Relative Clauses for intermediate learners
Relative clauses give us more information about people and things. They are used to combine clauses and avoid repetition. Click here to learn!
What Are Relative Clauses?
Relative clauses are dependent clauses that begin with a relative pronoun, a relative adverb, or a relative determiner. These clauses can be nominal or adjectival.
Relative Clauses: Types
In English, there are two types of relative clauses:
Now, let us explore each:
Adjectival Relative Clauses
Adjectival relative clauses function as adjectives and describe nouns or noun phrases in a sentence. They can begin with relative pronouns or relative adverbs. Pay attention to the examples:
I'm not sure I know
This adjectival relative clause begins with a relative pronoun (what).
The old man
This adjectival relative clause begins with a relative pronoun (that).
Are you talking about the building
This adjectival relative clause begins with a relative adverb (where).
Ursula remembered the day
This adjectival relative clause begins with a relative adverb (when).
Warning!
Keep in mind that when a relative pronoun is referring to a noun already present in the sentence, it is no longer considered a relative pronoun; instead, it functions as a relative adverb.
Nominal Relative Clauses
Nominal relative clauses mainly function as the subject, object, or complement of the independent clause. They typically begin with nominal relative pronouns or relative determiners. Look at the examples below:
I can date
Here, 'whoever' is a nominal relative pronoun serving as object of the independent clause.
Why do you get angry
'Whenever' is also a nominal relative pronoun.
Here, 'which' is a relative determiner as it is followed by a noun.
I think she doesn't know
One again, 'which' is a relative determiner.
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Nominal Relative Clauses
Nominal relative clauses are used as different parts of speeches and act as a noun or a noun phrase. Click here to learn more!
