Syntactic functions

[Ana Ruxandra]

Hi,
Could someone help me please??????
It is difficult for me to understande the syntactic function of a Clause.
I'l give an example in wich i have to give the correct function of the Relative Clause Introducer.
Just ghide me so i can understant from where i should start. and how do i know if it is a subject ,direct object,indirect object function {etc}.

Ex:"As a matter of fact,she knew practically nothing about the man to whom she had lent so much money"

I really need someone to answer me,i have an exam very soon.
Thank you very much.
Ana

[Mister Micawber]

.
A clause's function is determined just as is that of a single word or phrase:

the tall (descriptive adjective modifying 'man') man (N)
the man (N) in the black beret (prepositional phrase as adjective modifying 'man')
the man (N) to whom she had lent so much money (relative clause as adjective modifying 'man')

But I am not sure that I have answered your question, Ana.
.