Relative clauses let us pack information about a noun into the same sentence:

The relative pronouns

@lL4.6cmL4.6cm@ & For people & For things
Subject & &
Object & &
Possessive & &

  • Subject: ;

  • Object (pronoun optional): ;

  • Possessive: ;

  • Place, time, reason: ; ;

Do not add a second pronoun for the same role: \(\to\)
\(\to\)

Defining vs. non-defining clauses

A clause identifies which one we mean — no commas, and is allowed: A clause adds extra, omissible information — commas required, forbidden, pronoun never omitted:

The commas change meaning:

  • (only those who felt ill)

  • (all of them — and, by the way, they felt ill)

American editorial style reserves for non-defining clauses () and prefers in defining ones (). British usage happily allows defining (). Both systems are correct; follow your style guide.

Prepositions in relative clauses

  • Informal (preposition at the end):

  • Formal (preposition + ):

  • Never after a preposition: \(\to\)

referring to a whole clause

Non-defining can comment on the entire preceding statement: In careful writing, make sure the reference is clear (see Chapter [ch:traps] on ambiguity).

Quantifier +

Elegant in formal writing:

Reduced relative clauses

Relative pronoun + can often be deleted:

  • Active meaning \(\to\) :

  • Passive meaning \(\to\) past participle:

  • Infinitive after superlatives and :

(Full treatment of participle clauses in Chapter [ch:participles].)

Exercises

Combine Join each pair into one sentence with a relative clause.

  1. The nurse was very kind. She looked after my mother.

  2. A bypass is a road. It goes around a town.

  3. Marie Curie won two Nobel Prizes. Her research changed physics.

  4. We stayed in a village. Picasso was born there.

  5. My laptop has crashed again. I bought it only last month. (non-defining)

Commas or no commas? Add commas where needed, or write “no commas”.

  1. My sister who lives in Canada is visiting us. (I have one sister)

  2. The candidates who failed the first test were eliminated. (only some failed)

  3. Mount Fuji which last erupted in 1707 attracts millions of climbers.

  4. The novel that won the prize is out of print.

Reduce Shorten the relative clause where possible.

  1. The man who is talking to Sara is my uncle.

  2. Applications that are received after May 1 will not be considered.

  3. She was the first athlete who broke the record twice.

  4. Students who wish to attend should register online.