Relative clauses

There are two types of relative clauses; a defining, identifying or restrictive clause and a non-
defining, (not) non-identifying or non-restrictive clause.
1. Defining relative clauses function like adjectives because they describe or define the meaning
of a noun or noun phrase. The relative clause must always come immediately after the nouns
they describe because they give essential information about that noun or noun phrase.
Relative pronouns as subjects
1. I like guys. They arent too serious. I like guys who/that arent too serious.
2. I like girls. They have a good sense of humor. I like girls who/that have a good sense
of humor.
3. A carpenter is a person. He makes wooden tables. A carpenter is a person who/that
makes wooden tables.
4. I hate a person. He has a rude behavior. I hate a person who/that has a rude behavior.

Relative pronouns as objects

Id prefer someone. I can talk to him easily. Id prefer someone (who/that) I can talk to easily
Id prefer someone. I have fun with him. Id prefer someone (who/that) I have fun with

2. Non-defining clauses always present some information that can be considered nonessential to
the understanding of the noun or noun phrase referred to. Their function is to comment on the
noun or noun phrase, and they are set off by commas.
In non-defining relative clauses, when you are talking or writing about things, always use which.
1. Theater enthusiasts love New York, which offers a wide variety of Broadway and off-
Broadway plays.
2. My friend Isabel wanted a simpler life, so she quit her job at a marketing company, which
had a very hectic work environment.
Relative pronouns (e.g., who, that, which) introduce relative clauses. Relative clauses modify the
nouns that precede them. The information in the defining relative clause further defines (or
classifies) the noun it is modifying. Because the information in the clause is necessary, or
defining, cannot be omitted. Example:
1. The woman who is behind him on the exercise bike is his wife.
The sentence is an example of a defining relative clause. In this case, who is behind him on the
exercise bike distinguishes (or defines) his wife from, for example, a women who is next to him
or in front of him. The relative pronouns: who, which, and that can serve as subjects or objects of
verbs in relative clauses. In addition, whom can also serve as the object but not as the subject.

Adjective clauses with subject relative pronouns

The adjective clauses which describe a noun in the predicate of the main clause.

(S + verb + noun/pronoun) + A subject as relative pronoun + verb + C Examples:

(Main clause) adjective clause

I + read + a book + that + discusses + friends. (That refers to a book, a general noun.)
He + is + someone + who + knows + you well. (Who refers to someone, a general noun)
I + have + a friend + whose + home + is + in Boston. (Friend possesses home)
Adjective clauses that describe the subject of the main clause
S + Relative pronoun as a subject + verb + C + continued main clause
Main clause + Adjective clause + Main clause continued Examples:
A friend + who + knows + you + can give you advice.
The book + that + discusses + friends + is by Ruben.
My friend + whose sister + writes + books + lives in Boston.
Use adjective clauses (or relative clauses) to identify or give information about nouns (people,
places, or things). Examples:
The woman who lives across the street is a good neighbor. (The adjective clause is to identify
this woman)
Boston, which is my hometown, is still my favorite city.
The job that was most interesting to me was in the marketing department.
We use commas with non identifying clauses. ,,
Sentences with adjective clauses can be seen as a combination of two sentences. Examples:
I have a friend. + She loves to shop. = I have a friend who loves to shop.
Tom calls often. + He lives in Boston. = Tom, who lives in Boston, calls often.
Sylvia has a colleague. + The colleagues son is her student. = Silvia has a colleague whose son
is her student.
Adjective clauses are introduced by relative pronouns. Relative pronouns that can be the subject
of the clause are who, that, which and whose.
A. Use who or that to refer to people.
1. That is the boy who/ that plays basketball with us.
B. Use which or that to refer to places or things.
2. New York is a city which/that attracts many tourists.
(That is less formal than who or which.)
C. Use when to refer to time.
3. Christmas is a time when everybody celebrates worlds peace.

Clause with it+ adverbial/relative clauses with when.

1. I don't mind it when people talk loudly during a movie.
2. I don't like it when a cell phone rings in the classroom.
3. I can't stand it when a child screams in a restaurant.
4. It bothers me when a teacher forgets my name.
5. It upsets me when people arrive late for appointments.
Here when is the relative pronoun for it. This is one sentence and can not be separated.
Relative pronouns have the same form when they refer to singular or plural nouns and to
masculine and feminine nouns.
That is the man who lives next door.
The verb in the adjective clause is singular, because the subject relative pronoun refers to a
singular noun.
Jane and Mary, who live in Boston, are my friends.
The verb in the adjective clause is in plural, because the subject relative pronoun refers to a
plural noun.
When whose + noun is used as the subject of an adjective clause, the verb agrees with the subject
of the adjective clause.
Maria is a person whose friends are important to here.
A. Use an identifying adjective clause (Restrictive or defining clause) to identify which member
of a group the sentence talks about. Example:
1. I have many friends. My friend who lives in Chicago visits me once a month.
2. Barbara knows a lot of students in the program, but she doesnt know any students who
started the program this year.
3. I have 2 sisters. My sister who studies medicine lives in London.
4. Kevin has four cats. Two of them are black. Kevin's two cats which are black can play
outside.
Notice that commas are not used to separate an identifying adjective clause from the rest of the
sentence.
B. Use a non-identifying adjective clause (non-restrictive non-defining clause) to give additional
information about the noun it refers to. This information is not necessary to identify the noun.
Examples:
1. I have many friends. My best friend, who works for a florist, always sends me flowers on
my birthday. (My best friend is a specific noun.)
2. Mrs. Santana, who owns the house across the street, has lived here for thirty years.
3. I have 2 sisters. My oldest sister, who is married, works as a psychologist.
4. I have four dogs. My Bull dog, which is sick, is 5 years old.
Notice that commas are used to separate non-identifying adjective clause from the rest of the
sentence. Be careful not to user that to introduce non- identifying clauses.
Use who for people and which for places and things. Examples:
1. Murielle, who introduced us at the party, called me last night.
2. San Diego, which reminds me of home, is my favorite vacation spot.
Adjective clauses with object Relative pronouns, when, and where
Adjective clauses that describe a noun in the predicate of the main clause
Main clause Adjective clause
S + verb + noun/pronoun (relative pronoun) + s + verb + C
1. I + know + the author + who (m) + you + mean.
2. He + read + the book + that + she + recommended
You can also use the relative pronoun whose/where/when.
Adjective clauses that describe a noun in the subject of the main clause
Main clause adjective clause main clause continued
S + (relative pronoun) adjective clause + S + verb + C
1. The book + (that) + I am reading + is + by + Hoffman.
2. The woman + (whom) + you met is an author.
3. The man + (whose sister) + you know + writes + for the times.
4. The library + (where) + I work + has + videos.
5. The summer + (when) she graduated + passed + slowly.
Relative pronouns as the subject
Eva Hoffman, who wrote lost in translation, is a famous author.
Relative pronoun as the object
Eva Hoffman, whom I saw on TV, writes about Poland. Notice that even when the relative
pronoun is the object, it comes at the beginning of the adjective clause.
In identifying relative clauses, object relative pronouns are often omitted. The meaning is the
same. Examples:
1. She is the writer whom I met.
2. She is the writer I met.
It is very common in spoken English to delete relative pronouns in identifying clauses.
Be careful! You cant delete the relative pronouns in non-identifying adjective clauses.
She remembers Mark, whom she visited often.
Object relative pronouns are who (m), which, that these can be deleted in an identifying adjective
clause, but you cant delete the relative pronoun whose.
To refer to people use whom (formal), or who (formal) or that (less formal) or omit the relative
pronoun. Examples:
1. She is the writer whom/who/that I met.
2. She is the writer I met.
To refer to things, use that or which or delete the relative pronoun. Examples:
1. I read the good book which/ that you recommended.
2. I read the good book you recommended.
3. That is the writer whose book I read. (whose cant be deleted.)
The same relative object pronouns can be the object of a preposition. They can also be deleted.
Note that in spoken English, we place the preposition at the end of the clause. Examples:
1. He is the writer. + I work for him. =
2. He is the writer whom/who/that I work for.
3. He is the writer I work for.
4. That is the book. + I told you about it. =
5. That is the book which/that I told you about.
6. That is the book I told you about.
Be careful! Do not use an object pronoun (him, it) between or together with an object relative
pronoun in an adjective clause.
When and where can also be used to introduce adjective clauses
Where refers to a place, and is often replaced for there. Examples:
1. That is the library. + My sister works there. =
2. That is the library where my sister works.
Noun phrases with where
Where can be used in relative clauses referring to places, if where is used the preposition (in, to,
etc.) is dropped with the use of Id (I would). Examples:
1. Argentina is a country where Id like to live. =
2. Argentina is a country that Id like to live in.
3. Argentina is a country where Id like to go.
4. Argentina is a country that Id like to go to.
When refers to a time, and is often replaced for then. Examples:
1. I remember the afternoon. + I met Fong-Torres.
2. I remember the afternoon when I met Fong-Torres.
You can omit when in identifying adjective clauses.
Relative pronouns referring to people
Subject of clause (required):
1. Professionals (who/that) used to commute to their jobs are now working from home.
Object of clause (optional):
2. An herbal therapist is a health professional (who/that/whom) more and more people are
consulting about both mental and physical health.
Relative pronouns relating to things
Subject of clause (required):
1. People are demanding vegetables and fruits (that/which) have been grown without the use
of chemicals.
Object of clause (0ptional):
2. Herbal therapy is an option (that/which) more and more people are considering as an
alternative to traditional medicine.
Relative pronouns as objects of prepositions
In colloquial English, relative pronouns that are the objects of prepositions are optional. In more
formal languages, however, the preposition generally precedes the relative pronoun and either
which or whom must be used.
Optional:
1. My herbal therapist is the health professional (who/that/whom) I speak to most often.
2. Insomnia is a problem (that/which) herbal therapy is commonly used for.
Required:
1. My herbal therapist is the health professional to whom I speak most often.
2. Insomnia is a problem for which herbal therapy is commonly used.
Relative pronouns referring to possession;
Required:
Parents whose children are not doing well in traditional schools are turning to home schooling as
a solution.
When people speak, the use both that and which for things and that and who for people. In
writing, however, people prefer that for things and who for people.
1. It is important to consult a specialist who has practiced this type of therapy for many
years.
2. There are many clinics where you can find the therapy that you need.
Non- defining relative clauses as sentence modifiers
Non-defining relative clauses with which can be used to make a comment about an entire
sentence Notice the comma!
1. People need a quick and easy way to cook food, which is why the micro wave oven has
been so successful.
2. Seatbelts are now required in almost all vehicles, which means fewer people die in traffic
accidents.
Adjective Clauses: Review and Expansion
1. Adjective clauses are dependent clauses that modify nouns and pronouns. They are introduced
by the relative pronouns. Sentences with adjective clauses can be seen as a combination of two
sentences.
2. Adjective clauses which are used to identify, restrictive, defining, or essential clause and non-
identifying clauses. The difference is the identifying clauses have no pauses (no commas) before
or after the identifying clauses, but the non-identifying clauses do.
3. Like all clauses, adjective clauses contain subjects and verbs. Be careful! Do not use a subject
pronoun in an adjective clause in which the relative pronoun is the subject.
Example: The man who *he lives down the street is a nice guy.
4. The relative pronoun which can be used informally to introduce a clause that modifies an
entire preceding idea. In these instances which must be preceded by a comma. Ive discovered
that Sam is actually quite a shy person, which surprises me.
The clause which surprises me modifies the entire preceding idea. This is an informal way of
using this clause and can, therefore, not be used in writing.
Adjective Clause with Quantifiers and Adjectival Modifying Phrases
1. Filmmakers responsible for such master pieces as 2001 and the Deer Hunter should be
lionized.
2. The Star Wars trilogy, directed by George Lucas, is considered science fiction of high
quality.
3. Akira Kurosawa has made many famous films, including Rashomon, Throne of Blood,
and Ran.
1. Certain non-identifying adjective clauses have the following pattern: Quantifiers +
preposition + relative pronoun (whom or which). These relative pronouns refer to an earlier head
noun. Example:
Moviegoers, many of whom probably wanted something more upbeat, did not particularly care
for Citizen Kane at first. (whom refers to the head noun Moviegoers.)
2. Another adjective clause with a preposition is made without a quantifier. Instead, the clause
contains just a preposition and a relative pronoun. Example:
Citizen Kane asks some important questions, among which is this:
Sometimes a noun is used instead of a quantifier. Example:
Comedies, examples of which are Beverly Hills Cop and Home Alone, continue to be popular.
3. The adjective phrase in which case is used to introduce a clause. Use this phrase when you
could restate the phrase by saying in that case, in that situation, if that is the case, or if that
happens. The relative pronoun which refers to an idea described earlier in the sentence. Example:
Rumor had it that lines to get into the movie are long, in which case you should take a sleeping
bag and a picnic lunch. (In which case can be restated as if it is the case that the lines are long
you should take a sleeping bag and a picnic lunch.)
4. Descriptive Phrases/ Reduced Relative Clauses
A phrase is a group of words that doesnt have a subject and a verb. (Good morning)
Adjective causes are often reduced to adjectival modifying, descriptive phrases. Speakers and
writers do this when they want to achieve an economy of language while maintaining clarity of
meaning.
Reduce non-defining relative clauses to phrases in the same way as defining relative clauses.
Notice the use of commas.
1. Anyone who is serious about cinema should know the film, Citizen Kane.
2. Anyone serious about cinema should know the film, Citizen Kane.
(The relative pronoun and the verb be are deleted, leaving an identifying phrase modifying
anyone.)
3. Wells, who was also the pictures director and coauthor, was only 25 when he made
Citizen Kane.
4. Wells, also the pictures director and coauthor, was only 25 when he made Citizen Kane.
5. There are two ways of reducing an adjective clause to an adjective phrase.
A. If the clause contains a form of the verb be, you can usually delete the relative pronoun
(subject) and the form of the verb be.
1. Citizen Kane, (which is) said to be based on the life of William Randolph Hearst, was
released in 1941.
2. The wine (which was) in the cellar was ruined.
3. Jason was not part of the gang (that had been) responsible for the crime.
4. Albert Einstein, (who is) thought to be one of the greatest minds of the century, struggled
in school.
 5. David E. Kelly, (who is) well-known for his TV courtroom dramas, started his
professional life as a lawyer.
B. If the adjective clause does not contain the verb be you can usually delete the relative pronoun
and change the verb to its present participle form (gerund).
1. Anyone who wants to be successful has to work hard.
2. Anyone wanting to be successful has to work hard
(The relative pronoun is dropped and the verb changed to the main verb + -ing)
3. Mr. Karri had a career that lasted for years.
4. Mr. Karri had a career lasting for years.
5. The travelers who know about the floods took another road.
6. The travelers knowing about the floods took another road.
7. Tom, who expected to be paid the following week, offered to lend me money.
8. Tom, expecting to be paid the following week, offered to lend me money.
9. Bill, who wanted to make an impression on Ann, took her to a very expensive restaurant.
10. Bill, wanting to make an impression on Ann, took her to a very expensive restaurant.
6. You can also combine two complete sentences by converting one of the sentences into an
adjective phrase. Examples:
1. Ten movies were screened at the festival. +
2. They included the Deer Hunter, Ran, 2001, La Dolce Vita, and Sweetie. =
3. Ten movies were screened at the festival, including the Deer Hunter, Ran, 2001, La Dolce
Vita, and Sweetie. (or)
4. Ten movies, including the Deer Hunter, Ran, 2001, La Dolce Vita, and Sweetie, were
screened at the festival.

Noun Clauses Containing Relative Clauses

Relative clauses can function like nouns when introduced with something or the thing.
They can be the subject or the object of the sentence. Examples:
1. Something that really bothers me is people who talk loudly during a movie.
2. Salesclerks who take a break when a customer is waiting is the thing that gets on my
nerves.
This type of noun clause can occur with clauses beginning with when, how, why, etc. Examples:
1. One thing that annoys me is when my neighbors have loud parties late at night.
2. The thing I cant understand about people with dogs is why they allow them to bark at
night.

Noun Clauses: Subject and Objects

A. Subject examples:
1. What became really clear to me was the fact that I wasnt ready for College.
2. Whoever isnt going right to College should consider National Service.
3. The fact that I am helping others fulfills me.
B. Object examples:
1. Do you believe that citizens owe their country something?
2. I think (that) it is a wonderful program.
3. Tell me what you think of National Service.
4. We all need to do whatever we can.
5. Do you mind if I record your answers?
 6. I dont know where I am going to be attending College.
7. Im assigned to work with whoever needs literacy training.
1. Noun clauses are dependent clauses that perform the same functions as regular nouns do: They
can be subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, or objects of preposition. Examples:
1. What bothers me is his lack of initiative.(dependent clause as a subject)
2. We all need to do whatever we can. (dependent clause as a direct object)
3. The program should provide whoever is unemployed a two-year job.(dependent clause as
an indirect object)
4. Im assigned to work with whoever needs literacy training. (dependent clause as an
object of preposition)
2. Noun clauses are often introduced by what, that, who, whom, where, how, why whether (or
not), and by the words whatever, whichever, wherever, whoever, whomever, however. Examples:
1. Do what you have to do.
2. Whatever you want to do tonight is all right by me.
3. I know that I will enjoy National Service.
Be careful! Dont confuse however as a clause introducer with however as a transition word.
Examples:
However you finance your College education is up to you. (clause introducer)
I want to go to College. However, I dont know how I am gong to finance it. (transition)
3. If you are unsure whether to use whoever or whomever, be aware that the noun clause must
have both a subject and a verb.
I am assigned to work with whoever needs literary training. (whoever is the subject and needs
the verb)In this sentence, the noun clause whoever needs literacy training is the object of the
preposition with. This would seem like to require the object form whomever. However, the verb
in the noun clause must have a subject, so whoever is the correct choice.
4. When a noun clause beginning with that functions a direct object, the word that can be
omitted. Example: Do you think (that) National Service is for everyone?
5. Noun clauses are sometimes embedded questions with if or whether (or not). Examples:
1. Do you mind if I record the answer?
2. Do you know whether or not she has left?
6. Indirect speech is expressed in noun clauses.
7. Note that a noun clause sometimes includes the phrase the fact that. Examples:
1. The fact that I am helping others fulfills me. (The clause the fact that I am helping others
is the subject of the entire sentence.)
2. I am bothered by the fact that I am not doing anything socially useful. (The clause the
fact that I am not doing anything socially useful is the object of the preposition by.)