Understanding Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are an essential part of English grammar, helping to provide additional information about nouns. They make sentences more informative and detailed. This guide will explain what relative clauses are, how and when they are used, provide examples, and include exercises test your understanding.

What are Relative Clauses?

Relative clauses are dependent clauses that modify a noun. They provide additional information about the noun and are introduced by relative pronouns such as “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” and “that.”

Types of Relative Clauses

1.Defining Relative Clauses: Provide essential information about the noun.

• Example: “The book that you gave me is fascinating.”

2.Non-defining Relative Clauses: Provide extra information that is not essential.

• Example: “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.”

How are Relative Clauses Used?

Defining Relative Clauses

Defining relative clauses give essential information to define the noun they modify. They are crucial to the meaning of the sentence and are not set off by commas.

• Who: Refers to people.
  • Example: “The teacher who inspired me has retired.”
• Which: Refers to animals and things.
  • Example: “The car which he bought last year is already broken.”
• That: Refers to people, animals, and things.
  • Example: “The house that we rented was very cozy.”

Non-defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses add extra information about the noun. They are not essential to the meaning of the sentence and are separated by commas.

• Who: Refers to people.
  • Example: “Mr. Brown, who is my neighbor, is a doctor.”
• Which: Refers to animals and things.
  • Example: “The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is a famous landmark.”
• Whose: Indicates possession.
  • Example: “Lisa, whose brother is an actor, will join us.”

When to Use Relative Clauses

Providing Essential Information

Use defining relative clauses to provide crucial information about the noun.

• Example: “The student who won the prize is my friend.”

Adding Extra Information

Use non-defining relative clauses to add extra, non-essential information.

• Example: “Paris, which is the capital of France, is a beautiful city.”

Examples of Relative Clauses

1. Defining Relative Clause: “The man who helped us was very kind.”
2. Non-defining Relative Clause: “The museum, which we visited last summer, was very impressive.”
3. Defining Relative Clause: “The movie that we watched was thrilling.”
4. Non-defining Relative Clause: “My aunt, who is a painter, has an exhibition.”
5. Defining Relative Clause: “The dog which bit the postman was very aggressive.”

Relative Clauses Exercises

Complete the sentences using the correct relative pronoun (who, which, that, whose):

1. The artist ________ painted this is very talented.
2. This is the book ________ I was telling you about.
3. My friend, ________ father is a chef, makes delicious food.
4. The song ________ she sang was beautiful.
5. The car ________ broke down has been repaired.
6. The man ________ car was stolen reported it to the police.
7. She is the person ________ I admire the most.
8. The restaurant, ________ serves Italian food, is my favorite.
9. The company ________ made this phone is very innovative.
10. The girl ________ won the contest is my cousin.

Answers:

1. who
2. that/which
3. whose
4. that/which
5. that/which
6. whose
7. who
8. which
9. that/which
10. who

By understanding and using relative clauses correctly, you can make your sentences more informative and detailed. Use this guide to master relative clauses and enhance your English grammar skills!