Combine sentences using relative clauses

Key Notes:

Introduction to Relative Clauses

  • Definition: A relative clause is a dependent clause that modifies a noun in the main clause. It provides more information about that noun.
  • Purpose: To combine sentences and add detail or clarification.

Types of Relative Clauses

  • Restrictive Relative Clauses: Provide essential information about the noun and are not set off by commas. They specify which particular person or thing we are talking about.
    • Example: “The book that she lent me was fascinating.”
  • Non-Restrictive Relative Clauses: Add extra information about the noun and are set off by commas. They provide additional details that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
    • Example: “My car, which is very old, needs repairs.”

Relative Pronouns

  • Who: Refers to people.
    • Example: “The teacher who helped me is retiring.”
  • Whom: Also refers to people but is used as the object of the verb or preposition.
    • Example: “The student whom you met yesterday is absent.”
  • Which: Refers to animals or things.
    • Example: “The movie which we watched was entertaining.”
  • That: Refers to people, animals, or things and is used in restrictive clauses.
    • Example: “The house that they bought is near the park.”
  • Whose: Indicates possession.
    • Example: “The author whose book won the award is visiting.”

How to Combine Sentences

  1. Identify the Noun to be Modified: Determine the noun in the main clause that needs more information.
    • Example: “The man is a doctor. He lives next door.”
  2. Choose the Appropriate Relative Pronoun: Decide which relative pronoun fits the context and function (subject, object, possession).
  3. Combine the Sentences: Insert the relative clause into the main sentence.
    • Example: “The man who lives next door is a doctor.”

Sentence Structures

  • Basic Structure: Main clause + relative clause
    • Example: “The artist (who painted the mural) is famous.”
  • Complex Structure: Main clause + non-restrictive relative clause (set off by commas)
    • Example: “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.”

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