A relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that provides additional information about a noun in the main clause. It typically begins with a relative pronoun (such as who, whom, whose, which, or that) or a relative adverb (such as where, when, or why).
Relative clauses can be restrictive or non-restrictive. Restrictive relative clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify and are not set off by commas. Non-restrictive relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information and are set off by commas.
For example: - The man who is wearing a blue shirt is my brother. (restrictive relative clause) - My brother, who is wearing a blue shirt, is waiting for me. (non-restrictive relative clause)
Relative clauses are commonly used to add detail and specificity to a sentence, and they can help to clarify the meaning of a noun by providing additional information about it.
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Google Gemini AI
Apr 30
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses, also known as adjective clauses, are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They modify the noun or pronoun by giving more specific details about its qualities, characteristics, or relationships.
Types of Relative Clauses:
- Restrictive (Defining) Relative Clauses: - Restrict the meaning of the noun they modify by giving essential information that identifies or specifies the noun. - Use the relative pronouns "who," "that," or "which." - Cannot be separated from the noun without changing its meaning. - Example: "The students who study hard will succeed."
- Non-Restrictive (Non-Defining) Relative Clauses: - Provide additional information that is not essential to identify the noun. - Use the relative pronouns "who," "whom," "that," "which," or "where." - Can be separated from the noun by commas. - Example: "Mary, who is my best friend, is getting married next month."
Relative Pronouns:
- Who: Refers to people and is used as the subject of the relative clause. - Whom: Refers to people and is used as the object of the relative clause. - That: Refers to people, things, or ideas and can be used as a subject or object. - Which: Refers to things or animals and is used as a subject or object. - Where: Refers to places.
Structure of Relative Clauses:
A relative clause consists of:
- Relative pronoun: Connects the relative clause to the main clause. - Subject: The noun or pronoun the relative clause modifies. - Verb: The action or state of being in the relative clause. - Object (optional): The noun or pronoun receiving the action of the verb.
Example:
Main Clause: The woman is a talented artist. Relative Clause: who has won numerous awards.
Combined Relative Clause: The woman who has won numerous awards is a talented artist.
Additional Notes:
- Relative clauses can be placed before or after the noun they modify. - A comma may be used to separate a non-restrictive relative clause from the main clause. - Relative clauses can be used to combine sentences and make writing more concise and efficient.