An adjective clause is a subordinate clause that is used as an adjective to modify a
noun or pronoun. Like adjectives, adjective clauses answer the questions which
one, what kind, how much, or how many. They are introduced by a
relative
pronoun (such as that, who, whom, whose, and which) or a relative adverb (such
as when, where, and why).
The White House, where every pr
esident since 1800 has lived, is our most
famous residence.
(Where is the White House?)
John Adams was the president who first lived there. (Which president?)
An essential, or restrictive, clause provides information that is necessary to identify
the preceding noun or pronoun. A
nonessential, or nonrestrictive, clause provides
additional, but not necessary, information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence
where the meaning is already clear. Use commas to set off a nonessential clause.
A structure that honors our first president is the Washington
Monument. (essential)
The monument, which stands 555 feet tall, is an imposing
landmark. (nonessential)
When choosing between that and which, use that to introduce essential clauses
and which to introduce nonessential clauses.
An
adverb clause is a subordinate clause that is used as an adverb to modify
a verb, adjective, or adverb.
I visit the United States Capitol whenever I am in Washington, D.C.
(When do I visit? Modifies verb.)
The building is more impressive than I imagined. (How impressive?
Modifies adjective.)
Adverb clauses are usually introduced by
subordinating conjunctions such as these:
after because if than until where
although before since though when wherever
as even though so unless whenever while
Identifying Adjective and Adverb Clauses
Underline once the adjective or adverb clause. Underline twice the word it modifies.
1. The poet T.S. Eliot, who was born in the United States, became a British subject.
2. After Bob arrived in Madrid, he began to study art.
3. The person whose name heads the list had to drop out of the race.
4. Ed gave the package to his father, who will mail it tomorrow.
5. Mountain gorillas, which are an endangered species, live only in Africa.
6. Before the snow began, we stacked two cords of firewood.
7. The man whom you met is the theater manager.
8. Because that clerk was so helpful, I praised her to the store manager.
9. The cross-country team is curious about the course that it will run.
10. Children should use car safety seats until they are four years old.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
For use with Pupil’s Edition pp. 95–97
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS WORKBOOK 73
CHAPTER 4
Lesson
2
Adjective and Adverb Clauses Reteaching
Name Date
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
For use with Pupil’s Edition pp. 95–97
74 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS WORKBOOK
Lesson
2
Adjective and Adverb Clauses More Practice
Name Date
A. Identifying Adjective and Adverb Clauses and
Introductory Words
In each sentence, underline the adjective or adverb clause once. Underline the
word modified twice. On the line, write the relative pronoun or relative adverb that
introduces the adjective clause or the subordinating conjunction that introduces the
adverb clause.
EXAMPLE Throw the fruit that spoiled
into the compost heap.
that
__________
1. Lesotho is an African country that is surrounded by another country.
__________
2. I read “The Secret Sharer” by Joseph Conrad, who was born in Poland.
__________
3. The movie was beginning as George bought our tickets.
__________
4. What was the date when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon?
__________
5. Whenever you make a promise, you must keep it!
__________
6. You may keep the pot of gold if you answer three questions correctly.
__________
7. Hawaii is a state that is made up of several islands.
__________
8. The music that you heard was composed by our group.
__________
9. Marlene can skate better than many professional skaters can.
__________
10. Something that always bothers me is a large crowd.
__________
B. Identifying Essential Clauses
Underline the adjective clause in each of the following sentences. Write ESS on
the line to the right if the clause is an essential adjective clause. Write
NON if it is
a nonessential clause. Insert commas where they are needed.
1. The Galapagos Islands are known as the place where giant
tortoises are found.
__________
2. The legend about this waterfall is one that has never been authenticated.
__________
3. Beaver tail which I have never tried is regarded as a delicacy.
__________
4. May gave the key to her mother who opened the door.
__________
5. The winner of the essay contest that I entered will be announced today.
__________
6. Cans, shoes, and clothing are among the things that goats will nibble.
__________
7. A man who lived in this town sailed his little boat across the Atlantic.
__________
8. The llama which is a member of the camel family is found in South America.
__________
9. Marla called the girls she had selected for the team.
__________
10. Those friends usually meet at a storefront cafe where the food is cheap.
__________
CHAPTER 4
A. Using Essential and Nonessential Clauses in Writing
Combine each numbered pair of sentences to form one sentence containing an
adjective clause that modifies the boldfaced word. If the clause is nonessential,
add commas. If the clause is essential, do not add commas.
1. Ms. Lopez is a coach. She is always fair and helpful.
________________________________________________________________________________
2. I have seen that movie five times. That is my favorite movie.
________________________________________________________________________________
3. The city is growing rapidly. I visited the city last summer.
________________________________________________________________________________
4. I read a book about Albert Einstein. He was a brilliant scientist.
________________________________________________________________________________
5. The Big Dipper can help you find your way at night. It is a constellation with
seven stars.
________________________________________________________________________________
B. Using Adjective and Adverb Clauses
Rewrite each of the following sentences, adding an adjective or adverb clause
that begins with the word in parentheses. Set off with commas any adverb clause
that comes at the beginning or the middle of the sentence, and any nonessential
adjective clause.
1. The boys ran into the building. (Use where.)
________________________________________________________________________________
2. I’ve already searched for an hour! (Use where.)
________________________________________________________________________________
3. The book has finally been returned to the library. (Use that.)
________________________________________________________________________________
4. The squirrel ran up the tree. (Use which.)
________________________________________________________________________________
5. The squirrel ran up the tree. (Use before.)
________________________________________________________________________________
6. Nobody may enter this room. (Use after.)
________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
For use with Pupil’s Edition pp. 95–97
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS WORKBOOK 75
CHAPTER 4
Lesson
2
Adjective and Adverb Clauses Application
Name Date
