English Grammar Questions Long
Relative clauses are dependent clauses that provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. There are three main types of relative clauses: defining relative clauses, non-defining relative clauses, and reduced relative clauses. Each type serves a different purpose and has specific rules for usage.
1. Defining Relative Clauses:
Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify. They cannot be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning. In defining relative clauses, the relative pronouns "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that" are commonly used.
Example 1: The girl who is sitting next to me is my best friend.
In this sentence, the defining relative clause "who is sitting next to me" provides essential information about the girl. Without this clause, the sentence would simply state "The girl is my best friend," which does not specify which girl is being referred to.
Example 2: The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
Here, the defining relative clause "that I borrowed from the library" specifies which book is being referred to. Without this clause, the sentence would be incomplete and lack necessary information.
2. Non-defining Relative Clauses:
Non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify. These clauses are set off by commas and can be removed from the sentence without changing its core meaning. The relative pronouns "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that" are also used in non-defining relative clauses.
Example 1: John, who is my neighbor, is a doctor.
In this sentence, the non-defining relative clause "who is my neighbor" provides extra information about John. However, if we remove this clause, the sentence still conveys the main idea that John is a doctor.
Example 2: The Eiffel Tower, which is located in Paris, is a famous landmark.
Here, the non-defining relative clause "which is located in Paris" adds additional information about the Eiffel Tower. However, if we remove this clause, the sentence still states that the Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark.
3. Reduced Relative Clauses:
Reduced relative clauses are a shortened form of relative clauses, often used in informal speech or writing. They omit the relative pronoun and the verb "be" when it functions as a main verb. Reduced relative clauses are commonly used with present participles (-ing form) or past participles (-ed form).
Example 1: The man standing over there is my brother.
In this sentence, the reduced relative clause "standing over there" replaces the full relative clause "who is standing over there." The relative pronoun "who" and the verb "is" are omitted.
Example 2: The book written by J.K. Rowling is a bestseller.
Here, the reduced relative clause "written by J.K. Rowling" replaces the full relative clause "which was written by J.K. Rowling." The relative pronoun "which" and the verb "was" are omitted.
In conclusion, relative clauses play a crucial role in providing additional information about nouns or pronouns. Defining relative clauses are essential to the sentence's meaning, non-defining relative clauses provide extra information, and reduced relative clauses offer a more concise form of expression.