A Relative Clause (or Adjectival Clause as it’s sometimes known) gives information about a noun and at the same time, works like an adjective.
Take a look a this sentence:
For the party we bought several bottles of very cheap spirits.
The noun spirits has been modified by an adjective. Alternatively, we could use a complete clause:
For the party we bought several bottles of spirits which were very cheap.
This we have a relative clause:
which were very cheap
And as you’ll see, it’s also a subordinate clause (meaning it can’t stand alone as a sentence).
How to Build a Relative Clause
A relative clause consists of a relative pronoun (or adverb), a subject and a verb:
{relative pronoun or adverb} + {subject} + {verb}
which + nobody + drank.
Or it can just have a relative pronoun functioning as a subject, and a verb.
{relative pronoun (as subject)} + {verb}
The law that the senate passed disappointed many citizens.
The law they + passed disappointed many citizens.
Relative Clauses & Punctuation
When a relative clause provides information which is necessary to the understanding of the full meaning of a sentence then no commas are required.
We can donate to the Library the books which are on the top shelf.
When a relative clause provides information which is not necessary to the understanding of the full meaning of a sentence then commas can be placed.
We can donate to the Library the books, which are on the top shelf.
Useful Links
Clauses in English Grammar – an introduction to different clauses
Sentences in English Grammar – making sentences in English
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