Explain how to form relative clauses in English.

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Explain how to form relative clauses in English.

Relative clauses are a type of subordinate clause that provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. They are used to add descriptive details or to give more specific information about the noun or pronoun they modify. In English, relative clauses are formed using relative pronouns or relative adverbs.

There are two types of relative clauses: defining relative clauses and non-defining relative clauses. Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify, while non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information.

To form a defining relative clause, we use the relative pronouns "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that." These pronouns refer to people, animals, things, or ideas. The choice of the relative pronoun depends on the role of the noun or pronoun in the relative clause.

For example:
- The girl who is sitting next to me is my best friend.
- The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.

In the first example, "who" is used because it refers to a person (the girl). In the second example, "that" is used because it refers to a thing (the book).

To form a non-defining relative clause, we use the relative pronouns "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that," or the relative adverbs "where," "when," and "why." Non-defining relative clauses are set off by commas and provide additional information that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.

For example:
- John, who is my neighbor, is a doctor.
- The concert, which was held last night, was amazing.

In the first example, the non-defining relative clause "who is my neighbor" provides additional information about John, but it can be omitted without affecting the main meaning of the sentence. In the second example, the non-defining relative clause "which was held last night" provides additional information about the concert.

It is important to note that the relative pronouns "who," "whom," and "whose" are used for people, while "which" and "that" are used for things. However, "that" can also be used for people in defining relative clauses.

In summary, relative clauses in English are formed using relative pronouns or relative adverbs. Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify, while non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information. The choice of the relative pronoun or adverb depends on the role of the noun or pronoun in the relative clause.