Relative Clause

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A relative clause is a kind of subordinate clause that contains the element or elements that participate in an action or state expressed in the clause. It’s often used to provide extra information about something without starting a new sentence. In English, relative clauses are often introduced by relative pronouns like “who,” “whom,” “which,” “that,” “whose,” etc.

Here are the two main types of relative clauses:

1. Restrictive Relative Clauses: These clauses provide essential information about the noun or noun phrase they modify. If a restrictive relative clause is removed, the meaning of the sentence would significantly change.Example: The man who is wearing a blue suit is my teacher.In this sentence, the restrictive relative clause is “who is wearing a blue suit,” and it’s essential to understand which man is being referred to. Without this clause, we wouldn’t know who the teacher is.
2. Nonrestrictive Relative Clauses: These clauses provide additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. If a nonrestrictive relative clause is removed, the sentence would still make sense.Example: My brother, who just graduated from university, is moving to Boston.In this sentence, the nonrestrictive relative clause is “who just graduated from university.” This information is not essential to know that the speaker’s brother is moving to Boston. If we remove this clause, we still know that the speaker’s brother is moving.

Here are more examples for each type:

Restrictive:

• The book that is on the table is mine.
• People who smoke should quit.
• I don’t trust products that aren’t tested.

Nonrestrictive:

• My dog, who is 12 years old, loves to play fetch.
• Paris, which is the capital of France, is a beautiful city.
• My mother’s car, which she bought last year, is already broken.

Note: In formal written English, commas are typically used to set off nonrestrictive relative clauses, but not restrictive ones.

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