Which Sentences Contain A Relative Clause Choose Three Answers

Which Sentences Contain a Relative Clause? A Deep Dive into Grammar

Identifying sentences containing relative clauses is a crucial aspect of understanding complex sentence structures in English grammar. This article will explore the intricacies of relative clauses, providing a clear and comprehensive guide to help you master their identification. We'll dissect examples, explore different types of relative clauses, and ultimately equip you to confidently choose sentences containing these grammatical elements.

What is a Relative Clause?

A relative clause, also known as an adjective clause, is a dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. It provides additional information about the noun it modifies, acting much like an adjective would. These clauses begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that) or a relative adverb (where, when, why). The key feature is that they are dependent; they cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Identifying Relative Clauses: Key Indicators

To pinpoint sentences containing relative clauses, look for these key indicators:

• Relative Pronouns: These words introduce the relative clause and connect it to the noun it modifies. They act as the subject or object within the relative clause.

  • Who/Whom: Refers to people. "Who" is used as the subject, "whom" as the object.
  • Whose: Shows possession for people or animals.
  • Which: Refers to things or animals.
  • That: Refers to people, things, or animals (more versatile than the others).

• Relative Adverbs: These words also introduce relative clauses and add information about time, place, or reason.

  • Where: Refers to place.
  • When: Refers to time.
  • Why: Refers to reason.

• Comma Usage: While not always a definitive indicator, commas often (but not always) separate a relative clause from the main clause, especially when the relative clause is nonrestrictive (provides extra, non-essential information).

Examples of Sentences with Relative Clauses

Let's analyze some examples to solidify our understanding. For each sentence, we'll identify the relative clause and explain its function.

Example 1: The book that I borrowed from the library is incredibly interesting.

• Relative Clause: that I borrowed from the library
• Relative Pronoun: that
• Function: Modifies "book," providing information about which specific book. It's a restrictive clause; it's essential to the meaning of the sentence. Removing it changes the meaning significantly.

Example 2: My friend, who lives in Paris, is visiting me next week.

• Relative Clause: who lives in Paris
• Relative Pronoun: who
• Function: Modifies "friend," adding extra information about which friend. This is a nonrestrictive clause; it adds extra information but isn't essential to the meaning of the sentence. Note the use of commas to set it off.

Example 3: The car, whose engine was making a strange noise, was towed away.

• Relative Clause: whose engine was making a strange noise
• Relative Pronoun: whose
• Function: Modifies "car," specifying which car. Nonrestrictive clause, set off by commas.

Example 4: The restaurant where we ate last night had amazing food.

• Relative Clause: where we ate last night
• Relative Adverb: where
• Function: Modifies "restaurant," specifying which restaurant. Restrictive clause.

Example 5: The reason why he left remains a mystery.

• Relative Clause: why he left
• Relative Adverb: why
• Function: Modifies "reason," explaining the reason. Restrictive clause.

Example 6: This is the house that Jack built.

• Relative Clause: that Jack built
• Relative Pronoun: that
• Function: Modifies "house," identifying which house. Restrictive clause. Note that while "that" can be omitted in this case, it still contains a relative clause.

Example 7: The movie, which I saw last weekend, was quite disappointing.

• Relative Clause: which I saw last weekend
• Relative Pronoun: which
• Function: Modifies "movie," providing additional information about it. Nonrestrictive clause.

Distinguishing Relative Clauses from Other Clauses

It's crucial to distinguish relative clauses from other types of clauses, particularly adverbial clauses. Adverbial clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs, while relative clauses modify nouns. Here's a comparison:

• Relative Clause: The book that I borrowed was interesting. (Modifies "book")
• Adverbial Clause: I borrowed the book because I needed it for my research. (Modifies "borrowed")

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses: Remember that restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence and are not set off by commas. Nonrestrictive clauses are extra information and are set off by commas.

2. Incorrect Pronoun Usage: Use the correct relative pronoun based on the grammatical function within the clause.

3. Run-on Sentences: Ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and avoid creating run-on sentences by improperly connecting relative clauses.

Exercises: Identifying Relative Clauses

Now let's test your understanding with some exercises. Identify the sentences containing relative clauses:

1. The dog that barked all night kept me awake.
2. My sister, who is a doctor, works at the city hospital.
3. The cake, which was delicious, disappeared quickly.
4. The reason why he failed the test is unclear.
5. He is the man whom I met yesterday.
6. The house where I grew up is now a museum.
7. The car, speeding down the highway, was pulled over by the police. (Note: this one is tricky, consider the function of the phrase).
8. The students who studied hard passed the exam.
9. The flowers, blooming in the garden, were beautiful.
10. This is the pen I use for writing.

Answers and Explanations:

All the sentences except number 7 contain relative clauses. Sentence 7 contains a participial phrase, not a relative clause. A participial phrase acts as an adjective but doesn't have a subject and verb structure like a relative clause.

Conclusion

Mastering the identification of relative clauses is fundamental to understanding complex sentence structures. By understanding relative pronouns, relative adverbs, and the distinctions between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses, you can effectively analyze and construct grammatically correct and sophisticated sentences. Remember to practice regularly to solidify your skills and confidently navigate the intricacies of English grammar. This detailed explanation, combined with practice, will significantly improve your ability to identify sentences containing relative clauses. Remember to pay close attention to the function of the clause and the words used to introduce it.