In Indo-European languages, a relative clause—also called an adjective clause or an adjectival clause—will meet three requirements.
First, like all dependent clauses, it will contain a verb (and it will also contain a subject unless it is a non-finite dependent clause). However, in a pro-drop language the subject may be a zero pronoun—that is, the pronoun may not be explicitly included because its identity is conveyed by a verbal inflection.
Next, it will begin with a relative adverb [when, where, or why in English] or a relative pronoun [who, whom, whose, that, or which in English]. However, the English relative pronoun may be omitted and only implied if it plays the role of the object of the verb or object of a preposition in a restrictive clause; for example, He is the boy I saw is equivalent to He is the boy whom I saw, and I saw the boy you are talking about is equivalent to the more formal I saw the boy about whom you are talking.
Finally, the relative clause will function as an adjective, answering questions such as "what kind?", "how many?" or "which one?".
The adjective clause in English will follow one of these patterns:
First, like all dependent clauses, it will contain a verb (and it will also contain a subject unless it is a non-finite dependent clause). However, in a pro-drop language the subject may be a zero pronoun—that is, the pronoun may not be explicitly included because its identity is conveyed by a verbal inflection.
Next, it will begin with a relative adverb [when, where, or why in English] or a relative pronoun [who, whom, whose, that, or which in English]. However, the English relative pronoun may be omitted and only implied if it plays the role of the object of the verb or object of a preposition in a restrictive clause; for example, He is the boy I saw is equivalent to He is the boy whom I saw, and I saw the boy you are talking about is equivalent to the more formal I saw the boy about whom you are talking.
Finally, the relative clause will function as an adjective, answering questions such as "what kind?", "how many?" or "which one?".
The adjective clause in English will follow one of these patterns:
- Relative Pronoun [Functioning as Object of Verb] + Subject + Verb
This is the ball that I was bouncing.
- Relative Adverb + Subject + Verb (possibly + Object of Verb)
That is the house where I grew up.
That is the house where I met her.
- Relative Pronoun [Functioning as Subject] + Verb (possibly + Object of Verb)
That is the person who hiccuped.
That is the person who saw me.
- Relative Pronoun [Functioning as Object of Preposition] + Subject + Verb (possibly + Object of Verb) + Preposition
That is the person who(m) I was talking about.
That is the person who(m) I was telling you about.
- Preposition + Relative Pronoun [Functioning as Object of Preposition] + Subject + Verb (possibly + Object of Verb)
That is the person about whom I was talking.
That is the person about whom I was telling you.
- Possessive Relative Pronoun + Noun [Functioning as Subject] + Verb (possibly + Object of Verb)
That is the dog whose big brown eyes pleaded for another cookie.
That is the dog whose big brown eyes begged me for another cookie.
- Possessive Relative Pronoun + Noun [Functioning as Object of Verb] + Subject + Verb
That is the person whose car I saw.
Example a part of article containing the adjective clause (underline) :
The Count of Monte Cristo
A young sailor named Edmond Dantes returned home from a dangerous voyage. Since the captain of the ship Leclere died during the voyage, Edmond Dantes took over the command of the ship Pharaon which was owned by Morrel. Morrel liked Edmond and promoted him to be the new captain of the Pharaon. Dantes was well-liked by all of the sailors, except Danglars, who was jealous of Edmond's favorable position. Edmond asked for Morrel’s consent to visit his father and then to see Mercedes, his fiance.
When Edmond hurried to Mercedes’ house, she was having an unpleasant talk with Fernand, a soldier who loved her so much and wanted her to be his wife. But Mercedes was true to Edmond. Finally, unable to bear the sight of the happy couple, Fernand rushed out of the house. Then, Edmond and Mercedes planned their marriage,
When Edmond hurried to Mercedes’ house, she was having an unpleasant talk with Fernand, a soldier who loved her so much and wanted her to be his wife. But Mercedes was true to Edmond. Finally, unable to bear the sight of the happy couple, Fernand rushed out of the house. Then, Edmond and Mercedes planned their marriage,
Questions and Answers of the excercises
Q : I talked to the woman she was sitting next to me
A : I talked to the woman who was sitting next to me
Q : I talked to the woman she was sitting next to me
A : I talked to the woman who was sitting next to me
Q : I have a class it begins at 08.00 Am
A : I have a class which begins at 08.00 Am
Q : The man called the police his car was stolen
A : The man whose car was stolen called the police
Q : The building is very old he lives there
A : The building where he lives is very old
Q : The woman was ms Silvy I saw her
A : The woman whom I saw was ms Silvy
Reference :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_clause#Relative_.28adjectival.29_clause
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_relative_clauses
http://sentrablog.blogspot.com/2012/05/task-5-and-6-bhs-inggris-bisnis-2.html
http://free-english-lesson.blogspot.com/
