What is the difference between relative clauses and adjectival phrases?

Relative Clauses Questions Medium



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What is the difference between relative clauses and adjectival phrases?

Relative clauses and adjectival phrases are both used to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. However, there are some key differences between the two.

1. Structure: Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns (such as who, whom, whose, which, or that) or relative adverbs (such as when, where, or why). They contain a subject and a verb and can function as a separate clause within a sentence. Adjectival phrases, on the other hand, do not contain a subject and a verb. They are simply a group of words that act as an adjective to modify a noun or pronoun.

2. Placement: Relative clauses are usually placed immediately after the noun or pronoun they modify. They cannot be moved around within the sentence without changing the meaning. Adjectival phrases, on the other hand, can be placed before or after the noun or pronoun they modify, providing more flexibility in sentence structure.

3. Function: Relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify. They cannot be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning or leaving it incomplete. Adjectival phrases, on the other hand, provide additional information that is not necessary for the sentence's basic meaning. They can be removed from the sentence without affecting its overall meaning.

4. Punctuation: Relative clauses are usually set off by commas when they provide non-essential information. Adjectival phrases, on the other hand, do not require any punctuation.

In summary, relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns or adverbs, contain a subject and a verb, and provide essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify. Adjectival phrases, on the other hand, do not contain a subject and a verb, can be placed before or after the noun or pronoun they modify, provide additional non-essential information, and do not require punctuation.