Relative clauses are essential for building complex and nuanced sentences in English. They allow us to add extra information about nouns, making our writing more descriptive and engaging.
Understanding relative clauses is crucial for anyone looking to improve their English grammar and writing skills. This article provides a comprehensive guide to relative clauses, covering their definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you master the art of using relative clauses effectively.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Relative Clauses
- Structural Breakdown of Relative Clauses
- Types of Relative Clauses
- Examples of Relative Clauses
- Usage Rules for Relative Clauses
- Common Mistakes with Relative Clauses
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Relative Clauses
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Relative Clauses
A relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It provides additional information about the noun it refers to, also known as the antecedent. Relative clauses begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, which, that, whose) or a relative adverb (where, when, why). These clauses function as adjectives, adding descriptive details to the nouns they modify. Understanding their function is key to mastering complex sentence structures.
Relative clauses are essential for creating concise and informative sentences. Without them, we would need to use multiple shorter sentences to convey the same information, making our writing less fluent and more repetitive.
They allow us to embed extra details directly within the main sentence, improving readability and comprehension. The correct use of relative pronouns and adverbs is essential for constructing grammatically sound and meaningful relative clauses.
The placement of a relative clause within a sentence depends on whether it is a defining or non-defining clause. Defining clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence and are not set off by commas.
Non-defining clauses provide extra, non-essential information and are always set off by commas. The choice between using ‘that’ or ‘which’ can also depend on whether the clause is defining or non-defining, with ‘that’ typically used in defining clauses and ‘which’ in non-defining clauses.
This distinction is a common point of confusion for English learners.
Structural Breakdown of Relative Clauses
The structure of a relative clause typically follows this pattern: Relative Pronoun/Adverb + Subject + Verb (+ Object/Complement). The relative pronoun or adverb connects the clause to the antecedent and indicates the relationship between them. The subject and verb form the core of the clause, and the object or complement provides additional information about the action or state described by the verb. Understanding this structure is crucial for identifying and constructing relative clauses correctly.
The relative pronoun or adverb acts as a substitute for the noun or pronoun that the relative clause is modifying. For example, in the sentence “The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting,” the relative pronoun “that” refers back to the noun “book.” The clause “that I borrowed from the library” provides additional information about which book is being discussed. This substitution allows the relative clause to function as an adjective, modifying the noun directly.
The verb in a relative clause must agree in number and tense with the subject of the clause. This is a fundamental rule of English grammar that applies to all types of clauses, including relative clauses.
Failure to ensure subject-verb agreement can lead to grammatical errors and confusion. Additionally, the choice of verb tense should be consistent with the context of the sentence and the time frame being described.
Pay attention to these details to maintain grammatical accuracy.
Types of Relative Clauses
There are two main types of relative clauses: defining (restrictive) and non-defining (non-restrictive). Additionally, we can discuss contact relative clauses, which are a variation where the relative pronoun is omitted.
Each type serves a different purpose and follows slightly different rules.
Defining Relative Clauses (Restrictive)
Defining relative clauses, also known as restrictive relative clauses, are essential to the meaning of the sentence. They provide information that is necessary to identify the noun being modified. Without the defining relative clause, the noun would be unclear or ambiguous. These clauses are not set off by commas.
Defining relative clauses are crucial for distinguishing the specific noun being referred to from other similar nouns. They narrow down the scope of the noun and provide essential context. For instance, in the sentence “The car that I bought last year is now having problems,” the defining relative clause “that I bought last year” specifies which car is being discussed. Without this clause, the reader wouldn’t know which car the speaker is referring to.
The relative pronouns “that,” “who,” “whom,” and “which” can be used to introduce defining relative clauses, although “that” is often preferred when referring to things. It’s important to choose the correct relative pronoun based on the function of the noun being modified within the relative clause.
For example, “who” is used for people when they are the subject of the clause, while “whom” is used for people when they are the object of the clause. Here are some examples:
- The man who lives next door is a doctor.
- The book that I recommended is out of stock.
- The student whom the teacher praised is very diligent.
Non-Defining Relative Clauses (Non-Restrictive)
Non-defining relative clauses, also known as non-restrictive relative clauses, provide additional information about a noun that is already clearly identified. This information is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, and the sentence would still make sense without it. These clauses are always set off by commas.
Non-defining relative clauses add extra details or comments about the noun being modified, but they do not change the fundamental meaning of the sentence. They provide supplementary information that is helpful but not crucial for understanding. For example, in the sentence “My sister, who lives in London, is a lawyer,” the non-defining relative clause “who lives in London” provides extra information about the speaker’s sister, but it doesn’t define which sister is being referred to (presumably, the speaker only has one sister). This is why commas are necessary.
The relative pronouns “who,” “whom,” and “which” can be used to introduce non-defining relative clauses, but “that” cannot be used. It’s important to use the correct relative pronoun based on the function of the noun being modified within the relative clause.
Here are some examples:
- My house, which is over 100 years old, needs some repairs.
- The professor, who is a renowned expert in his field, gave an interesting lecture.
- My neighbor, whose car is always parked outside, works from home.
Contact Relative Clauses
Contact relative clauses are defining relative clauses where the relative pronoun is omitted. This is possible when the relative pronoun is the object of the relative clause’s verb. Omitting the relative pronoun can make the sentence sound more informal and conversational.
In contact relative clauses, the meaning is still clear even without the relative pronoun. The context of the sentence allows the reader to understand the relationship between the noun and the relative clause.
For example, in the sentence “The book I borrowed from the library is very interesting,” the relative pronoun “that” has been omitted, but the meaning is still clear. The clause “I borrowed from the library” still modifies the noun “book.”
Contact relative clauses are commonly used in spoken English and informal writing. However, it’s important to use them carefully and ensure that the meaning of the sentence remains clear.
If omitting the relative pronoun would cause confusion, it’s best to include it. Here are some examples:
- The man I saw yesterday was very tall. (instead of “The man that I saw yesterday…”)
- The movie we watched last night was hilarious. (instead of “The movie that we watched…”)
- The song she sang was beautiful. (instead of “The song that she sang…”)
Examples of Relative Clauses
Here are several tables with examples of relative clauses, categorized by the type of relative pronoun used. These examples illustrate the different ways that relative clauses can be used to add information to sentences.
Table 1: Examples using “who” (for people, subject of the relative clause)
This table presents examples of relative clauses that use the relative pronoun “who.” In these cases, “who” refers to people and acts as the subject of the verb within the relative clause. This is a common and important usage of “who” in relative clauses.
| Sentence | Relative Clause | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The woman who is speaking is my boss. | who is speaking | Defining |
| My neighbor, who is a retired teacher, volunteers at the library. | who is a retired teacher | Non-Defining |
| The students who studied hard passed the exam. | who studied hard | Defining |
| John, who is always late, missed the bus again. | who is always late | Non-Defining |
| The doctor who treated me was very kind. | who treated me | Defining |
| My sister, who lives in London, is a lawyer. | who lives in London | Non-Defining |
| The artist who painted this portrait is famous. | who painted this portrait | Defining |
| My friend, who loves to travel, is planning a trip to Europe. | who loves to travel | Non-Defining |
| The chef who created this dish is a genius. | who created this dish | Defining |
| My grandfather, who fought in the war, is a hero. | who fought in the war | Non-Defining |
| The singer who performed at the concert was amazing. | who performed at the concert | Defining |
| My aunt, who is a talented musician, plays the piano beautifully. | who is a talented musician | Non-Defining |
| The author who wrote this book is very popular. | who wrote this book | Defining |
| My colleague, who is very organized, manages the project efficiently. | who is very organized | Non-Defining |
| The athlete who won the race is very talented. | who won the race | Defining |
| My cousin, who is a skilled programmer, works for a tech company. | who is a skilled programmer | Non-Defining |
| The teacher who inspired me the most was Mr. Smith. | who inspired me the most | Defining |
| My grandmother, who is an excellent cook, always makes delicious meals. | who is an excellent cook | Non-Defining |
| The scientist who discovered the cure is a Nobel laureate. | who discovered the cure | Defining |
| My neighbor, who is a passionate gardener, grows beautiful flowers. | who is a passionate gardener | Non-Defining |
Table 2: Examples using “whom” (for people, object of the relative clause)
This table contains examples of relative clauses using “whom.” Remember that “whom” is used to refer to people when they are the object of the verb or a preposition in the relative clause. While “who” is often used in place of “whom” in informal contexts, knowing the correct usage is essential for formal writing.
| Sentence | Relative Clause | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The man whom I saw yesterday is my uncle. | whom I saw yesterday | Defining |
| The professor, whom the students admire, is retiring next year. | whom the students admire | Non-Defining |
| The candidate whom the committee selected is highly qualified. | whom the committee selected | Defining |
| My boss, whom I respect greatly, is a great leader. | whom I respect greatly | Non-Defining |
| The actor whom everyone loves won an award. | whom everyone loves | Defining |
| My friend, whom I’ve known since childhood, is getting married. | whom I’ve known since childhood | Non-Defining |
| The author whom I interviewed is very insightful. | whom I interviewed | Defining |
| My mentor, whom I owe a great deal to, has been a guiding force in my career. | whom I owe a great deal to | Non-Defining |
| The employee whom the company promoted is very hard-working. | whom the company promoted | Defining |
| My colleague, whom I collaborate with on many projects, is very creative. | whom I collaborate with on many projects | Non-Defining |
| The musician whom the critics praised is very talented. | whom the critics praised | Defining |
| My neighbor, whom I often chat with, is very friendly. | whom I often chat with | Non-Defining |
| The artist whom the gallery represents is very successful. | whom the gallery represents | Defining |
| My advisor, whom I consult for guidance, is very knowledgeable. | whom I consult for guidance | Non-Defining |
| The scientist whom the university hired is a leading expert. | whom the university hired | Defining |
| My supervisor, whom I report to directly, is very supportive. | whom I report to directly | Non-Defining |
| The lawyer whom the firm appointed is very experienced. | whom the firm appointed | Defining |
| My accountant, whom I trust completely, manages my finances. | whom I trust completely | Non-Defining |
| The engineer whom the company recruited is very innovative. | whom the company recruited | Defining |
| My therapist, whom I confide in regularly, helps me manage stress. | whom I confide in regularly | Non-Defining |
Table 3: Examples using “which” (for things, subject or object of the relative clause)
This table provides examples of relative clauses that use “which.” “Which” is used to refer to things and can function as either the subject or the object of the relative clause. Note that “which” is typically used in non-defining relative clauses, but it can also appear in defining relative clauses.
| Sentence | Relative Clause | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The car, which is parked outside, is mine. | which is parked outside | Non-Defining |
| The book which I borrowed from the library is very interesting. | which I borrowed from the library | Defining |
| My house, which is over 100 years old, needs some repairs. | which is over 100 years old | Non-Defining |
| The movie which we watched last night was hilarious. | which we watched last night | Defining |
| The painting, which is hanging in the museum, is a masterpiece. | which is hanging in the museum | Non-Defining |
| The phone which I bought last week is already broken. | which I bought last week | Defining |
| The restaurant, which is located downtown, is very popular. | which is located downtown | Non-Defining |
| The song which she sang was beautiful. | which she sang was beautiful | Defining |
| The garden, which is full of flowers, is a peaceful place. | which is full of flowers | Non-Defining |
| The project which I’m working on is very challenging. | which I’m working on | Defining |
| The city, which is known for its history, attracts many tourists. | which is known for its history | Non-Defining |
| The computer which I use for work is very fast. | which I use for work | Defining |
| The lake, which is surrounded by mountains, is very scenic. | which is surrounded by mountains | Non-Defining |
| The course which I’m taking is very informative. | which I’m taking | Defining |
| The company, which is based in Silicon Valley, is very innovative. | which is based in Silicon Valley | Non-Defining |
| The tool which I used to fix the car was very helpful. | which I used to fix the car | Defining |
| The museum, which is free to the public, is worth visiting. | which is free to the public | Non-Defining |
| The app which I downloaded is very useful. | which I downloaded | Defining |
| The park, which is near my house, is a great place to relax. | which is near my house | Non-Defining |
| The recipe which I followed was delicious. | which I followed | Defining |
Table 4: Examples using “that” (for people or things, subject or object of the relative clause, defining clauses only)
This table showcases examples of relative clauses using “that.” Keep in mind that “that” is primarily used in defining relative clauses and can refer to both people and things, acting as either the subject or the object of the clause. Understanding the versatility of “that” is crucial for effective communication.
| Sentence | Relative Clause | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting. | that I borrowed from the library | Defining |
| The car that I bought last year is now having problems. | that I bought last year | Defining |
| The man that is standing over there is my father. | that is standing over there | Defining |
| The movie that we watched last night was hilarious. | that we watched last night | Defining |
| The song that she sang was beautiful. | that she sang | Defining |
| The project that I’m working on is very challenging. | that I’m working on | Defining |
| The computer that I use for work is very fast. | that I use for work | Defining |
| The course that I’m taking is very informative. | that I’m taking | Defining |
| The tool that I used to fix the car was very helpful. | that I used to fix the car | Defining |
| The app that I downloaded is very useful. | that I downloaded | Defining |
| The recipe that I followed was delicious. | that I followed | Defining |
| The person that helped me was very kind. | that helped me | Defining |
| The idea that she suggested was brilliant. | that she suggested | Defining |
| The plan that we made worked perfectly. | that we made | Defining |
| The game that they played was very exciting. | that they played | Defining |
| The rule that he explained was confusing. | that he explained | Defining |
| The question that she asked was thoughtful. | that she asked | Defining |
| The solution that they found was effective. | that they found | Defining |
| The method that he used was innovative. | that he used | Defining |
| The reason that she gave was unconvincing. | that she gave | Defining |
Table 5: Examples using “whose” (for possession, for people or things)
This table presents examples of relative clauses using “whose.” “Whose” indicates possession and can be used to refer to both people and things. It is important to use “whose” correctly to show the relationship between the noun being modified and the thing that belongs to it.
| Sentence | Relative Clause | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The man whose car was stolen is very upset. | whose car was stolen | Defining |
| My neighbor, whose dog barks all night, is very inconsiderate. | whose dog barks all night | Non-Defining |
| The student whose essay won the competition is very talented. | whose essay won the competition | Defining |
| The company, whose profits have increased, is expanding its operations. | whose profits have increased | Non-Defining |
| The artist whose paintings are displayed in the gallery is very famous. | whose paintings are displayed in the gallery | Defining |
| The building, whose roof is damaged, needs to be repaired. | whose roof is damaged | Non-Defining |
| The writer whose book became a bestseller is very successful. | whose book became a bestseller | Defining |
| The organization, whose mission is to help the poor, is very effective. | whose mission is to help the poor | Non-Defining |
| The employee whose performance is outstanding will receive a bonus. | whose performance is outstanding | Defining |
| The country, whose economy is growing rapidly, is attracting investors. | whose economy is growing rapidly | Non-Defining |
| The scientist whose research is groundbreaking will receive an award. | whose research is groundbreaking | Defining |
| The university, whose reputation is excellent, attracts top students. | whose reputation is excellent | Non-Defining |
| The athlete whose training regimen is intense is very disciplined. | whose training regimen is intense | Defining |
| The project, whose deadline is approaching, is causing stress. | whose deadline is approaching | Non-Defining |
| The musician whose concert is sold out is very popular. | whose concert is sold out | Defining |
| The community, whose members are very supportive, is thriving. | whose members are very supportive | Non-Defining |
| The chef whose restaurant is famous is very talented. | whose restaurant is famous | Defining |
| The neighborhood, whose houses are well-maintained, is very desirable. | whose houses are well-maintained | Non-Defining |
| The professor whose lectures are engaging is very popular. | whose lectures are engaging | Defining |
| The garden, whose flowers are blooming, is very beautiful. | whose flowers are blooming | Non-Defining |
Usage Rules for Relative Clauses
Several rules govern the proper usage of relative clauses. These rules relate to the choice of relative pronoun, the placement of commas, and the overall structure of the clause.
Adhering to these rules ensures that your sentences are grammatically correct and clear.
Rule 1: Use “who” and “whom” to refer to people. “Who” is used when the person is the subject of the relative clause, while “whom” is used when the person is the object. In informal English, “who” is often used in place of “whom,” but it’s important to know the correct usage for formal writing. For example: “The woman who is speaking is my boss” (subject), “The man whom I saw yesterday is my uncle” (object).
Rule 2: Use “which” to refer to things. “Which” can be used as the subject or object of the relative clause. For example: “The car, which is parked outside, is mine.”
Rule 3: Use “that” to refer to people or things in defining relative clauses. “That” is often preferred over “which” in defining relative clauses. However, “that” cannot be used in non-defining relative clauses. For example: “The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.”
Rule 4: Use “whose” to show possession for people or things. “Whose” indicates that something belongs to the noun being modified by the relative clause. For example: “The man whose car was stolen is very upset.”
Rule 5: Use commas to set off non-defining relative clauses. Non-defining relative clauses provide extra information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. These clauses should always be enclosed in commas. For example: “My sister, who lives in London, is a lawyer.”
Rule 6: Do not use commas with defining relative clauses. Defining relative clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence and should not be set off by commas. For example: “The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.”
Rule 7: In contact relative clauses, the relative pronoun can be omitted if it is the object of the relative clause’s verb. This is common in informal English. For example: “The book I borrowed from the library is very interesting” (instead of “The book that I borrowed…”).
Common Mistakes with Relative Clauses
Several common mistakes can occur when using relative clauses. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them and improve your accuracy.
Mistake 1: Using “that” in non-defining relative clauses. “That” is only used in defining relative clauses. In non-defining relative clauses, use “which.”
- Incorrect: My house, that is over 100 years old, needs some repairs.
- Correct: My house, which is over 100 years old, needs some repairs.
Mistake 2: Omitting commas from non-defining relative clauses. Non-defining relative clauses must always be set off by commas.
- Incorrect: My sister who lives in London is a lawyer.
- Correct: My sister, who lives in London, is a lawyer.
Mistake 3: Using “who” instead of “whom” when the person is the object of the relative clause.
- Incorrect: The man who I saw yesterday is my uncle.
- Correct: The man whom I saw yesterday is my uncle.
Mistake 4: Using the wrong relative pronoun. Make sure to choose the correct relative pronoun based on whether you are referring to a person or a thing, and whether the clause is defining or non-defining.
- Incorrect: The car who is parked outside is mine.
- Correct: The car which is parked outside is mine.
Mistake 5: Forgetting subject-verb agreement within the relative clause. The verb in the relative clause must agree in number and tense with the subject of the clause.
- Incorrect: The students who studies hard will pass the exam.
- Correct: The students who study hard will pass the exam.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of relative clauses with these practice exercises. Identify the type of relative clause in each sentence (defining or non-defining) and correct any errors.
Exercise 1: Identify the type of relative clause (Defining or Non-Defining)
| Sentence | Type |
|---|---|
| The book that I read last night was amazing. | |
| My brother, who is a doctor, works at the hospital. | |
| The car which is parked outside is mine. | |
| The student who studies hard always succeeds. | |
| My aunt, who lives in Paris, is visiting next week. | |
| The movie that we watched was very scary. | |
| The teacher who taught me English was excellent. | |
| My cousin, who is a talented artist, is having an exhibition. | |
| The song that I listened to this morning was stuck in my head. | |
| My grandfather, who is a war veteran, is a hero. |
Answer Key for Exercise 1:
| Sentence | Type |
|---|---|
| The book that I read last night was amazing. | Defining |
| My brother, who is a doctor, works at the hospital. | Non-Defining |
| The car which is parked outside is mine. | Defining |
| The student who studies hard always succeeds. | Defining |
| My aunt, who lives in Paris, is visiting next week. | Non-Defining |
| The movie that we watched was very scary. | Defining |
| The teacher who taught me English was excellent. | Defining |
| My cousin, who is a talented artist, is having an exhibition. | Non-Defining |
| The song that I listened to this morning was stuck in my head. | Defining |
| My grandfather, who is a war veteran, is a hero. | Non-Defining |
Exercise 2: Correct the errors in the sentences below. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct”.
| Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| The book, that I borrowed from the library, is very interesting. | |
| My sister who lives in London is a lawyer. | |
| The man who I saw yesterday is my uncle. | |
| The car which I bought it last year is now having problems. | |
| The student that studies hard always succeeds. | |
| My house, that is over 100 years old, needs some repairs. | |
| The movie who we watched last night was hilarious. | |
| The song what she sang was beautiful. | |
| The project which I’m working on, is very challenging. | |
| The man whose car was stolen he is waiting for the police. |
Answer Key for Exercise 2:
| Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| The book, that I borrowed from the library, is very interesting. | The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting. |
| My sister who lives in London is a lawyer. | My sister, who lives in London, is a lawyer. |
| The man who I saw yesterday is my uncle. | The man whom I saw yesterday is my uncle. |
| The car which I bought it last year is now having problems. | The car that I bought last year is now having problems. |
| The student that studies hard always succeeds. | The student who studies hard always succeeds. |
| My house, that is over 100 years old, needs some repairs. | My house, which is over 100 years old, needs some repairs. |
| The movie who we watched last night was hilarious. | The movie that we watched last night was hilarious. |
| The song what she sang was beautiful. | The song that she sang was beautiful. |
| The project which I’m working on, is very challenging. | The project that I’m working on is very challenging. |
| The man whose car was stolen he is waiting for the police. | The man whose car was stolen is waiting for the police. |
Advanced Topics in Relative Clauses
For advanced learners, there are several more complex aspects of relative clauses to explore. These include reduced relative clauses, the use of prepositions in relative clauses, and the nuances of relative adverbs.
Reduced Relative Clauses: A reduced relative clause is a relative clause that has been shortened, typically by omitting the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb. This is possible when the relative pronoun is followed by a verb in the active voice. For example, “The book that is lying on the table is mine” can be reduced to “The book lying on the table is mine.” Reduced relative clauses can make your writing more concise and fluent.
Prepositions in Relative Clauses: Prepositions can appear at the end of relative clauses or before the relative pronoun “whom” or “which.” When the preposition comes before the relative pronoun, the construction is more formal. For example, “The house that I live in is very old” can also be written as “The house in which I live is very old.” The choice depends on the desired level of formality.
Relative Adverbs: Relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce relative clauses that modify nouns of place, time, and reason, respectively. “Where” is used to modify nouns referring to places, “when” is used to modify nouns referring to times, and “why” is used to modify nouns referring to reasons. For example: “The city where I was born is very beautiful,” “The day when I met her was unforgettable,” “The reason why I’m late is because of the traffic.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about relative clauses, along with their answers. These FAQs address common points of confusion and provide additional clarification.
What is the difference between “that” and “which”?
“That” is used in defining relative clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence. “Which” is used in non-defining relative clauses, which provide additional but non-essential information and are set off by commas. For example: “The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting” (defining), “My house, which is over 100 years old, needs some repairs” (non-defining).
Can I use “who” instead of “whom”?
In informal English, “who” is often used in place of “whom,” especially when the relative pronoun is the object of the clause. However, in formal writing, it’s important to use “whom” when the person is the object of the relative clause. For example: “The man whom I saw yesterday is my uncle” (formal), “The man who I saw yesterday is my uncle” (informal).
What is a contact relative clause?
A contact relative clause is a defining relative clause where the relative pronoun is omitted. This is possible when the relative pronoun is the object of the relative clause’s verb. For example: “The book I borrowed from the library is very interesting” (instead of “The book that I borrowed…”).
How do I know whether to use commas with a relative clause?
If the relative clause provides essential information that is necessary to identify the noun being modified, it is a defining relative clause and should not be set off by commas. If the relative clause provides additional but non-essential information about a noun that is already clearly identified, it is a non-defining relative clause and should be set off by commas.
Can a relative clause modify a pronoun?
Yes, a relative clause can modify a pronoun, although it is less common than modifying a noun. For example: “Everyone who attended the meeting agreed with the proposal.”
Conclusion
Mastering relative clauses is essential for writing clear, precise, and sophisticated English. By understanding the different types of relative clauses, their structure, and the rules governing their usage, you can significantly improve your writing skills.
Pay attention to common mistakes and practice regularly to reinforce your knowledge. With consistent effort, you can confidently use relative clauses to add depth and complexity to your sentences.