In this lesson, we will explore Relative Clauses, an essential part of English grammar that helps us provide additional information about nouns in a concise way. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to identify and use relative clauses effectively in your sentences.
What Are Relative Clauses?
A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that gives more information about a noun in the main clause. It usually begins with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb.
Example:
- The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
- Main Clause: “The book is very interesting.”
- Relative Clause: “that I borrowed from the library.”
Types of Relative Clauses
There are two main types of relative clauses:
- Defining (Restrictive) Relative Clauses
- Non-Defining (Non-Restrictive) Relative Clauses
Let’s break them down:
1. Defining (Restrictive) Relative Clauses
These clauses are used to specify which person or thing we are talking about. They are essential to the meaning of the sentence, and no commas are used.
Common Relative Pronouns:
- Who: Refers to people.
- Which: Refers to things or animals.
- That: Refers to people, things, or animals.
- Whose: Shows possession.
Examples:
- The man who lives next door is a doctor.
- The car that I bought last week is already broken.
2. Non-Defining (Non-Restrictive) Relative Clauses
These clauses give extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated by commas and do not change the meaning of the sentence if removed.
Important Note:
- We cannot use “that” in non-defining relative clauses.
Examples:
- My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting me next week.
My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting me next week. - The Eiffel Tower, which is located in Paris, is a famous landmark.
The Eiffel Tower, which is located in Paris, is a famous landmark.
Relative Pronouns and Their Uses
Here’s a table summarizing the most common relative pronouns and their uses:
| Relative Pronoun | Refers To | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Who | People | The teacher who taught us grammar is amazing. |
| Whom | People (object form) | The boy whom I met yesterday is my cousin. |
| Which | Things or Animals | The dog which barked all night belongs to my neighbor. |
| That | People, Things, Animals | The movie that we watched last night was thrilling. |
| Whose | Possession | The girl whose bag was stolen reported it to the police. |
Relative Adverbs
Relative adverbs are used to introduce relative clauses when referring to time, place, or reason.
| Relative Adverb | Refers To | Example |
|---|---|---|
| When | Time | I remember the day when we first met. |
| Where | Place | This is the park where we used to play as kids. |
| Why | Reason | Do you know the reason why she left early? |
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.
Example:
- The book (that) I borrowed is very interesting.
However, in non-defining relative clauses, the relative pronoun cannot be omitted.
Incorrect:
- My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting me next week.
(You cannot omit “who” here.)
Quick Recap
- Defining Relative Clauses: Provide essential information; no commas.
- Non-Defining Relative Clauses: Provide extra, non-essential information; use commas.
- Common Relative Pronouns: Who, whom, which, that, whose.
- Relative Adverbs: When, where, why.