Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are essential components of English grammar that provide additional information about the nouns in a sentence. Although they offer valuable details, they are not crucial to the core meaning of the sentence. Mastering relative clauses is important for fluency in English, and can significantly improve your International English Test (IET) scores, particularly in writing and speaking sections. This article will explore the two types of relative clauses, how to use them, and how they function in different contexts.

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What Are Relative Clauses?

A relative clause is a group of words that modifies a noun or pronoun by providing more information about it. It is introduced by a relative pronoun like who, which, that, or whose. These clauses help clarify who or what we are talking about, but they do not alter the overall meaning of the sentence.

Types of Relative Clauses:

1. Defining Relative Clauses
2. Non-defining Relative Clauses

Both types of relative clauses play unique roles in sentences, and knowing how to use them correctly is essential for sounding natural in English, especially when preparing for exams like the International English Test (IET).

1. Defining Relative Clauses

A defining relative clause (also known as a restrictive relative clause) helps specify the noun it modifies by providing essential information. If this clause is removed, the sentence would lose important details that define the noun. These clauses are not set off by commas.

Examples of Defining Relative Clauses:

• The woman who visited me in the hospital was very kind.
  In this sentence, “who visited me in the hospital” is a defining relative clause that tells us specifically which woman is being referred to.
• The umbrella that I bought last week is already broken.
  Here, “that I bought last week” defines which umbrella is meant. Without this clause, the meaning would be unclear.
• The man who stole my backpack has been arrested.
  “Who stole my backpack” specifies which man, giving the essential information about the person.
• The weather that we had this summer was beautiful.
  The clause “that we had this summer” defines the weather being discussed, giving specific context.

Key Points:

• Defining clauses identify a particular person, thing, or group within a larger category.
• They are not set apart by commas.
• The meaning changes or becomes unclear if the clause is removed.

2. Non-defining Relative Clauses

A non-defining relative clause (also known as a non-restrictive relative clause) adds extra information to the sentence. This type of clause is not essential to the overall meaning of the sentence. Even without it, the sentence would still be grammatically correct and retain its core meaning. Non-defining clauses are always separated by commas or parentheses.

Examples of Non-defining Relative Clauses:

• The farmer, whose name was Fred, sold us 10 pounds of potatoes.
  Here, the clause “whose name was Fred” provides extra information about the farmer but is not necessary to identify who the farmer is.
• Elephants, which are the largest land mammals, live in herds of 10 or more adults.
  The clause “which are the largest land mammals” gives additional details about elephants, but the sentence would still make sense without it.
• The author, who graduated from the same university I did, gave a wonderful presentation.
  “Who graduated from the same university I did” adds context to the author, but it is not needed to understand the main point.
• My mother, who is 86, lives in Paris.
  “Who is 86” gives extra information about the mother, but even without it, the sentence would still convey the core meaning.

Key Points:

• Non-defining clauses provide extra information that is helpful but not necessary for understanding the sentence.
• These clauses are always separated by commas.
• The core meaning remains intact even if the clause is removed.

Relative Pronouns in Defining and Non-defining Clauses

The relative pronouns used in defining and non-defining clauses differ slightly. Here’s how:

Defining Relative Clauses:

• Who: Used for people.
  • Example: The teacher who teaches English is great.
• Which: Used for things or animals.
  • Example: The book which you lent me is fascinating.
• That: Used for people, things, or animals (more common in defining clauses).
  • Example: The movie that I watched last night was exciting.
• Whose: Shows possession for both people and things.
  • Example: The woman whose car was stolen reported it to the police.

Non-defining Relative Clauses:

• Who: Used for people.
  • Example: My friend, who is an artist, just moved to New York.
• Which: Used for things or animals.
  • Example: The painting, which is very old, is displayed in the museum.
• Whose: Shows possession for both people and things.
  • Example: The child, whose parents are teachers, is very smart.

How to Use Relative Clauses in the International English Test (IET)

In the IET, mastering relative clauses is crucial for both the writing and speaking sections. Here’s how to apply them effectively:

Writing:

• Defining Relative Clauses: Use them to specify the subject of your writing and provide detailed information. This will help make your points clear and precise.
  • Example: The company that implemented new software saw improved productivity.
• Non-defining Relative Clauses: Use them to add extra details without changing the core meaning of your sentence.
  • Example: My colleague, who speaks three languages, helped me with the presentation.

Speaking:

• Use relative clauses to give more detailed answers and demonstrate your command of grammar.
  • Example: The book that I read last week was really interesting.
    This helps show that you can convey information effectively and with appropriate complexity.

Conclusion

Relative clauses are an essential part of English grammar that allows speakers and writers to provide more specific or supplementary information. Whether you’re preparing for an English proficiency exam like the International English Test (IET) or working to enhance your language skills, understanding how to use defining and non-defining relative clauses will improve your fluency and writing accuracy. With practice, you will be able to incorporate relative clauses naturally, making your language use more precise and sophisticated.

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