Relative Clauses

Flashcards for reviewing relative clauses in English grammar.

Clause

A group of words containing a subject and a verb.

Independent Clause

A complete sentence that contains the main subject and verb of a sentence.

Dependent Clause

A clause that is not a complete sentence and must be connected to an independent clause.

Relative Clause

A dependent clause that modifies a noun by describing, identifying, or giving further information about it.

Relative Pronouns

Connects the dependent clause to the independent clause.

Who

Used for people as a subject or object.

When

Used for times.

Whom

Used for people as an object.

Where

Used for places.

That

Used for things or people in defining/restrictive relative clauses.

Why

Used for reason.

Which

Used for things as a subject or object.

Whose

Used to show possession.

Defining Relative Clause

Necessary to identify the noun it modifies; does not use commas.

Non-Defining Relative Clause

Gives additional information and is not necessary to identify the noun it modifies; uses commas.

Which (referring to a whole clause)

A relative clause with this pronoun may modify the idea of a whole sentence and is preceded by a comma.

Omitted Relative Pronouns

When the relative pronouns are the OBJECT of a defining relative clause, they can be ___.

Reduced Relative Clause

Can be done in defining relative clause by reducing the relative clause to a phrase.