An adjectival clause performs the functions of an adjective i.e. it qualifies a noun or its equivalents. An adjectival clause begins with a relative pronoun such as who, which, that, whose, where, whom etc. hence it is called a (defining) relative clause as well. This clause is not separated by a comma from the noun it describes. But when the clause is marked off by a comma from the noun it describes, it is not a relative clause.
The man whose car was stolen has reported the case
Relative/Adj.cl.describing the NP ‘the man’
The boy whom you praised so well has been rewarded.
Relative/Adj. cl. Describing the NP ‘the boy’
I will retire to a city where the standard of living is low.
Relative/Adj. cl. Describing ‘a city’
The man I met told me the secret.
Relative/Adj.cl.describing the NP ‘the man’
Dayo, who returned from London yesterday has returned
Adj. cl. (non-defining) describing ‘Dayo’
Things fall apart, which was written by Chinua Achebe, is a best seller.
Adj. cl. Describing ‘Things Fall Apart’
EVALUATION
Describe the two types of adjectival clauses with two examples for each.
See also
Speech Work: Stress Placement on Two or More Syllable Words
Structure: Prepositional Phrase