Relative or adjective clauses are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. These clauses begin with a relative pronoun (such as โwho,โ โwhom,โ โwhose,โ โwhich,โ or โthatโ) or a relative adverb (such as โwhere,โ โwhen,โ or โwhyโ). Relative clauses function to add detail or describe a specific element within the sentence.
Key characteristics of relative clauses:
- Relative Pronouns: Common relative pronouns include โwho,โ โwhom,โ โwhose,โ โwhich,โ and โthat.โ
Example: The person who called you is waiting outside. - Relative Adverbs: Relative adverbs, such as โwhere,โ โwhen,โ and โwhy,โ can introduce relative clauses that provide additional information about place, time, or reason.
Example: This is the city where I was born. - Modifying Nouns: Relative clauses modify or describe a specific noun in the main clause.
Example: The book that is on the shelf is mine.
Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive:
- Restrictive Relative Clause: Essential to the sentence’s meaning. It doesnโt use commas.
Example: The woman who is wearing a red hat is my sister. - Non-restrictive Relative Clause: This clause adds extra information not crucial to the sentenceโs meaning. It is set off by commas.
Example: My sister, who is wearing a red hat, just arrived. - Omission of Relative Pronouns: In some cases, relative pronouns can be omitted, especially when the clause modifies the object of the verb.
Example: The book (that) you recommended is excellent.
Relative clauses allow for more detailed and specific descriptions within a sentence, providing additional context and clarifying the relationships between different elements.
