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!
What Are Nominal Relative Clauses?
Nominal relative clauses are dependent clauses that function as a noun within a sentence, typically serving as either the objects, subjects, or complements of the independent clause. These clauses are introduced by a nominal relative pronoun or a relative determiner, and they modify or describe the noun or noun phrase in the independent clause.
What Are Nominal Relative Clauses Used for?
Nominal relative clauses are used as objects, subjects, or complements for the main clause and they act as a noun or a noun phrase. As a result, they are regarded as noun clauses or nominal clauses.
'When you saw me' acts as a subject for 'doesn't matter.'
It is
'What you want' is the complement of 'it is.'
I do
'Whatever you say' is the object of 'do.'
Where Are Relative Clauses Placed?
Nominal relative clauses are introduced by a nominal relative pronoun, which always follows the independent clause.
I don't know
'Why' is a nominal relative pronoun introducing 'why you called me' as a nominal relative clause and the object of the verb 'know.'
Nominal Relative Clauses vs. Adjectival Relative Clauses
I know the man
'Whose' here is a relative pronoun, introducing an adjective relative clause.
I know
'Whose' is a possessive relative determiner introducing a nominal relative clause.
Review
Nominal relative clauses can be followed by a noun or it can also be followed by a to-infinitive. Nominal relative clauses are used as:
- subjects
- objects
- complements
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Relative Clauses
Relative clauses give us more information about people and things. They are used to combine clauses and avoid repetition. Click here to learn!
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Dependent clauses are clauses that cannot form sentences on their own. In this lesson, we will learn all about dependent clauses.
