Relative Clauses: Defining and Non-Defining Explained

Mastering Relative Clauses: Comprehensive Guide to Defining and Non-Defining Clauses

Comprehensive Study Module on Relative Clauses

Introduction

Relative clauses, also known as adjective clauses, provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. They begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, and that or relative adverbs like when, where, and why. Mastering the use of relative clauses enhances sentence structure and clarity. In this module, we will explore the two main types of relative clauses—defining and non-defining—with examples, rules, and applications to prepare you for grammar examinations.

1. What are Relative Clauses?

• Definition: Relative clauses are subordinate clauses that modify a noun or pronoun, adding essential or extra information.
  • Example: The book that you lent me is fascinating.

2. Types of Relative Clauses

2.1 Defining Relative Clauses

• Definition: Provide essential information about the noun they modify, necessary for understanding the sentence.
  • Example: The man who fixed my car is very skilled.
• Features:
  • No commas are used.
  • Can use “that” instead of “who” or “which” in informal contexts.

2.2 Non-Defining Relative Clauses

• Definition: Add extra, non-essential information about the noun they modify.
  • Example: My teacher, who is also a writer, encouraged me to publish.
• Features:
  • Always separated by commas.
  • Cannot use “that” as a relative pronoun.

3. Relative Pronouns and Adverbs

3.1 Relative Pronouns

• Who/Whom: Refer to people.
  • Example: The girl who called me is my friend.
• Whose: Shows possession.
  • Example: The student whose book was lost is worried.
• Which: Refers to animals or things.
  • Example: The car, which is red, belongs to him.
• That: Refers to people, animals, or things (in defining clauses only).
  • Example: The movie that we watched was fantastic.

3.2 Relative Adverbs

• When: Refers to time.
  • Example: I remember the day when we first met.
• Where: Refers to places.
  • Example: This is the house where I grew up.
• Why: Refers to reasons.
  • Example: The reason why he left is unclear.

4. Rules for Using Relative Clauses

General Rules:

• A defining relative clause gives crucial information; without it, the sentence loses its meaning.
  • Example: The man who helped me is kind.
• A non-defining relative clause adds extra information and must be enclosed by commas.
  • Example: The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is iconic.

Special Rules:

• In defining clauses, you can omit the relative pronoun if it is the object of the clause.
  • Example: The book you gave me is amazing.

5. Examples and Applications

Examples of Defining Clauses:

• The person who called didn’t leave a message.
• I need a laptop that is lightweight and fast.

Examples of Non-Defining Clauses:

• My grandmother, who is 80 years old, still goes hiking.
• The painting, which was sold for $1 million, is now in a museum.

Applications:

• Used in descriptive writing to provide detailed information.
• Essential in formal and academic writing to specify and clarify ideas.

6. Practice Questions

6.1 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Identify the type of relative clause:
   My father, who is a doctor, works at the city hospital.
   a) Defining
   b) Non-defining
   Answer: b) Non-defining
   Explanation: It adds extra information about the subject and is separated by commas.
2. Choose the correct relative pronoun:
   This is the dog ___ won the competition.
   a) Who
   b) That
   c) Whose
   d) Which
   Answer: b) That
   Explanation: “That” is used in defining clauses for animals or things.
3. Fill in the blank:
   The reason ___ she left is unknown.
   a) Why
   b) Which
   c) That
   d) Where
   Answer: a) Why
   Explanation: “Why” refers to reasons.

7. Descriptive Questions

Q1: Differentiate between defining and non-defining relative clauses with examples.

Answer:

• Defining Clauses: Provide essential information. No commas.
  • Example: The boy who won the race is my cousin.
• Non-Defining Clauses: Provide extra information. Use commas.
  • Example: My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.

Q2: Rewrite the following sentences by using relative clauses:

1. The man is my neighbor. He drives a red car.
2. I visited a museum. It had ancient artifacts.
   Answer:
3. The man who drives a red car is my neighbor.
4. I visited a museum that had ancient artifacts.

Conclusion

Relative clauses play a significant role in improving sentence clarity and richness. By mastering defining and non-defining relative clauses, you can elevate your written and spoken English. Practice regularly with the exercises provided to gain confidence in their usage.