What is a relative clause? | Year 4 English PDF Download

What is a Relative Clause?

• A relative clause is a type of clause that provides additional information about a noun in a sentence.
• These clauses are introduced by relative pronouns like 'that', 'which', 'who', 'whose', 'where', and 'when'.
• For instance: "I won't stand by the man who smells of slime." Here, "who smells of slime" is the relative clause that gives more information about the man.
• Relative clauses directly follow the noun they are describing and can be placed at the end or within a sentence, often set off by commas if placed in the middle.

What is a Subordinate Clause?

• A subordinate clause is a part of a sentence that adds extra information to the main clause.
• Relative clauses are a type of subordinate clause, contributing to the complexity of sentences.
• Subordinate clauses are positioned after the noun they are referencing, either at the sentence end or integrated within the sentence.
• When embedded in the middle of a sentence, commas are typically used to set off the relative clause.

Relative pronouns

• Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses, providing more information about a noun in a sentence.
• They vary depending on the type of entity being referred to.

Types of Relative Pronouns:

• 'Who' (for people):
  • This relative pronoun is used when referring to a person or people.
  • Example: "The girl who won the race is my sister."
• 'Which' (for objects, places, or animals):
  • 'Which' is employed when talking about objects, places, or animals.
  • Example: "The book, which is on the table, belongs to me."
• 'That' (for objects, places, or people):
  • Used to refer to objects, places, or people in a sentence.
  • Example: "The car that I bought last week is red."
• 'When' (for time):
  • When we need to specify a time frame, we use 'when' as a relative pronoun.
  • Example: "Summer, when the days are long, is my favorite season."
• 'Where' (for place):
  • 'Where' is utilized to indicate a location or place.
  • Example: "The park, where we used to play, is now closed."

Application of Relative Pronouns with Examples:

Example Scenario:

• Consider the following simple sentences:
  • Milly played her ukulele to her sister Martha. She was in her bedroom.
• Creating a Relative Clause:
  • To connect these sentences, a relative pronoun is used to form a relative clause.
• Example of Usage:
  • Original Sentences: Milly played her ukulele to her sister Martha. She was in her bedroom.
  • Relative Clause Sentence: Milly, who was in her bedroom, played her ukulele to her sister Martha.