English Grammar Lesson: Relative Clauses

1. What is a Relative Clause?

Definition: A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. It usually starts with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, which, or that.

Example:

  • The book that I borrowed was fascinating.
  • The woman who lives next door is a doctor.

2. Types of Relative Clauses

There are two main types of relative clauses: defining and non-defining relative clauses.

2.1 Defining Relative Clauses

A defining relative clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies. Without this clause, the meaning of the sentence would be incomplete. Defining relative clauses are not separated by commas.

Example:

  • The car that he bought is very expensive.
  • The man who helped me was very kind.

2.2 Non-Defining Relative Clauses

A non-defining relative clause provides extra, non-essential information about the noun it modifies. The sentence would still make sense without this clause. Non-defining relative clauses are separated by commas.

Example:

  • My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.
  • The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is a famous landmark.

3. Relative Pronouns

The most common relative pronouns used in relative clauses are:

  • Who: Refers to people.
  • Whom: Refers to people (used in formal writing).
  • Whose: Shows possession.
  • Which: Refers to things or animals.
  • That: Refers to people, things, or animals (used in defining relative clauses).

Example Sentences:

  • The teacher who taught me was very inspiring.
  • The artist whose paintings are famous lives nearby.
  • The house which we bought needs some renovations.
  • The cake that she baked was delicious.

4. Omitting the Relative Pronoun

In some cases, the relative pronoun can be omitted if it is the object of the relative clause. This is more common in informal speech.

Example:

  • The book I am reading is interesting. (Relative pronoun “that” omitted)
  • The movie we watched was thrilling. (Relative pronoun “that” omitted)