1. Relative Pronouns

2. Recognize an adjective clause
Contains subject and a verb
Begins with a relative pronoun (that, which, who, whom, or whose) or a relative adverb (when, where, or why)
It will function as an adjective, answering the questions: What kind? How many? or Which one?
Is a dependent clause, so it cannot stand alone
Does not express a complete thought
Must connect to a main (independent) clause

3. The adjective clause will follow one of these two patterns:
pronoun or adverb + subject + verb
relative pronoun as subject + verb
Example: Whose big, brown eyes pleaded for another cookie
Whose = relative pronoun; eyes = subject; pleaded = verb.

4. More Examples: That bounced across the kitchen floor
That = relative pronoun functioning as subject; bounced = verb.
Who hiccupped for seven hours afterward
Who = relative pronoun functioning as subject; hiccupped = verb.

5. Punctuating Clauses
NOTE: Essential Clauses do not require commas. An adjective clause is essential when you need the information it provides. Diane felt manipulated by her beagle Santana, whose big, brown eyes pleaded for another cookie. (nonessential) Growling ferociously, Oreo and Skeeter, Madison's two dogs, competed for the hardboiled egg that bounced across the kitchen floor. (essential) Laughter erupted from Annamarie, who hiccupped for seven hours afterward. (nonessential)

6. Punctuating Clauses
Example: Broccoli, which people often leave uneaten, is very nutritious. (nonessential) “which people often leave uneaten” could be left out of the sentence and it would still make sense and be clear to the reader. Example: The vegetables that people leave uneaten are often the most nutritious. (essential) You have to have “that people leave uneaten” in the sentence because it explains which vegetables are often the most nutritious.