DEFINITION
An adjective clause (or relative clause) modifies the noun or pronoun in front of it. The entire clause may answer the question What kind? Which one? How many? or How much? Pair this subordinate clause with an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
More rarely, adjective clauses may also begin with a relative adverb, such as when or where.
punctuation
If the adjective clause contains information essential to the meaning of the sentence, do not use commas. If the adjective clause contains nonessential information, use commas.
EXAMPLES:
ESSENTIAL I'm always impressed by skaters who can breeze by with ease.
NONESSENTIAL I love a less-crowded skating rink, which allows me to float in a peaceful reverie.
ESSENTIAL People who want to know more about Lock 3 can check out their website here.
NONESSENTIAL The ice skaters, who glide serenely in a hypnotic dance, disappear into the night.
EXAMPLES:
ESSENTIAL I'm always impressed by skaters who can breeze by with ease.
NONESSENTIAL I love a less-crowded skating rink, which allows me to float in a peaceful reverie.
ESSENTIAL People who want to know more about Lock 3 can check out their website here.
NONESSENTIAL The ice skaters, who glide serenely in a hypnotic dance, disappear into the night.
Writers use adjective clauses to incorporate more description into their writing; however, you may also consider ways to eliminate wordiness. You could omit the relative pronoun as long as you don't change the meaning of the sentence.
ORIGINAL Lock 3 is a destination that many Akron residents enjoy.
REVISED Lock 3 is a destination many Akron residents enjoy.
REVISED Lock 3 is a destination many Akron residents enjoy.