Grammar Glow

Defining Clauses

A defining clause, or restrictive clause, is a subordinate clause that provides essential information about a noun in a sentence. This information is crucial for identifying which specific person, place, or thing is being referred to.

"The book that I borrowed from you is fascinating."

Types of Defining Clauses

Defining clauses can be categorized into three main types: relative clauses, noun clauses, and adverbial clauses. Each type serves a unique purpose in providing essential information within a sentence.

1. Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are a type of defining clause that provide essential information about a noun, usually starting with relative pronouns such as who, whom, whose, which, or that. They help to identify or specify which person or thing is being referred to.

Examples

"The teacher who helps me with math is very patient."
Here, "who helps me with math" identifies which teacher is being discussed.

2. Noun Clauses

Noun clauses function as a noun within a sentence and can act as the subject, object, or complement. They often begin with words like that, whether, if, or what.

Examples

"What she said surprised everyone."
In this case, "What she said" is the subject of the sentence.

3. Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial clauses provide additional information about the verb in the main clause, usually indicating time, place, reason, condition, or manner. They often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, if, or when.

Examples

"I'll go to the park if it stops raining."
The clause "if it stops raining" explains the condition under which the action will take place.

Relative Defining Clauses

A relative defining clause is a subordinate clause that provides essential information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. It helps identify which specific person, place, or thing is being referred to, making the meaning of the sentence clear.

Using Relative Pronouns

who: refers to people (subject

Example: "The artist who painted this mural is famous."

whom: refers to people (object)

Example: "The man whom you met yesterday is my uncle."

whose: indicates possession

Example: "The student whose book was lost is looking for it."

which: refers to things

Example: "The car which has a sunroof is mine."

that: refers to people or things

Example: "The book that I borrowed is fascinating."

Defining Clauses Types of Defining Clauses Relative Defining Clauses Using Relative Pronouns