Relative clauses

Definition

Relative clauses are dependent clauses that modify a noun or pronoun by providing additional information about it. They often begin with relative pronouns like 'who,' 'whom,' 'whose,' 'which,' or 'that.' These clauses can be essential for identifying the noun they modify or non-essential, providing extra details without changing the meaning of the sentence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Relative clauses provide important details about nouns, helping to clarify or specify which person, place, or thing is being discussed.
2. When using restrictive relative clauses, no commas are needed, as they are crucial to understanding which noun is being referred to.
3. Non-restrictive relative clauses require commas because they add supplementary information that isn't essential for identifying the noun.
4. Relative clauses can sometimes be reduced or expanded, allowing for flexibility in how information is presented within a sentence.
5. Understanding how to use relative clauses effectively can enhance writing by creating more complex and informative sentences.

Review Questions

• How do restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses differ in their function within a sentence?
  • Restrictive relative clauses provide essential information that identifies the noun they modify, meaning they cannot be omitted without changing the sentence's meaning. In contrast, non-restrictive relative clauses add extra information that enhances the sentence but can be removed without affecting its core meaning. This distinction affects punctuation; restrictive clauses do not use commas, while non-restrictive ones are set off by commas to indicate their supplementary nature.
• In what ways can relative clauses be expanded or reduced in sentences, and what impact does this have on clarity?
  • Relative clauses can be expanded by adding more information or details within the clause itself or reduced by omitting certain elements, such as the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb. This flexibility allows writers to adjust the complexity and flow of sentences, affecting clarity. For instance, reducing a relative clause can create a more streamlined sentence, while expansion may provide depth and specificity, catering to different stylistic preferences.
• Evaluate the importance of using relative clauses effectively in writing and how they contribute to overall coherence.
  • Using relative clauses effectively is crucial for enhancing writing quality and coherence. They allow writers to connect ideas more fluidly by adding necessary context or details about nouns without creating overly lengthy sentences. This not only clarifies relationships between different elements of a sentence but also enriches the text by providing depth and specificity. Mastery of relative clauses thus contributes significantly to clear communication and engaging prose.

Related terms

independent clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence, containing a subject and a predicate.

restrictive clause: A type of relative clause that provides essential information to identify the noun it modifies; it cannot be removed without changing the sentence's meaning.

non-restrictive clause: A type of relative clause that adds extra information about a noun but can be removed without altering the fundamental meaning of the sentence; it is usually set off by commas.