Relative Clause

Relative clauses are an essential part of English grammar, adding depth and detail to sentences. They function as multi-word adjectives, providing additional information about a noun. Let’s dive into the details of relative clauses, their types, and how they are used, along with plenty of 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) or a relative adverb (such as where, when, or why). The relative clause provides more information about the noun, making the sentence more informative and specific.

Types of Relative Clauses

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

1. Defining Relative Clauses

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

Examples:

• The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
• Students who study hard usually get good grades.
• The car which is parked outside belongs to my neighbor.

In these examples, the relative clauses (“that I borrowed from the library,” “who study hard,” and “which is parked outside”) are crucial to understanding which specific book, students, or car is being referred to.

2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses provide extra information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. These clauses are set off 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 (“who lives in New York,” “which is located in Paris,” and “which was very thoughtful”) add additional information, but the sentences would still be complete and understandable without them.

Relative Pronouns and Their Uses

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

• Who: Refers to people (subject).
  • Example: The teacher who inspired me is retiring.
• Whom: Refers to people (object).
  • Example: The person whom I met yesterday was very kind.
• Whose: Indicates possession.
  • Example: The artist whose painting won the award is very talented.
• Which: Refers to animals and things.
  • Example: The movie which we watched last night was thrilling.
• That: Refers to people, animals, and things (used in defining clauses).
  • Example: The book that you lent me is amazing.

Relative Adverbs

Relative adverbs introduce relative clauses that provide more information about time, place, or reason.

• 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 still unknown.

Omitting the Relative Pronoun

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

Examples:

• The book (that) I read was fascinating.
• The person (whom) I saw was very familiar.
• The house (which) we bought needs renovation.

Examples of Relative Clauses in Sentences

Here are more examples to illustrate the use of relative clauses:

1. Defining Relative Clauses:
   • The scientist who discovered the cure is being honored.
   • The laptop that I bought last year is already outdated.
   • The city where I grew up has changed a lot.
2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses:
   • My friend Sarah, who is a doctor, is moving to Canada.
   • The Great Wall of China, which stretches over 13,000 miles, is a marvel of engineering.
   • Our vacation, which we planned for months, was a huge success.

Exercises to Practice Relative Clauses

To master relative clauses, it’s helpful to practice with exercises. Here are a few to get you started:

1. Combine the sentences using a relative clause:
   • The man is my uncle. He is wearing a blue shirt.
   • The book is on the table. It belongs to Sarah.
   • The movie was fantastic. We watched it last night.
2. Identify the type of relative clause (defining or non-defining):
   • The car, which is red, belongs to my neighbor.
   • The students who study hard will succeed.
   • My sister, who lives in London, is coming to visit.

Conclusion

Relative clauses are a powerful tool in English grammar, allowing speakers and writers to add detail and clarity to their sentences. By understanding and using defining and non-defining relative clauses, you can make your communication more precise and engaging. Practice using relative clauses in your writing and speaking to become more proficient in their use.