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Relative clauses are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about nouns in main clauses, starting with relative pronouns like who, which, or that. They can be defining (restrictive) or non-defining (non-restrictive), affecting the meaning and punctuation of sentences. Mastery of relative clauses improves clarity in communication by modifying nouns and adding essential or non-essential details.

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5 views5 pages

Assignment...

Relative clauses are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about nouns in main clauses, starting with relative pronouns like who, which, or that. They can be defining (restrictive) or non-defining (non-restrictive), affecting the meaning and punctuation of sentences. Mastery of relative clauses improves clarity in communication by modifying nouns and adding essential or non-essential details.

Uploaded by

bitanyafekadu01
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Relative Clauses

1. Introduction to Relative Clauses


A relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that provides more information about a
noun in the main clause. It begins with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose,
which, or that.

Examples:
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
The book that I borrowed was excellent.

2. Types of Relative Clauses


A. Defining (Restrictive) Relative Clauses
These provide essential information about the noun. Removing them changes the meaning
of the sentence.

Examples:
The man who called you is my uncle.
The students who study hard usually succeed.

Notes:
No commas are used.
The clause restricts or defines the noun.

B. Non-defining (Non-restrictive) Relative Clauses


These add extra, non-essential information. The main sentence still makes sense without
them.

Examples:
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting next week.
That car, which I bought last year, has broken down.

Notes:
Commas are used.
The noun is already defined or known.
3. Relative Pronouns and Their Usage
Relative Pronoun | Used For | Example
----------------|------------------|--------------------------------------------
who | People (subject)

| The girl who called is my friend.


whom | People (object)

| The man whom you met is my uncle.


whose | Possession

| The boy whose bike was stolen is sad.


which | Things/Animals

| The movie which I watched was great.


that | People/Things

| The book that you gave me is useful.


where | Place

| The house where I grew up is big.


when | Time

| The day when we met was amazing.


why | Reason

| The reason why I left is complicated.

4. Omitting the Relative Pronoun


In defining clauses, the relative pronoun can be omitted if it is the object.

Examples:
The dress (that) she wore was beautiful.
The man (whom) we met was kind.

Note:
We cannot omit the pronoun if it is the subject.

Incorrect: The man works here is nice.


Correct: The man who works here is nice.

5. Reduced Relative Clauses


Relative clauses can be shortened, especially in defining clauses.
A. Using Present Participle (-ing)
When the verb is in the active voice.

Full: The man who is talking is the manager.


Reduced: The man talking is the manager.

B. Using Past Participle


When the verb is in the passive voice.

Full: The book which was written by her is famous.


Reduced: The book written by her is famous.

6. Punctuation Rules
Use commas with non-defining clauses.
Example: My teacher, who is very patient, helped me a lot.

Do not use commas with defining clauses.


Example: Students who cheat may be punished.

7. Common Errors and Tips


A. 'Which' vs. 'That'
Use 'that' for defining clauses.
Use 'which' for non-defining clauses.

Incorrect: The book which I read was great.


Correct: The book that I read was great.

B. Using 'who' for things


Incorrect: The car who is fast...
Correct: The car that/which is fast...

C. Repeating subject or object


Incorrect: The girl who she met is here.
Correct: The girl whom she met is here.

8. Special Cases in Relative Clauses


A. Prepositions in Relative Clauses
Formal: The house in which he lives is old.
Informal: The house which he lives in is old.

B. Relative Clauses with Quantifiers


Examples:
The students, many of whom passed the exam, were happy.
The books, none of which were damaged, are here.

9.Function of Relative Clauses

A relative clause serves the function of modifying or providing additional information about
a noun (subject, object, or complement) in the main clause. It typically answers questions
like "which one?", "what kind?", or "who/what is it about?", depending on the noun it
modifies. Here's a breakdown of the functions of relative clauses:

1. Modifying the Subject

A relative clause can provide more detail about the subject of the sentence.

Example: The girl who is wearing a red dress is my sister.

In this sentence, the relative clause "who is wearing a red dress" tells us more about the girl
(the subject of the main clause).

2. Modifying the Object

A relative clause can describe or specify the object of the sentence.

Example: I read the book that you recommended.


Here, the relative clause "that you recommended" modifies the book, which is the object of
the verb "read."

3. Modifying the Complement

A relative clause can also modify the complement of the sentence, which typically follows
linking verbs like be.

Example: This is the place where I grew up.


The relative clause "where I grew up" modifies the place, which is the complement
following the linking verb "is."

4. Adding Non-Essential Information (Non-Defining Clauses)

In non-defining relative clauses, the function is to add extra, non-essential information


about a noun that is already identified. This information is typically set off by commas.

Example: My brother, who lives in New York, is coming to visit.


The relative clause "who lives in New York" adds extra information about my brother but
does not change the overall meaning of the sentence. The sentence would still make sense
without it.

5. Indicating Possession (Using "whose")

A relative clause can show possession or relationships between nouns.

Example: The artist whose paintings are displayed here is very famous.

The relative clause "whose paintings" shows that the artist owns the paintings.

6. Giving More Specific Information

Relative clauses can specify which particular noun the speaker is referring to, especially
when there are multiple possibilities.

Example: The cake that she baked was delicious.

The relative clause "that she baked" narrows down the reference to a specific cake among
other possible cakes.

7. Providing Additional Clarification or Detail

In both defining and non-defining relative clauses, these clauses provide additional
clarification or detail, making the meaning of the sentence clearer.

Example: The man who arrived late missed the meeting.

The relative clause "who arrived late" specifies the man (among other men) by clarifying
which man the speaker means.

To some up , the function of a relative clause is to modify a noun, providing essential or non-
essential details that help identify or describe it more fully in the context of the sentence.

Summary

Relative clauses are essential tools in English grammar for modifying nouns and providing
both essential and non-essential information. Understanding how to use them correctly
along with proper punctuation, relative pronouns, and reduced forms enhances clarity and
precision in both written and spoken communication.

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