Relative Clauses Overview

Relative Clauses

• Relative clauses modify nouns or pronouns. They provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they modify.
• They begin with relative pronouns (e.g., who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (where, when).
• Relative clauses can be either defining or non-defining.

Defining Relative Clauses

• Defining relative clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence. Without them, the sentence's meaning is incomplete or unclear.
• They restrict the noun's referent.
• They are not separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.
• Example: The dog that chased the cat is barking. (This specifies which dog is being discussed)

Non-defining Relative Clauses

• Non-defining relative clauses provide extra information about the noun or pronoun.
• They are not essential to the sentence's meaning. The sentence makes sense even without them.
• They are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.
• Example: The dog, which chased the cat, is barking. (This mentions a detail about the dog, but the sentence is not altered in meaning if this part were removed)

Relative Pronouns

• Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses. They connect the clause to the noun or pronoun it modifies.
• Common relative pronouns include:
  • who (people)
  • whom (people - object of the verb or preposition)
  • whose (possession)
  • which (things)
  • that (people or things)
• Note: 'That' can be used for both defining and non-defining clauses, though 'which' is often favoured for non-defining relative clauses regarding things.

Punctuation in Relative Clauses

• Defining clauses: No commas.
• Non-defining clauses: Commas are crucial for setting the clause apart.

Common Errors in Relative Clauses

• Incorrect use of commas: A common error is not using commas around non-defining clauses.
• Incorrect choice of relative pronoun: Using "who" for things or "which" for people is a frequent mistake. Thinking about whether the relative clause is describing a person or thing is important. Choosing "who(m)" versus "that" can be confused, especially with defining relative clauses for people.
• Omitting necessary relative pronouns: Forgetting a relative pronoun can damage the structure and meaning of the clause.
• Confusing defining and non-defining clauses: Understanding when a clause is essential to meaning and when it isn't is critical. If the clause is needed to clarify or restrict the noun it refers to, it's defining.
• Problems with preposition placement: Placing a preposition at the end of a relative clause when it grammatically belongs earlier in the clause can affect the meaning. For example, "The house where I was born is no longer there." "The house I was born in is no longer there" is also grammatically sound. In cases where a pronoun serves as the object of a preposition, careful placement is vital.