relative clause
1 of 1noun(grammar) a type of subordinate clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence
A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence, typically introduced by a relative pronoun such as "who," "whom," "whose," "that," or "which." Relative clauses help to specify or clarify the noun they modify. For example, in the sentence "The book that I borrowed was fascinating," the relative clause "that I borrowed" provides more information about "the book." Relative clauses can be restrictive, meaning they are essential to the meaning of the sentence, or non-restrictive, meaning they add extra information but can be omitted without changing the main idea. In the latter case, they are usually set off by commas, as in "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting." Understanding relative clauses is important for constructing complex sentences that convey detailed information.
- A relative clause can help clarify which person you’re referring to.
- The sentence contains a relative clause that describes the subject.
- Understanding how to use a relative clause is important for clear and concise writing.
- The relative clause I added made the meaning of the sentence clearer.
- In the phrase "the woman who spoke," the relative clause defines which woman is being talked about.