Does a relative clause have to be in the middle of a sentence?
Relative clauses come directly after the noun they are referring to. This might be at the end of a sentence or embedded into the middle of a sentence. If embedded into the middle of a sentence, the relative clause is usually surrounded by commas.
Do WHO which clauses need commas?
The Rule for Using Commas with “Which” and “Who” When the information provided by the clause starting with “which” or “who” is required to define the person (or thing), then there are no commas. If the clause provides just additional information, then use commas.
How do you use relative clauses in a sentence?
Relative clauses
- I bought a new car.
- She lives in New York.
- A defining relative clause tells which noun we are talking about:
- A non-defining relative clause gives us extra information about something.
- 1: The relative pronoun is the subject:
- 2: The relative pronoun is the object:
- The music is good.
How do you use relative clauses?
“That” cannot be used as a relative pronoun in a non-restrictive relative clause. Commas are always used at the beginning and end of this type of relative clause. A non-restrictive relative clause can modify a single noun, a noun phrase, or an entire proposition.
What is defining relative clause with examples?
As the name suggests, defining relative clauses give essential information to define or identify the person or thing we are talking about. Take for example the sentence: Dogs that like cats are very unusual.
Why do we use relative clauses?
Relative clauses give us information about the person or thing mentioned. Defining relative clauses give us essential information – information that tells us who or what we are talking about.
When should a relative clause not be separated with commas?
If the relative clause provides necessary information for the sentence to make sense, then don’t separate the clause with commas: “Every criminal who has been convicted of murder must be put behind bars.” Here, “who has been convicted of murder” is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
When is a comma necessary before a relative pronoun?
A comma is necessary before a relative pronoun that introduces a non-defining or nonrestrictive relative clause. This type of clause carries grammatically insignificant meaning to the rest of the sentence.
What is the difference between defining and non-defining relative clauses?
A defining relative clause, also called a restrictive or essential clause, carries essential meaning to the rest of the sentence and does not need any commas. Whereas, a non-defining or nonrestrictive relative clause only contains additional, emphatic information that necessitates comma encapsulation.
Are relative clauses grammatically complete sentences?
Both parts are grammatically complete sentences (grammatically this type of Relative Clause is called a non-defining Relative Clause, because it does NOT define the subject, it only adds information, this type IS written with COMMAS at the beginning and end) My brother, who lives in New York, is a doctor.