depended on the market. [used car = pre-owned car]

3. I found my husband reading a magazine. The cover of it had a picture of a hybrid car.   (USE "WHOSE")I found my husband reading a magazine whose cover had a picture of a hybrid car. 4. The sun destroyed the car paint. The finish of the paint was oxidized.   (USE "WHICH")The sun destroyed the car paint, the finish of which was oxidized.   5. I called a body shop for an appointment. The time of the appointment was early in the morning.  (USE "WHICH") [body shop = repairs the body of a car]

I called a body shop for an appointment, the time of which was very early in the morning.

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6. My car needs to go into the body shop. The fender is dented.  (USE "WHOSE")My car, whose fender is dented, needs to go into the body shop. 7. I know of a good body shop.  I can't remember its name right now. (USE "WHICH")  I know of a good body shop, the name of which I can't  remember right now. 8. I received a reasonable estimate. The amount of the estimate was the lowest of all.   (USE "WHICH")I received a reasonable estimate, the amount of which was the lowest of all. 9. He repainted my car. The color of my car is burgundy.   (USE "WHICH")He repainted my car, the color of which is burgundy. 10. I recommended the body shop to a friend.  Her car is in need of body work.  (USE "WHOSE")I recommended the body shop to a friend, whose car is in need of body work.

Referring to Part or All of a ClauseReferring to Part or All of a Clause that  (preceding noun) which  (preceding noun, phrase or clause)

Referring to just the preceding noun vs. whole ideaTHAT OR WHICH - PRECEDING NOUN WHICH - THE WHOLE IDEA OF THE SENTENCE

He deleted the picture that upset me. (The picture upset me.)

He deleted the picture, which upset me. (The action upset me.)

Also see that & which in Punctuating Adj. Clauses Note: using "which" to modify a sentence is informal and occurs mostly in spoken English.

PracticeIf the pronoun refers to the phrase, use ", which".  (Add a comma.)If the pronoun refers to the noun, use "that". (You could also use "which", but for this practice, use "that".)1. Last night, we closed the curtains ______ makes us feel more secure. which2. Last night, we closed the curtains ______ we had left open. that3. My friend didn't make it to the movie on time ______ disappointed me. ,which 4. I went to see a movie ______ disappointed me. that   5. We got lost in the city ______ I used to know so well. that6. We got lost in the city ______ caused us to be very late. , which7. I dropped my keys down a drain on the street ______ was careless. , which8. I dropped my keys down a drain on the street ______ is outside of my house. that9. We paid off our house ______ we have lived in for 30 years. that10. We paid off our house ______ made us feel very proud. , which   

Shortening Clauses to Phrases 1An adjective clause may be shortened if the pronoun is a subject pronoun and it occurs with a "be" form.THAT OR WHICH REFER TO JUST THE PRECEDING NOUN

WHICH REFERS TO THE WHOLE IDEA OF THE SENTENCE

The seat [that was] next to me was empty. The seat next to me was empty.The woman [who was] seated behind me was eating popcorn.

The woman seated behind me was eating popcorn.

A talk show [which is] trying to improve its rating may plan a fight.

A talk show trying to improve its rating may plan a fight.

PracticeJoin the sentences into one by using an adjective clause. Then, shorten the clause if possible.1. A woman told all her husband's personal secrets. She was angry at her husband.A woman angry at her husbandtold all her husband's personal secrets.  2. A man found himself face to face with his girlfriend on stage. He was *trashing his girlfriend.  [*speaking unkindly, or rudely about her]A man trashing his girlfriend found himself face to face with her on stage. 3. A man met his brother for the first time on stage. He was separated from his brother at birth.A man separated from his brother at birth met his brother for the first time on stage.

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4. A man was explaining how comfortable the skirt was. The man was wearing a skirt.A man wearing a skirt was explaining how comfortable it was.   5. A man was talking about how unfair the law is. He was arrested for smoking marijuana.A man arrested for smoking marijuana was talking about how unfair the law is. 6. A woman told what it was like to live with her name. The woman was also named Monica Lewinsky.A woman also named Monica Lewinsky told what it w as like to live with her name. 7. Two women were fighting in a pool of mud. They were wearing bikinis.Two women wearing bikinis were fighting in a pool of mud. 8. Two men told everyone exactly what they thought of her. They were married to the same woman.Two men married to the same woman told everyone exactly what they thought of her. 9. A mother-in-law called her daughter-in-law "an undeserving pig". She was jealous of her daughter-in-law.A mother-in-law jealous of her daughter-in-law called her "an undeserving pig" . 10. The host was hit by a flying chair.   He was standing in between two angry boyfriends. The host standing in between two angry boyfriends was hit by a flying chair .

 Shortening Clauses to Phrases 2

An adjective clause may be shortened if its pronoun is a subject pronoun and the verb can be changed to an "-ing" form.THAT OR WHICH REFER TO JUST THE PRECEDING NOUN

WHICH REFERS TO THE WHOLE IDEA OF THE SENTENCE

Congress, [which consists] of two houses, is on a break.

Congress, consisting of two houses, is on a break.

The stock market, [which crashed] to its lowest point of the year, worried us.

The stock market, crashing to its lowest point of the year, worried us.

Gas [which costs] over $4 a gallon can be seen in the Bay Area.

Gas costing over $4 a gallon can be seen in the Bay Area.

Practice   Shorten the adjective clause using the -ing form method. 1. A healthy diet that includes fruit and fiber will decrease one's risk of cancer.A healthy diet including fruit and fiber will decrease one's risk of cancer.  2. A family that takes vitamins has fewer visits to the doctor.A family talking vitamins has fewer visits to the doctor. 3. The study said that children who attended preschool often had more colds.The study said that children attending preschool often had more colds. 4. Joggers who will run in the marathon should get to the stadium early to warm up.Joggers running in the marathon should get to the stadium early to warm up.   5. A person who does at least 30 minutes of exercise a day will feel better.A person doing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day will feel better. 6. Senior citizens who keep active tend to live longer, happier lives.Senior citizens keeping active tend to live longer, happier lives. 7. Fifty years ago, many people who suffered from Tuberculosis eventually died.Fifty years ago, many people suffering from Tuberculosis eventually died. 8. Today, the number of people who die from AIDs is finally decreasing.Today, the number of people dying from AIDs is finally decreasing. 9. People who don't vote should not complain about their government.People not voting should not complain about their government. . 10. Do you think that a person who smokes around children in public should be cited?Do you think that a person smoking around children in public should be cited?

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 Reducing Adverb Clauses to Modifying Phrases

Modifying phrases can be made from adverbial clauses after adverbs:

before after while when since

WHILE - ADVERB CLAUSE WHILE - MODIFYING PHRASEWhile he was reading the paper, he saw a story about an old friend.  

While reading the paper, he saw a story about an old friend.

The subjects of both clauses must be the same to shorten them.BERFORE - ADVERB CLAUSE BEFORE - MODIFYING PHRASEBefore she left home, she checked to see the doors were locked.

Before leaving home, she checked to see the doors were locked.

The subjects of both clauses must be the same to make this kind of reduction.

Common MistakeERROR FIX

* Before taking a driving course, his father told him to be careful.   (Who is taking the driving course?)

Before my son took a driving course, his father told him to be careful.     (The subject of both clauses must be the same if using a modifying phrase.)

PracticeDecide whether the clause can be shortened to a modifying phrase.  1. While I was falling asleep, I was counting sheep.  While falling asleep, I was listening to the radio. 2. Before I left the house, my roommate handed me my car keys.[no change possible / different subjects] 3. While I drive to school, I think about what I was supposed to study.While driving to school, I think about what I was supposed to study. 4. Before my classmates arrive in the room, I catch up in my grammar book.[no change possible / different subjects]  5. After the class finishes, I always feel like I should go home and get busy studying.[no change possible / different subjects] 6. After I get out of class, I always feel like I should go home and get busy studying. After getting out of class, I always feel like I should go home and get busy studying. 7. Since I came to this country, my English abilities have kept me from expressing myself.[no change possible / different subjects]  8. While I am learning to speak a second language, I am coming to understand the nature of language better.While learning to speak a second language, I am coming to understand the nature of language better.  9. I am more compassionate with others when they struggle with English. [no change possible / different subjects]  (note that no punctuation is necessary when the adverb is between the clauses)

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10. I will carry this experience with me long after I leave this country.I will carry this experience with me long after leaving this country

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