Identifying Relative Clauses

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 120 views

Relative clauses are a fundamental part of English grammar, used to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. In this article, we will explore how to identify and highlight the words that make up a relative clause in a sentence.

What is a Relative Clause?

A relative clause is a dependent clause that provides more information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. It is typically introduced by a relative pronoun, such as "who," "which," "that," or "whom." Relative clauses can be restrictive or non-restrictive, depending on whether they provide essential or non-essential information about the noun or pronoun.

Identifying Relative Clauses

To identify a relative clause, look for the following characteristics:

A relative pronoun, such as "who," "which," "that," or "whom"
A dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun
A connection to the main clause through a relative pronoun

Highlighting Relative Clauses

Now that we have identified the characteristics of a relative clause, let's highlight the words that make up the relative clause in the sentence:

Ming Lee and I coached the basketball team that won the tournament.

Relative Clause: that won the tournament

In this sentence, the relative clause is "that won the tournament." The words that make up this clause are:

that (relative pronoun)
won (verb)
the (article)
tournament (noun)

Breaking Down the Relative Clause

Let's break down the relative clause into its individual components:

that is the relative pronoun that introduces the clause.
won is the verb that describes the action of the team.
the is the article that modifies the noun "tournament."
tournament is the noun that provides additional information about the team.

Types of Relative Clauses

There are two types of relative clauses: restrictive and non-restrictive. A restrictive relative clause provides essential information about the noun or pronoun, while a non-restrictive relative clause provides non-essential information.

Restrictive Relative Clauses

A restrictive relative clause is one that provides essential information about the noun or pronoun. It is typically introduced by a relative pronoun, such as "that" or "which." Here is an example of a restrictive relative clause:

The book that I read last week was amazing.

In this sentence, the relative clause is "that I read last week." The words that make up this clause are:

that (relative pronoun)
I (pronoun)
read (verb)
last week (adverbial phrase)

Non-Restrictive Relative Clauses

A non-restrictive relative clause is one that provides non-essential information about the noun or pronoun. It is typically introduced by a relative pronoun, such as "who" or "which." Here is an example of a non-restrictive relative clause:

My sister, who is a doctor, is very smart.

In this sentence, the relative clause is "who is a doctor." The words that make up this clause are:

who (relative pronoun)
is (verb)
a (article)
doctor (noun)

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions about Relative Clauses

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about relative clauses, including how to identify them, how to use them, and how to distinguish between restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses.

Q: What is a relative clause?

A: A relative clause is a dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. It is typically introduced by a relative pronoun, such as "who," "which," "that," or "whom."

Q: How do I identify a relative clause?

A: To identify a relative clause, look for the following characteristics:

A relative pronoun, such as "who," "which," "that," or "whom"
A dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun
A connection to the main clause through a relative pronoun

Q: What is the difference between a restrictive and non-restrictive relative clause?

A: A restrictive relative clause provides essential information about the noun or pronoun, while a non-restrictive relative clause provides non-essential information. Restrictive relative clauses are typically introduced by "that" or "which," while non-restrictive relative clauses are typically introduced by "who" or "which."

Q: How do I use a relative clause in a sentence?

A: To use a relative clause in a sentence, follow these steps:

Identify the noun or pronoun that you want to provide additional information about.
Choose a relative pronoun, such as "who," "which," "that," or "whom."
Create a dependent clause that provides additional information about the noun or pronoun.
Connect the dependent clause to the main clause through the relative pronoun.

Q: Can I use a relative clause to provide essential information about a noun or pronoun?

A: Yes, you can use a relative clause to provide essential information about a noun or pronoun. This is known as a restrictive relative clause. For example:

The book that I read last week was amazing.

In this sentence, the relative clause "that I read last week" provides essential information about the book.

Q: Can I use a relative clause to provide non-essential information about a noun or pronoun?

A: Yes, you can use a relative clause to provide non-essential information about a noun or pronoun. This is known as a non-restrictive relative clause. For example:

My sister, who is a doctor, is very smart.

In this sentence, the relative clause "who is a doctor" provides non-essential information about my sister.

Q: How do I distinguish between a restrictive and non-restrictive relative clause?

A: To distinguish between a restrictive and non-restrictive relative clause, look for the following characteristics:

Restrictive relative clauses are typically introduced by "that" or "which."
Non-restrictive relative clauses are typically introduced by "who" or "which."
Restrictive relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun, while non-restrictive relative clauses provide non-essential information.

Q: Can I use a relative clause with a pronoun?

A: Yes, you can use a relative clause with a pronoun. For example:

The person who I met yesterday is very nice.

In this sentence, the relative clause "who I met yesterday" provides additional information about the person.

Q: Can I use a relative clause with a noun?

A: Yes, you can use a relative clause with a noun. For example:

The book that I read last week was amazing.

In this sentence, the relative clause "that I read last week" provides additional information about the book.

Conclusion

In conclusion, relative clauses are an essential part of English grammar, used to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. By understanding how to identify and use relative clauses, you can improve your writing and speaking skills and communicate more effectively and accurately.