1. Connecting the Adjective Clause to the Noun:
* Relative pronouns act as the subject or object within the adjective clause. They refer back to a noun in the main clause, establishing a relationship between the two.
Example:
* The book that I read yesterday was fascinating.
* "That" refers to "book" and acts as the object of the verb "read."
* The adjective clause "that I read yesterday" modifies the noun "book."
2. Providing Additional Information:
* Adjective clauses, introduced by relative pronouns, provide extra information about the noun they modify. They add detail, clarification, or description.
Example:
* The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
* "Who" refers to "woman" and acts as the subject of the verb "lives."
* The adjective clause "who lives next door" tells us more about the woman.
3. Specifying or Limiting the Noun:
* Relative pronouns can help to specify or limit the noun being referred to. This is especially true with restrictive adjective clauses, which are essential for understanding the meaning of the sentence.
Example:
* The students who passed the test were rewarded.
* "Who" refers to "students" and acts as the subject of the verb "passed."
* The adjective clause "who passed the test" restricts the noun "students" to only those who achieved a passing grade.
Common Relative Pronouns:
* Who (refers to people)
* Whom (refers to people, used as the object of a verb or preposition)
* Whose (shows possession)
* Which (refers to things)
* That (refers to both people and things, can be used in place of "who," "whom," or "which" in restrictive clauses)
In summary, relative pronouns in adjective clauses connect the clause to the noun, provide additional information, and often specify or limit the noun, leading to a more complete and nuanced understanding of the sentence.