What is a relative clause as a modifier?

What is a relative clause as a modifier?

A relative clause is a type of clause that functions as a modifier in a sentence. It provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns (such as who, whom, whose, which, or that) or relative adverbs (such as when, where, or why). These clauses can be essential (restrictive) or non-essential (non-restrictive) in nature.

Essential relative clauses provide necessary information to identify or define the noun or pronoun they modify. They are not set off by commas and cannot be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning. For example: "The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting."

Non-essential relative clauses, on the other hand, provide additional, non-essential information about the noun or pronoun. They are set off by commas and can be removed from the sentence without altering its meaning. For example: "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in New York."

In both cases, relative clauses serve to add descriptive details and enhance the meaning of the sentence by modifying the noun or pronoun they are attached to.