Relative Clauses

Front

What is a relative clause?

Back

A relative clause is a dependent clause that modifies a noun and usually begins with a relative pronoun such as 'who', 'whom', 'whose', 'which', or 'that'.

Front

What is the difference between essential and non-essential relative clauses?

Back

Essential relative clauses provide necessary information to identify the noun they modify, while non-essential relative clauses add extra information but can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Front

When do we use 'who' in relative clauses?

Back

We use 'who' to refer to people in subject position within a relative clause.

Front

When do we use 'whom' in relative clauses?

Back

We use 'whom' to refer to people in object position within a relative clause.

Front

What relative pronoun is used for things or animals?

Back

The relative pronouns 'which' and 'that' are used for things or animals.

Front

Provide an example of a non-essential relative clause.

Back

The book, which I borrowed from the library, is fascinating.

Front

Provide an example of an essential relative clause.

Back

The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.

Front

What is the function of the relative pronoun 'whose'?

Back

'Whose' is used to indicate possession in relative clauses.

Front

How do you punctuate non-essential relative clauses?

Back

Non-essential relative clauses are set off by commas.

Front

How do you punctuate essential relative clauses?

Back

Essential relative clauses are not set off by commas.