English grammar

Question

What is a "relative clause"? Thank you Rita

Nestor · Accepted Answer

I'll try to give a partial answer.

A relative clause is a portion of a sentence that adds information about a previous noun in the sentence. The previous noun is called the antecedent. Relative clauses are marked by relative pronouns: that, which, who, whom, and others. Examples will help:

1. The fish that I caught yesterday was huge. 'that I caught yesterday' is the relative clause, and 'The fish' is the antecedent.
2. This door, which opens to the kitchen, is heavy. 'which opens to the kitchen' is the relative clause, and 'The door' is the antecedent. In American English, you're supposed to use a comma before 'which'. I think British English is different.
3. The man who eats a lot is ordering lunch. 'who eats a lot' is the relative clause, and 'who' is the antecedent. Use 'who' when the antecedent is the subject of the clause.
4. The woman whom I love has been cheating on me. 'whom I love' is the relative clause, and 'whom' is the antecedent. Use 'whom' when the antecedent is the object of the clause.

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