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RELATIVE
CLAUSES

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A relative clause is a subordinate sentence which

functions like an adjective, that is, it always modifies
a noun.

It always comes immediately after the noun or

sentence it modifies.

A relative clause is always introduced by a relative

pronoun. This pronoun can sometimes be omitted.

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As it is a complete sentence, it has the same parts as

a sentence:

relative pronoun + subject + verb + objects + adv.

The relative pronoun has a function in the sentence:

it can be the subject, the direct object, the indirect
object or the adverbial.

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There are two main types of relative clauses:

DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSES

NON- DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSES

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The relative pronouns used both for defining and

non-defining relative clauses are:

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DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSES

A defining relative clause gives essential

information about the noun it modifies.

Commas are never used.

When the relative pronoun functions as the

object of the clause, it can be omitted.
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I hate neighbours who make a lot of noise.

The man ( whom ) you met yesterday is my uncle.

Is that the film which won 7 Oscars?

That’s the company ( which ) I work for.

We stopped to help a man whose car broke down

on the road.

That’s the shop where they sell Indian food.

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NON-DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSES

A non-defining relative clause gives extra

information about the noun it modifies.

The relative clause is not necessary to

understand and define the noun.

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Commas are used to separate the main

clause from the relative clause.

The pronoun THAT can never be used.

The relative pronoun can never be omitted.

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My mother, who is 65, has just retired.

The house, which has a large garden, was just what

they wanted.

Buckingham Palace, where the Queen lives, is now

open to the public.

Mrs Black, whose daughter goes to my school, has

just won the lottery.

Peter, whom you have never met, is my brother.

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