Relative clause

Definition

A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun by providing additional information about it. This clause often begins with a relative pronoun such as 'who,' 'whom,' 'whose,' 'which,' or 'that,' and it helps to create complex sentences by adding more detail, thereby enriching the meaning of the main clause.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Relative clauses can be classified as restrictive or non-restrictive; restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence, while non-restrictive clauses add extra information but are not necessary for understanding.
2. In writing, non-restrictive relative clauses are typically set off by commas to indicate that the information is supplementary.
3. The choice of relative pronoun can affect the clarity of the relative clause; for instance, 'who' refers to people while 'which' refers to things.
4. Relative clauses can be embedded within sentences, allowing for multiple layers of detail and complexity in sentence structure.
5. Using relative clauses effectively can enhance writing by providing specificity and depth, making it more engaging for readers.

Review Questions

• How do relative clauses function within complex sentences, and what role do they play in modifying nouns?
  • Relative clauses function as modifiers within complex sentences by providing additional information about nouns or pronouns. They clarify or specify which person or thing is being referred to, thus enhancing the overall meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence 'The book that I borrowed was fascinating,' the relative clause 'that I borrowed' specifies which book is being discussed, making the information clearer.
• Discuss the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses, including their punctuation and effect on sentence meaning.
  • Restrictive relative clauses are essential for identifying the noun they modify and do not require commas, as they provide crucial information needed to understand the sentence. In contrast, non-restrictive relative clauses offer additional details that could be omitted without altering the fundamental meaning, and they are set off by commas. For instance, in 'The car that I bought is red,' the restrictive clause is necessary to know which car is meant. However, in 'My car, which I bought last year, is red,' the non-restrictive clause adds extra context but isn't essential for understanding.
• Evaluate how effective use of relative clauses can improve writing quality, providing examples of both successful and ineffective usage.
  • Effective use of relative clauses can significantly improve writing quality by adding depth and specificity. For example, saying 'The artist who painted this masterpiece has won several awards' utilizes a relative clause to provide important context about the artist's achievements. Conversely, ineffective use can occur when a writer overloads a sentence with too many relative clauses, making it convoluted or difficult to follow, such as in 'The book that I read last week that was on my shelf for months before I finally picked it up was very interesting.' Clarity is key; thus, balancing detail with readability is essential for strong writing.

Related terms

dependent clause: A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, making it unable to stand alone as a sentence.

independent clause: An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, allowing it to stand alone as a sentence.

relative pronoun: A relative pronoun is a word used to connect a relative clause to the noun it modifies, such as 'who,' 'which,' 'that,' or 'whose.'