RELATIVE CLAUSE (Combining two sentences using relative clause)

 Relative Clauses:

Relative clauses are dependent clauses that provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They are introduced by relative pronouns (such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that") or relative adverbs (such as "where," "when," and "why").

Relative clauses function as adjectives because they modify or describe a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They add extra details to the sentence and help provide more specific information about the noun or pronoun being referred to.

Here are a few examples of relative clauses:

1. The man who is standing over there is my uncle. (The relative clause "who is standing over there" describes the noun "man.")
2. The book that I'm reading is very interesting. (The relative clause "that I'm reading" describes the noun "book.")
3. This is the house where I grew up. (The relative clause "where I grew up" describes the noun "house.")
4. She is wearing the necklace that her grandmother gave her. (The relative clause "that her grandmother gave her" describes the noun "necklace.")

Relative clauses can provide essential or non-essential information. Essential relative clauses, also known as defining or restrictive clauses, are necessary to identify the noun or pronoun being referred to. Non-essential relative clauses, also known as non-defining or non-restrictive clauses, provide additional information but are not necessary for identifying the noun or pronoun.

For example:

• Essential: The dog that barked at me chased its tail.
• Non-essential: Lucky, who is my best friend, likes to play tennis.

In the essential relative clause, "that barked at me" is necessary to identify which dog is being referred to. In the non-essential relative clause, "who is my best friend" provides additional information about Lucky but is not essential for identifying her.

Relative clauses are commonly used in both spoken and written English to add descriptive details and provide more precise information in sentences.

Types of Relative Clauses:

There are two main kinds of relative clauses: restrictive (defining) relative clauses and non-restrictive (non-defining) relative clauses. Let's explore each type:

1. Defining Relative Clauses:

• Also known as restrictive relative clauses.
• Provide essential information to identify or define the noun or pronoun they modify.
• Usually not separated by commas.

Examples:

·        The car that I bought last week is blue.

·        The book that is on the table belongs to me.

2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses:

• Also known as non-restrictive relative clauses.
• Provide additional, non-essential information about the noun or pronoun they modify.
• Separated by commas (or parentheses or dashes) from the main clause.

Examples:

·        My sister, who lives in London, is coming to visit.

·        John's laptop, which he uses for work, is quite expensive.

It's important to note that non-restrictive relative clauses add extra details but do not limit the meaning of the main clause. In contrast, restrictive relative clauses are essential for identifying or defining the noun or pronoun they modify.

In addition to these two main kinds, relative clauses can also be categorized based on the type of relative pronoun or relative adverb used to introduce them. Here are some examples:

Relative Pronouns:

• Who: refers to people.
• Whom: also refers to people but is used in formal contexts.
• Which: refers to things or animals.
• Whose: shows possession.
• That: refers to people, things, or animals (can be used interchangeably with "who" or "which" in restrictive clauses).

Relative Adverbs:

• When: refers to a specific time.
• Where: refers to a specific place.
• Why: refers to a reason or cause.

Examples:

• The girl who is standing over there is my sister.
• This is the book which I was talking about.
• The house where they used to live is now abandoned.
• That is the reason why she resigned from her job.

How to combine two statements into one using defining relative clause:

To combine two statements into one using a defining relative clause, you can use the relative pronouns "who," "whom," "whose," "which," or "that" along with a verb in the relative clause. Here's an example:

Statement 1: The book is on the table.

Statement 2: I am reading it.

Combined using a defining relative clause: The book that I am reading is on the table.

In this example, the relative pronoun "that" introduces the defining relative clause "that I am reading," which specifies and identifies the book being referred to in the main clause.

Defining relative clauses are used to provide essential information that identifies or specifies the noun being referred to. They are not set off by commas and cannot be removed from the sentence without altering its meaning or leaving it incomplete.

How to combine two statements into one using non-defining relative clause:

To combine two statements into one using a non-defining relative clause, you can use the relative pronouns "who," "whom," "whose," "which," or "that" along with a verb in the relative clause. Here's an example:

Statement 1: John, my neighbor, is a doctor. Statement 2: He works at the hospital.

Combined using a non-defining relative clause: John, who works at the hospital, is a doctor.

In this example, the relative pronoun "who" introduces the non-defining relative clause "who works at the hospital," which provides additional information about the noun "John" in the main clause.

Non-defining relative clauses are used to provide additional information about a noun without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. They are set off by commas and can be removed from the sentence without altering its core meaning.

Exercise: Combine the two sentences into one using relative clause.

Q. I read a book. The book was written by J.K. Rowling.

A. The book that I read was written by J.K. Rowling.

1. I visited a city. The city was known for its historical landmarks.
2. She adopted a dog. The dog was abandoned on the street.
3. We attended a concert. The concert was held in a beautiful theatre.
4. He bought a house. The house had a spacious backyard.
5. They tried a new restaurant. The restaurant had excellent reviews.
6. She received a gift. The gift was wrapped in colourful paper.
7. We met a person. The person had travelled around the world.
8. He ate a dish. The dish was spicy and flavourful.
9. They saw a movie. The movie was directed by Christopher Nolan.
10. I read a book. The book had won several literary awards.
11. She wore a dress. The dress was designed by a famous fashion designer.
12. We bought a car. The car had low mileage.
13. He played a game. The game was challenging and addictive.
14. They found a treasure. The treasure was buried in the sand.
15. She listened to a song. The song had meaningful lyrics.
16. We visited a museum. The museum displayed ancient objects.
17. He wrote a letter. The letter was addressed to his best friend.
18. They tasted a dessert. The dessert was made with fresh fruits.
19. She joined a club. The club organized regular social events.
20. We saw a performance. The performance received standing ovation.
21. The concert was held in a large stadium. It attracted a crowd of thousands.
22. The book received rave reviews from critics. It has become a bestseller.
23. The city has a rich cultural heritage. It offers a variety of cultural festivals.
24. The painting depicts a beautiful landscape. It captures the essence of nature.
25. The cake is decorated with intricate designs. It tastes delicious.
26. The movie won multiple awards at film festivals. It received accolades for its direction and performances.
27. The mountain is covered in snow during winter. It offers breath-taking views.
28. The dress is made of luxurious silk fabric. It is designed by a renowned fashion designer.
29. The beach is a popular tourist destination. It boasts pristine white sands.
30. The sculpture is displayed in a public park. It is admired by art enthusiasts.
31. The restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian options. It has a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
32. The novel is a New York Times bestseller. It has captivated readers worldwide.
33. The garden is filled with aromatic flowers. It provides a serene and tranquil environment.
34. The museum showcases historical artifacts. It provides insights into the past.
35. The smartphone has a high-resolution display. It offers advanced features.
36. The car is equipped with the latest technology. It ensures a smooth and comfortable ride.
37. The song topped the music charts for weeks. It has become a popular anthem.
38. The laptop has a long battery life. It is lightweight and portable.
39. The building is an architectural masterpiece. It stands tall in the city skyline.
40. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year. It celebrates local traditions and cultures.