Relative Clauses
Grammar Lesson 11th
grade
Ms. Haerani Ester Siahaan
Educative
objectives
1 2 3
Students will be Students will be Students will be
able to identify able to apply their able to create
different types of knowledge of complex sentences
relative clauses relative clauses by using both defining
(defining and non- correctly and non-defining
defining). incorporating them relative clauses.
into sentences.
Introduction to
relative clauses
A relative clause is a part of a sentence that The woman who lives next door
describes or gives more information about is a doctor.
a noun. It is connected to the main clause
using a relative pronoun such as who, My car, which I bought last year,
whom, whose, which, or that. Relative has already broken down.
clauses can provide essential information
(defining relative clauses) or extra
information (non-defining relative clauses) The student whose laptop was
about the noun they modify. These clauses stolen is very upset.
help to combine ideas and add detail,
making sentences more informative and
interesting.
Defining
relative
clauses
Defining relative clauses give Explanation: "That you lent me"
essential information about the noun specifies which book is being referred
they modify. This information is to, making it essential information.
necessary to understand which specific
person or thing is being referred to.
Without the defining relative clause, the
meaning of the sentence would be
The book orthat
incomplete you lent me was
unclear.
fascinating.
Non-defining
relative clauses
Non-defining relative clauses add Explanation: "Who lives in Peru" gives
extra information about a noun that is extra information about "my brother."
already clear or specific. This Even without this clause, we still know
information is not necessary to identify which brother is coming to visit.
the noun but provides additional details.
Non-defining relative clauses are always
separated by commas.
My brother, who lives in Peru, is
coming to visit.
Relative
pronouns
Relative pronouns are words used to
introduce relative clauses. They connect the
clause to the noun it describes and provide
more information about that noun.
They are placed at the beginning of the
relative clause.
1 Who: Refers to people. 4 Which: Refers to animals and
Example: The teacher who inspired things.
me is retiring. Example: The movie which we
Usage: Used to give more watched last night was thrilling.
information about a person. Usage: Used to provide more
information about things or animals.
2 Whom: Refers to people (more 5 That: Can refer to people, animals,
formal, often used in written English). and things (used in defining relative
Example: The student whom the clauses).
teacher praised is very happy. Example: The car that I bought is
Usage: Used when the person is the red.
object of the verb in the relative Usage: Used to give essential
clause. information about the noun.
3 Whose: Indicates possession.
Example: The writer whose book I
read is very talented.
Usage: Used to show that something Relative
belongs to someone. pronoun
s
Activity 1
Underline the relative clause and circle the relative pronoun.
The car that I bought is new.
The teacher, who is very kind, helped
me.
My friend, who lives in New York, is
coming to visit.
The book which you gave me was
very interesting.
The artist whose paintings are famous
has an exhibit.
Activity 2
Write a short paragraph about your favorite
place. Use at least three relative clauses.
Describe the place, the people there, and
why you like it.
Review
Relative clauses add information about a noun:
Relative clauses provide additional details about a noun, helping to make
sentences more informative and descriptive. They help clarify which specific
person, thing, or place is being referred to, or they can add extra, non-essential
information.
Defining vs. non-defining relative clauses:
Defining relative clauses:
Provide essential information necessary to identify the noun. They are integral
to the meaning of the sentence and do not use commas (e.g., The student who
studies hard will succeed).
Non-defining relative clauses:
Add extra, non-essential information about the noun. They are separated by
commas and the sentence would still make sense without them (e.g., My brother,
who lives in Spain, is coming to visit).
Any questions?