Which Sentences Contain a Relative Clause? Choose Three Answers
When learning English grammar, one of the most common points of confusion for students is identifying relative clauses—those little clauses that add extra information about a noun. Here's the thing — relative clauses are essential for making sentences richer and more precise, but spotting them can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the clues. Worth adding: this article will walk you through the mechanics of relative clauses, give you clear examples, and then present a set of sentences for you to decide which ones contain a relative clause. By the end, you’ll be able to spot and use relative clauses with confidence.
What Is a Relative Clause?
A relative clause (or relative subordinate clause) is a clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. It usually begins with a relative pronoun—such as who, whom, whose, which, that—or a relative adverb like where, when, why. The clause provides additional information about the noun but can often be omitted without breaking the sentence’s core meaning That's the whole idea..
Example:
- The book that I read last night was fascinating.
“that I read last night” is the relative clause modifying book.
Key Features to Spot a Relative Clause
| Feature | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Relative pronoun | who, whom, whose, which, that | The woman who called is my aunt. |
| Relative adverb | where, when, why | The year when I graduated was unforgettable. |
| Subject or object of the clause | The pronoun inside the clause refers back to the noun in the main clause | *The cake that we baked was delicious.Practically speaking, * |
| **Can be omitted? Day to day, ** | If you remove the clause, the sentence still makes sense | *The cake was delicious. * (without “that we baked”) |
| No comma if essential | Essential clauses (restrictive) are not set off by commas | Students who study test well. |
| Comma if non‑essential | Non‑essential clauses (non‑restrictive) are set off by commas | *My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting. |
Types of Relative Clauses
-
Restrictive (Essential)
Gives essential information that defines the noun. No commas are used.
The students who scored above 90 will receive a prize. -
Non‑restrictive (Non‑essential)
Adds extra, non‑defining information. Set off by commas.
My sister, who is a doctor, lives in Boston. -
Zero Relative Clause
Uses a relative pronoun that is omitted, usually who or which.
The man who (is) standing over there is my teacher.
Common Mistakes
-
Using “that” for people
In informal American English, that can refer to people, but in formal writing who is preferred.
The teacher who (that) taught us was brilliant. -
Forgetting the relative pronoun
A clause that starts with because, if, etc., is not a relative clause.
The book because I read it → not a relative clause. -
Misplacing commas
A restrictive clause should not be set off by commas; a non‑restrictive clause should.
Practice: Choose the Sentences That Contain a Relative Clause
Below are six sentences. Select the three that contain a relative clause. Read each sentence carefully and look for the clues above.
- The painting that hung on the wall was a masterpiece.
- She finished her homework, then went to the park.
- The manager, who has been with the company for ten years, announced a new policy.
- We visited the museum last summer.
- The dog whose tail was wagging ran to greet us.
- He likes music.
Answers
| Sentence | Contains a Relative Clause? | | 3 | Yes | who has been with the company for ten years modifies manager; a non‑restrictive clause set off by commas. | | 4 | No | Simple past tense; no clause. | | 2 | No | No relative pronoun; two independent clauses joined by a comma. | Why | |----------|-----------------------------|-----| | 1 | Yes | that hung on the wall modifies painting; it’s a restrictive clause. | | 5 | Yes | whose tail was wagging modifies dog; a restrictive clause. | | 6 | No | Single simple sentence, no clause.
How to Use Relative Clauses Effectively
-
Add Detail
Use a relative clause to give more context without starting a new sentence.
The city where I grew up has changed a lot. -
Avoid Repetition
Combine information that would otherwise require two sentences.
He bought a car. The car is red. → He bought a car that is red. -
Clarify Ambiguity
Specify which person or thing you mean.
I met a woman. The woman who works at the library is my cousin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a relative clause be a question?
A1: Yes, if the clause is embedded in a question, it still functions as a relative clause.
Example: “Do you know the person who helped you?”
Q2: Is “that” always a relative pronoun?
A2: Not always. “That” can be a demonstrative pronoun or a conjunction. In relative clauses, it usually refers to people or objects.
Q3: Do I need a comma before “who” in a restrictive clause?
A3: No. Commas are used only for non‑restrictive clauses that add extra, non‑essential information.
Q4: Can a relative clause be a fragment?
A4: No, a relative clause must have a subject and a verb. It can’t stand alone as a sentence.
Quick Summary
- Relative clauses modify nouns or pronouns and start with who, whom, whose, which, that, or where, when, why.
- Restrictive clauses (essential) have no commas; non‑restrictive clauses (non‑essential) are set off by commas.
- Spotting a relative clause means looking for a clause that can be removed without destroying the sentence’s core meaning.
- Practice by identifying clauses in real sentences and applying the rules above.
By mastering these concepts, you’ll be able to write richer, more precise sentences and confidently identify relative clauses in any text. Happy learning!
Putting It All Together: Practice, Reflection, and Mastery
Mini‑Workshops for the Classroom
| Activity | Goal | How to Run It |
|---|---|---|
| Relative‑Clause Relay | Students identify and rewrite sentences with missing clauses. So | |
| Story‑Spin | Encourage creative writing that uses both restrictive and non‑restrictive clauses. Because of that, they write a paragraph, then swap with a partner who must rewrite it, adding at least two relative clauses of each type. , missing commas, wrong pronoun). So they must spot the gaps and fill them in. The first team to finish earns a point. | Create bingo cards with common relative‑clause errors (e.In practice, students spot errors in a paragraph and mark them. |
| Error‑Correction Bingo | Sharpen proofreading skills. The first to complete a line wins. |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using “who” for objects | Habit of defaulting to “who.Day to day, ” | Remember “who” = people; “which” = objects. Because of that, |
| Omitting the comma in non‑restrictive clauses | Thinking the clause is essential. | Ask, “Is the information vital? If not, comma it.Worth adding: ” |
| Over‑cluttering sentences | Adding too many clauses makes the sentence unwieldy. | Keep clauses to one or two per sentence; consider splitting if it feels crowded. |
| Misplacing the relative pronoun | Placing it after the verb instead of before the subject. | Practice moving the pronoun to the front of the clause. |
Reflection Questions for Self‑Assessment
- Do I know when a clause is essential? If I remove it, does the sentence still convey a clear meaning?
- Am I consistent with my comma usage? Does every non‑restrictive clause have a comma before and after it?
- Can I switch between “that” and “which” smoothly? Do I feel comfortable choosing the right pronoun for people versus things?
- Do my sentences sound natural? If a clause feels forced, consider whether it belongs there.
Final Takeaway
Relative clauses are the connective tissue that lets you weave detail into narrative without breaking the flow of a sentence. By mastering the distinction between restrictive and non‑restrictive clauses, choosing the right pronoun, and using commas judiciously, you can craft sentences that are both precise and polished. Practice, patience, and a keen eye for structure will turn these grammatical tools into a second language—one that lets you describe, clarify, and enliven any piece of writing.
Happy writing, and may your sentences always find the perfect clause to complete them!
