Relative Clauses Questions Long
In the study of relative clauses, the concept of 'contact clauses' refers to a specific type of relative clause that is used to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. Contact clauses are characterized by their close proximity to the noun they modify, creating a sense of direct connection or contact between the two.
Contact clauses are typically introduced by relative pronouns such as 'who', 'whom', 'whose', 'which', or 'that'. These pronouns serve as the link between the main clause and the relative clause, indicating the relationship between the noun being modified and the additional information provided.
One key feature of contact clauses is that they are restrictive, meaning they provide essential information that is necessary to identify or define the noun being modified. As a result, contact clauses cannot be omitted without significantly altering the meaning or clarity of the sentence.
For example, consider the sentence: "The book that I borrowed from the library is due tomorrow." In this sentence, the contact clause "that I borrowed from the library" provides crucial information about the book, specifying which book is being referred to. Without this contact clause, the sentence would simply state "The book is due tomorrow," which lacks specificity and leaves the reader with unanswered questions.
Another important aspect of contact clauses is that they can modify both people and things. This flexibility allows for a wide range of usage in various contexts. For instance, in the sentence "The woman who won the award is my sister," the contact clause "who won the award" provides additional information about the woman, specifying the reason for her significance. Similarly, in the sentence "The car that I bought last week is red," the contact clause "that I bought last week" provides details about the car, indicating when it was purchased.
In summary, contact clauses play a crucial role in relative clauses by providing essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify. They establish a direct connection or contact between the main clause and the relative clause, and their restrictive nature ensures that they cannot be omitted without affecting the meaning of the sentence. Contact clauses can modify both people and things, allowing for versatility in their usage.