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Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are an essential part of English grammar that help to provide additional information about a noun in a sentence. They make sentences more informative and are used to define or give more context to the noun they modify. Understanding how to use relative clauses effectively will enhance your writing and speaking skills.

1. What is a Relative Clause?

A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. It usually begins with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, which, or that. These clauses add extra information to a sentence without starting a new sentence, allowing for smoother and more complex sentence structures.

1.1. Types of Relative Clauses

  1. Defining Relative Clauses:
    • These clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify. They help to identify which person or thing we are talking about.
    • Examples:
      • The book that I borrowed was fascinating. (Identifies which book.)
      • People who exercise regularly are healthier. (Specifies which people.)
  2. Non-defining Relative Clauses:
    • These clauses add extra information that is not essential to identify the noun. They are usually set off by commas.
    • Examples:
      • My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us. (The information about living in London is additional.)
      • The Eiffel Tower, which was built in 1889, is a famous landmark. (Provides extra context about the Eiffel Tower.)

2. Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses and link them to the main clause. Here’s a breakdown of the most common relative pronouns and their uses:

  1. Who: Refers to people.
    • The teacher who taught me is retiring.
  2. Whom: Also refers to people but is used in more formal contexts and as an object.
    • The author whom I admire is giving a lecture. (Note: “whom” is less commonly used in everyday speech.)
  3. Whose: Indicates possession.
    • The woman whose car was stolen reported it to the police.
  4. Which: Refers to animals and things.
    • The book which I bought is on the table.
  5. That: Can refer to people, animals, or things. It is often used in defining clauses.
    • The car that I want is too expensive.

3. Punctuation in Relative Clauses

  • Defining Relative Clauses: No commas are used because the information is essential.
    • The students who study hard will pass the exam.
  • Non-defining Relative Clauses: Commas are necessary as they provide additional, non-essential information.
    • The students, who study hard, will pass the exam.

4. Common Mistakes with Relative Clauses

  1. Confusing “who” and “whom”:
    • Use “who” for subjects and “whom” for objects.
    • Incorrect: The man whom called me is my uncle.
    • Correct: The man who called me is my uncle.
  2. Using “that” in non-defining clauses:
    • Incorrect: My sister, that lives in Paris, is visiting.
    • Correct: My sister, who lives in Paris, is visiting.
  3. Omitting necessary relative pronouns:
    • Incorrect: The book I borrowed was great. (In formal writing, it’s clearer to include “that”)
    • Correct: The book that I borrowed was great.