Relative Clauses: Enhance Your Sentences with Essential Information

In this guide, you will learn how to use relative clauses to add essential or extra information to your sentences in English. We will explore the structure, types, and common errors to help you confidently incorporate relative clauses into your writing and speaking.

What are Relative Clauses?

Relative clauses are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They begin with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb. Relative clauses can function as either defining (essential) or non-defining (non-essential) clauses.

Defining Relative Clauses

Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify. They cannot be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning. Common relative pronouns used in defining relative clauses include that, which, who, whom, and whose.

Example: The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue.

In this example, the defining relative clause "that I borrowed from the library" limits the meaning of the noun "book." It specifies which book is being referred to.

Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify. They are set off by commas and can be removed from the sentence without changing its core meaning. Common relative pronouns used in non-defining relative clauses include which, who, whom, and whose.

Example: The Eiffel Tower, which is located in Paris, is a famous tourist attraction.

In this example, the non-defining relative clause "which is located in Paris" adds extra information about the Eiffel Tower but does not change the core meaning of the sentence.

Forming Relative Clauses

To form a relative clause, follow these steps:

1. Identify the noun or pronoun that you want to modify.
2. Introduce the relative clause with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb.
3. Include the verb and any additional information necessary in the relative clause.
4. Place the relative clause close to the noun it modifies.

Example: The student who won the competition received a scholarship.

In this example, the noun "student" is modified by the relative clause "who won the competition." The relative pronoun "who" is used to connect the clause to the noun.

Tips for Using Relative Clauses

Here are some tips to help you effectively use relative clauses in your writing and speaking:

1. Be mindful of the difference between defining and non-defining relative clauses. Defining clauses are essential to the sentence's meaning, while non-defining clauses provide additional, non-essential information.

2. Choose the appropriate relative pronoun or adverb based on the context and the noun or pronoun you are modifying.

3. Make sure the verb in the relative clause agrees with the noun or pronoun it refers to.

4. Place the relative clause close to the noun or pronoun it modifies for clarity and readability.

Common Errors

Avoid these common errors when using relative clauses:

1. Ambiguity: Ensure that the relative clause is clearly connected to the noun or pronoun it modifies. Avoid ambiguous or unclear references.

2. Misplaced modifiers: Place the relative clause directly after the noun or pronoun it modifies to avoid confusion or awkward sentence structure.

3. Incorrect verb agreement: Make sure the verb in the relative clause agrees with the noun or pronoun it refers to in number and person.

Practice and Master Relative Clauses

Relative clauses can greatly enhance your sentences by providing crucial information. Practice incorporating them into your writing and speaking to strengthen your English language skills. Keep in mind the differences between defining and non-defining clauses, choose appropriate relative pronouns or adverbs, and ensure clear and accurate connections between the clauses and the modified noun or pronoun. Happy writing!