1. What is a relative clause?

Do you remember that when we learned complex noun phrases, we saw sentences like these ones:

1) They have never met those people {who own the house on the corner}.

2) Our plane landed at Gatwich, {which is an airport south of London}.

3) We want to get rid of the bookshelf {that Uncle George gave us}.

4) The computer {that you requested} is very expensive.

antecedent {relative pronoun + finite DC} : PNM

These clauses in the braces modify the preceding antecedent. In other words, they function as adjectives, hence the name adjectival clauses. we can also label these clauses as PNM: post noun modifier. The words 'who', 'which', and 'that' are called 'relative pronouns'.

Relative clauses can also be introduced a relative adverbs, as illustrated in the sentences below.

5) Do you want to go back the coffee shop {where we first met}?

6) It is a time {when everything is chaotic and nothing is predictable}.

7) This is the city {where Harry and Eliot fell in love}.

8) I have no idea {why he called}.

antecedent {relative adverb + finite DC} : PNM

2. What is a restrictive (or non-restrictive) relative clause?

E.g.,

• Have you seen the cathedral in which Beckett was murdered? {restrictive}

• Have you seen the cathedral, in which Beckett was murdered? {non-restrictive}

A restrictive relative clause (with no comma in front of the relativizer) is essential as it helps to identify specific referent.

A non-restrictive relative clause (with a comma in front of the relativizer) is not essential as it carries only additional information about a referent that is already precisely identified.

Relative clauses can be restrictive or non-restrictive, as shown in the examples below.

3. How to diagram a relative clause?

Three check points:

• • identify where the relative clause is

  • label the relativizer that introduce the relative clause

  • identify and mark where the GAP is (The gap can be in the subject, DO, or Adverbial position).

Note: In a relative clause, the relative pronoun has a grammatical role to play.

For example, in the first sentence above, there is a Subj. gap and in the second sentence, the gap is in the DO (direct object) position.

You can watch the two recommended videos to learn more about relative clauses:

Analysis of relative clause in the poem 'This is just to say' by William Carlos Williams.

I'm looking forward to seeing your own version in the discussion box.