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.
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.