Printable Relative Clauses Exercises - 84 PDF Worksheets with Answers
Defining and Non Defining Relative Clauses (which/where/whose/who/whom) Printable PDF Worksheet Tests with Exercises and Answers
Access a collection of 84 printable PDF worksheets focusing on the English grammar topic of the relative clauses.
Download fill-in-the-blank tests with exercises and answer keys for defining and non defining relative clauses (which/where/whose/who/whom) to print for free.
The activities in the sheets are suitable for kids, adults, ESL learners at the beginner, elementary, and intermediate levels to practice English grammar.
1. Introduction to Relative Clauses
When it comes to mastering the intricacies of English grammar, one cannot overlook the significance of relative clauses. These linguistic constructs serve as powerful tools for enhancing descriptions, providing context, and connecting ideas. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the world of relative clauses, unraveling their structure, understanding their role, and unveiling their relevance in learning English grammar.
2. Defining Relative Clauses vs. Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Before we embark on our journey through the realm of relative clauses, it's essential to distinguish between two fundamental types: defining relative clauses and non-defining relative clauses.
Defining Relative Clauses: These clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify. They are also known as restrictive relative clauses because they restrict or define the noun more precisely. If you remove a defining relative clause from a sentence, it becomes less clear or may even lose its meaning.
Example: "The book that is on the table is mine." (The clause "that is on the table" defines which book is being referred to.)
Non-Defining Relative Clauses: These clauses offer additional, non-essential information about the noun they modify. They are also called non-restrictive relative clauses because they don't limit the noun's meaning; instead, they add extra details. If you remove a non-defining relative clause from a sentence, it still retains its core meaning.
Example: "My sister, who is a doctor, just returned from a medical conference." (The clause "who is a doctor" adds information about the sister but doesn't define which sister is being referred to.)
3. The Role of Relative Pronouns
Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns, which act as connectors between the clause and the noun it modifies. These pronouns include "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that." The choice of relative pronoun depends on the noun being modified and its role in the clause.
4. Grammar and Structure of Relative Clauses
4. 1. Forming Relative Clauses in English
The structure of a relative clause typically consists of three main elements:
The Relative Pronoun: This word introduces the clause and connects it to the noun it modifies. It also indicates the pronoun's role within the clause (e.g., subject or object).
The Verb: This part of the clause contains the action or state of being and depends on the relative pronoun's role.
The Rest of the Clause: This portion provides additional information about the noun and often includes other elements like adjectives, adverbs, or prepositional phrases.
4. 2. Relative Pronouns: Who, Whom, Whose, Which, That
Let's explore the specific roles of these relative pronouns:
4. 2. 1. Using "Who" for Referring to People
Subject of the Verb: "The woman who called is my aunt."
Object of the Verb: "The man who she married is a doctor."
Possession: "The author who wrote this book is famous."
4. 2. 2. Using "Which" for Referring to Things
Subject of the Verb: "The car which is parked outside is mine."
Object of the Verb: "The painting which she admired was by Picasso."
Possession: "The company which owns the building is relocating."
4. 2. 3. Using "That" for Essential Clauses
Subject of the Verb: "The book that I bought is interesting."
Object of the Verb: "The movie that we watched was incredible."
Possession: "The house that they built is beautiful."
4. 2. 4. Using "Whose" for Possession
"The man whose car was stolen reported it to the police."
"The girl whose mother is a teacher excels in academics."
5. Punctuation in Relative Clauses
The punctuation of relative clauses depends on whether they are defining or non-defining.
Defining Relative Clauses: These do not require any punctuation. They directly follow the noun they modify and are essential to the sentence's meaning.
Example: "The person who won the lottery is my neighbor."
Non-Defining Relative Clauses: These are set off by commas or parentheses. They provide extra information but can be removed without affecting the sentence's core meaning.
Example: "My cat, which is a Siamese breed, is very playful." (Commas)
Example: "My cat ( which is a Siamese breed) is very playful." (Parentheses)
6. Essential vs. Non-Essential Information
Understanding the distinction between essential and non-essential information is crucial when working with relative clauses.
6. 1. Identifying Restrictive Relative Clauses
Defining or restrictive relative clauses serve to identify or restrict the noun they modify. They are essential to the sentence's meaning, and removing them would result in a loss of clarity or change in meaning.
Example: "The cake that you baked is delicious." (The clause restricts which cake we're talking about.)
Identifying Non-Restrictive Relative Clauses
Non-defining or non-restrictive relative clauses provide additional information about the noun, but they are not essential to the sentence's core meaning. Removing them does not alter the sentence's fundamental message.
Example: "My sister, who is a doctor, just returned from a medical conference." (The clause adds information about the sister but doesn't restrict which sister.)
6. 2. Commas and Parentheses in Non-Restrictive Clauses
To set off non-restrictive relative clauses, you can use commas or parentheses, depending on the desired level of emphasis and formality.
Commas: Use commas for a standard level of emphasis in written language.
Example: "The cat, which is incredibly agile, climbed the tree."
Parentheses: Use parentheses for a higher level of detachment or to indicate that the information is somewhat secondary.
Example: "The cat ( which is incredibly agile) climbed the tree."
7. Defining vs. Descriptive Information
Relative clauses play a significant role in providing defining and descriptive information in sentences. This distinction can profoundly affect the message being conveyed.
7. 1. Essential Relative Clauses in Defining Noun Phrases
Defining relative clauses help narrow down or define a noun phrase, making it clear which specific entity is being referred to. Without these clauses, the noun phrase might be too vague or broad.
Example: "The dog that barks loudly belongs to my neighbor." (Defining clause specifies which dog.)
7. 2. Non-Essential Relative Clauses in Additional Information
Non-defining relative clauses, on the other hand, provide extra, non-essential information that adds context or description. They assume that the reader already knows which entity is being discussed.
Example: "My car, which is blue, needs a wash." (Non-defining clause adds a descriptive detail about the car.)
8. Complex Sentences with Relative Clauses
Relative clauses allow for the creation of complex sentences that can convey intricate information and relationships between ideas. By incorporating relative clauses, writers and speakers can provide context, expand upon details, and connect concepts seamlessly.
Example: "The professor who teaches advanced mathematics is renowned for his expertise."
In this sentence, the relative clause "who teaches advanced mathematics" adds crucial information about which professor we are referring to.
9. Reducing Relative Clauses in Conversational English
In informal spoken English, it's common to reduce or omit relative pronouns and verbs in relative clauses. This simplifies sentences and makes them flow more naturally in everyday conversation.
Example: "The book ( that ) I read last night was fantastic."
While the full relative clause would include "that I read last night," it is often omitted in casual speech, making the sentence less cumbersome.
10. Relative Clauses for Emphasizing Information
Relative clauses can be strategically used to emphasize or highlight specific information within a sentence. By placing the emphasized element within a relative clause, writers and speakers draw attention to it.
Example: "The cake, which she baked herself, won first prize."
In this sentence, the non-defining relative clause emphasizes that she baked the cake herself.
11. Relative Clauses in Defining Relationships
Relative clauses are invaluable when describing relationships between people or things. They help clarify who or what is connected to whom or what.
Example: "The girl who sits next to me in class is my best friend."
The relative clause "who sits next to me in class" defines the relationship between the girl and the speaker.
12. Relative Clauses in Referring to Objects
Relative clauses are not limited to describing people; they can also refer to objects or things. This flexibility allows for precise and detailed communication.
Example: "The museum displays ancient artifacts that date back thousands of years."
Here, the relative clause "that date back thousands of years" provides essential information about the artifacts.
13. Teaching Relative Clauses to English Learners
For English learners, understanding and using relative clauses can be challenging due to their structure and various rules. Effective teaching strategies can help learners grasp this concept more easily:
Start with the Basics: Begin by explaining the purpose and role of relative clauses. Ensure learners understand the difference between defining and non-defining clauses.
Introduce Relative Pronouns: Teach learners the relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) and their roles within clauses.
Provide Clear Examples: Offer clear and relatable examples to illustrate the concept of relative clauses in action. Encourage learners to identify them in sentences.
Practice with Exercises: Include exercises and activities that require learners to create their own relative clauses. This hands-on practice reinforces their understanding.
Differentiate with Defining and Non-Defining: Emphasize the difference between defining and non-defining clauses, as well as the use of commas or parentheses to set off non-defining clauses.
Complex Sentences: Show learners how relative clauses can be used to create complex sentences and enhance their writing and speaking.
Contextual Learning: Integrate relative clauses into contexts that are relevant to learners' lives or interests. This makes the concept more engaging.
Feedback and Correction: Provide constructive feedback on exercises and activities. Correct any errors related to relative clauses to help learners improve.
Progressive Complexity: Gradually introduce more complex uses of relative clauses as learners become comfortable with the basics. This includes variations in relative pronouns and tense.
14. Building Proficiency in Using Relative Clauses
Building proficiency in using relative clauses takes practice and exposure. Here are strategies to help learners build fluency:
Read Extensively: Encourage learners to read widely, including fiction, non-fiction, and news articles. Exposure to various sentence structures enhances their understanding of relative clauses.
Analyze Texts: Encourage learners to analyze texts and identify relative clauses. Discuss the purpose and effect of these clauses within the context of the text.
Create Stories: Assign creative writing tasks that require learners to incorporate relative clauses. This encourages them to apply what they've learned in their own writing.
Oral Practice: Engage learners in oral activities like debates, storytelling, or presentations that involve the use of relative clauses. This boosts their speaking skills.
Peer Interaction: Encourage learners to interact with peers using relative clauses in conversation. This provides opportunities for real-life application.
Complex Structures: Gradually introduce more complex sentence structures, such as stacked relative clauses or relative clauses within relative clauses. This challenges learners to use relative clauses effectively.
Examine Real-Life Examples: Provide learners with real-life examples of texts or speeches that effectively use relative clauses. Discuss how these clauses contribute to the overall message.
Writing Exercises: Assign writing exercises that specifically focus on constructing sentences with relative clauses. Encourage learners to experiment with different structures.
15. Resources for Further Learning on Relative Clauses
For learners and educators seeking additional resources to enhance their understanding of relative clauses, there are several valuable tools available:
Grammar Books: Comprehensive grammar books often dedicate sections to relative clauses, providing explanations, examples, and exercises.
Online Grammar Websites: Numerous websites offer interactive lessons and exercises on relative clauses. Websites like Grammarly and Purdue OWL are reputable sources.
Language Learning Apps: Language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone include lessons on relative clauses as part of their curriculum.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer courses on English grammar, including relative clauses.
YouTube Tutorials: Many YouTube channels specialize in English grammar tutorials and cover relative clauses extensively.
Language Exchange Partners: Engaging with language exchange partners can provide opportunities to practice using relative clauses in conversations.
16. Examples of Effective Relative Clauses
Let's explore some examples that demonstrate the versatility and impact of relative clauses:
"The scientist who discovered the cure for that disease received the Nobel Prize."
In this defining relative clause, the clause "who discovered the cure for that disease" specifies which scientist is being referred to.
"My grandfather, whose stories are always captivating, is an excellent storyteller."
This non-defining relative clause adds descriptive information about the grandfather without restricting the reference.
"The car that won the race belongs to my friend."
This defining relative clause identifies which car is being discussed in relation to the race.
"The house, which was built in the 19th century, is now a museum."
This non-defining relative clause provides additional historical context about the house.
17. Real-Life Applications of Relative Clauses
Relative clauses are not confined to the realm of grammar textbooks; they are a vital part of everyday language and communication. Consider these real-life applications:
News Reporting: Journalists use relative clauses to provide context and additional information in news articles.
Academic Writing: Scholars employ relative clauses to define concepts, describe research findings, and provide references.
Storytelling: Writers use relative clauses to add depth and detail to characters, settings, and plotlines in literature.
Conversations: In everyday conversations, people use relative clauses to clarify information and provide additional context.
Formal Documents: Legal documents, contracts, and official reports often include relative clauses to specify terms and conditions.
Advertising: Advertisers use relative clauses to highlight product features and benefits in marketing materials.
18. What is Relative Clauses Also Known As?
Relative clauses are known by various names, including:
Adjective Clauses: They are called adjective clauses because, like adjectives, they modify nouns by providing additional information about them.
Adjectival Clauses: This term emphasizes their function as clauses that act like adjectives.
19. Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Relative Clauses
In the vast landscape of English grammar, relative clauses stand as crucial tools for precision, description, and context. They enable writers and speakers to convey intricate information, define relationships, and enhance communication. Whether defining or non-defining, these clauses enrich language and open the door to deeper understanding.
As learners and educators of English grammar, embracing the art of relative clauses is a journey toward mastery. Through clear explanations, practical exercises, and real-life applications, the power of relative clauses can be harnessed to communicate with finesse and impact. So, venture forth with confidence, knowing that the mastery of relative clauses is a valuable skill that unlocks the true potential of language.
Bundle
Worksheet
Save