Identifying the Relative Clause in the Sentence

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 80 views

Relative clauses are a fundamental part of English grammar, used to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. In the given sentence, "Coach Raul Mendoza thanked the teacher who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory," the relative clause is "who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory." In this article, we will highlight the words that make up this relative clause and explore its significance in the sentence.

What is a Relative Clause?

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," or "that." Relative clauses can be identifying or non-identifying, depending on whether they provide essential or non-essential information about the noun or pronoun.

Identifying the Relative Clause in the Sentence

In the sentence "Coach Raul Mendoza thanked the teacher who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory," the relative clause is "who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory." This clause provides additional information about the teacher, specifying their action of scheduling the tour.

Highlighting the Words of the Relative Clause

The relative clause "who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory" consists of the following words:

Who: This is the relative pronoun that introduces the relative clause.
scheduled: This is the verb that describes the action of the teacher.
the tour: This is the object of the verb "scheduled," indicating the specific activity that the teacher scheduled.
of the Crayola factory: This is a prepositional phrase that provides additional information about the tour, specifying its location.

The Importance of Relative Clauses in English Grammar

Relative clauses are a crucial part of English grammar, used to provide additional information about nouns or pronouns in a sentence. They can be identifying or non-identifying, depending on whether they provide essential or non-essential information. In the sentence "Coach Raul Mendoza thanked the teacher who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory," the relative clause "who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory" provides essential information about the teacher, specifying their action of scheduling the tour.

Types of Relative Clauses

There are two types of relative clauses: identifying and non-identifying. Identifying relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun, while non-identifying relative clauses provide non-essential information.

Identifying Relative Clauses: These clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun, and are typically introduced by a relative pronoun such as "who" or "which." For example: "The teacher who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory is very experienced."
Non-Identifying Relative Clauses: These clauses provide non-essential information about the noun or pronoun, and are typically introduced by a relative pronoun such as "who" or "which" in a non-restrictive clause. For example: "The teacher, who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory, is very experienced."

Using Relative Clauses in Sentences

Relative clauses can be used in a variety of sentences to provide additional information about nouns or pronouns. Here are some examples:

Simple Sentence: "The teacher who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory is very experienced."
Complex Sentence: "The teacher, who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory, is very experienced and has a lot of experience in education."
Compound Sentence: "The teacher who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory is very experienced, and the students who attended the tour had a great time."

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions about Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are a fundamental part of English grammar, used to provide additional information about nouns or pronouns in a sentence. However, they can be confusing, especially for non-native English speakers. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about 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," or "that."

Q: What are the types of relative clauses?

A: There are two types of relative clauses: identifying and non-identifying. Identifying relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun, while non-identifying relative clauses provide non-essential information.

Q: What is an identifying relative clause?

A: An identifying relative clause is a clause that provides essential information about the noun or pronoun. It is typically introduced by a relative pronoun such as "who" or "which." For example: "The teacher who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory is very experienced."

Q: What is a non-identifying relative clause?

A: A non-identifying relative clause is a clause that provides non-essential information about the noun or pronoun. It is typically introduced by a relative pronoun such as "who" or "which" in a non-restrictive clause. For example: "The teacher, who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory, is very experienced and has a lot of experience in education."

Q: How do I know whether to use an identifying or non-identifying relative clause?

A: To determine whether to use an identifying or non-identifying relative clause, ask yourself whether the information in the clause is essential or non-essential to the meaning of the sentence. If the information is essential, use an identifying relative clause. If the information is non-essential, use a non-identifying relative clause.

Q: Can I use a relative clause with a noun or pronoun that is already specified?

A: Yes, you can use a relative clause with a noun or pronoun that is already specified. For example: "The teacher, who is very experienced, scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory."

Q: Can I use a relative clause with a noun or pronoun that is not specified?

A: No, you cannot use a relative clause with a noun or pronoun that is not specified. For example: "Who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory?" (This is a question, not a sentence with a relative clause.)

Q: How do I punctuate a relative clause?

A: To punctuate a relative clause, use a comma after the relative pronoun, unless the relative clause is restrictive. For example: "The teacher, who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory, is very experienced." (This is a non-restrictive clause, so it is punctuated with a comma.)

Q: Can I use a relative clause with a verb that is in the past tense?

A: Yes, you can use a relative clause with a verb that is in the past tense. For example: "The teacher who scheduled the tour of the Crayola factory last year is very experienced."

Q: Can I use a relative clause with a verb that is in the present tense?

A: Yes, you can use a relative clause with a verb that is in the present tense. For example: "The teacher who schedules the tour of the Crayola factory every year is very experienced."

Conclusion

In conclusion, relative clauses are a fundamental part of English grammar, used to provide additional information about nouns or pronouns in a sentence. By understanding the structure and function of relative clauses, we can improve our writing and communication skills in English.