Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are a fundamental part of English grammar, used to provide additional information about a noun without starting a new sentence. They help make sentences more informative and detailed. Let’s dive into the details of relative clauses, their types, and examples.

What is a Relative Clause?

A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun or a noun phrase. It usually begins with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, which, or that. These pronouns refer to the noun mentioned earlier in the sentence, known as the antecedent.

Types of Relative Clauses

There are two main types of relative clauses: defining (restrictive) and non-defining (non-restrictive).

1. Defining (Restrictive) Relative Clauses

Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify. Without this clause, the meaning of the sentence would be incomplete or unclear. These clauses are not separated by commas.

Examples:

• The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
• The person who called you is my friend.
• The house where I grew up has been demolished.

In these examples, the relative clauses are crucial to understanding which book, person, or house is being referred to.

2. Non-Defining (Non-Restrictive) Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses add extra information about the noun, but this information is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. These clauses are separated by commas.

Examples:

• My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.
• The Eiffel Tower, which is located in Paris, is a famous landmark.
• She gave me a gift, which was very thoughtful.

In these examples, the relative clauses provide additional information, but the sentences would still make sense without them.

Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns are used to introduce relative clauses. Here are the main relative pronouns and their uses:

• Who: Refers to people (subject).
  • Example: The teacher who taught me is retiring.
• Whom: Refers to people (object).
  • Example: The person whom you met is my cousin.
• Whose: Indicates possession.
  • Example: The artist whose painting you liked is famous.
• Which: Refers to animals and things.
  • Example: The car which I bought is very fast.
• That: Refers to people, animals, and things (used in defining clauses).
  • Example: The movie that we watched was thrilling.

Omitting the Relative Pronoun

In some cases, the relative pronoun can be omitted, especially in defining relative clauses when it is the object of the clause.

Examples:

• The book (that) I read was amazing.
• The person (whom) you saw is my friend.

Relative Adverbs

Relative adverbs such as where, when, and why can also introduce relative clauses.

• Where: Refers to a place.
  • Example: The restaurant where we had dinner was excellent.
• When: Refers to a time.
  • Example: The day when we met was unforgettable.
• Why: Refers to a reason.
  • Example: The reason why she left is unknown.

Combining Sentences with Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are useful for combining sentences to make them more concise and informative.

Examples:

• Original: I have a friend. She is a doctor.
  • Combined: I have a friend who is a doctor.
• Original: The book is on the table. It is mine.
  • Combined: The book that is on the table is mine.

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong relative pronoun: Ensure you use the correct relative pronoun based on whether you are referring to people, animals, things, or possession.
   • Incorrect: The person which called you is my friend.
   • Correct: The person who called you is my friend.
2. Misplacing commas: Remember that defining relative clauses do not use commas, while non-defining relative clauses do.
   • Incorrect: The car, that I bought, is fast.
   • Correct: The car that I bought is fast.
3. Omitting necessary relative pronouns: Do not omit the relative pronoun if it is the subject of the clause.
   • Incorrect: The man lives next door is a teacher.
   • Correct: The man who lives next door is a teacher.

Practice Exercises

1. Combine the sentences using relative clauses:
   • The girl is my sister. She is wearing a red dress.
   • The movie was fantastic. We watched it last night.
2. Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
   • The book, that you gave me, is interesting.
   • The person which called you is my friend.

Conclusion

Relative clauses are a powerful tool in English grammar, allowing you to add detail and clarity to your sentences. By understanding the types of relative clauses, the use of relative pronouns, and common mistakes, you can enhance your writing and communication skills. Practice using relative clauses in your sentences to become more proficient in their use.