Relative Clauses

A relative clause can be compared to an adjective in that it gives extra information about a noun. They take the form 'Relative Pronoun + verb + phrase'

A relative pronoun takes the place of a noun and is one of the following

for People  - who
     Things - which
     Places - where
     Times - when
     Possessions - whose

Please note that possessions can include people and animals - 'This is the man whose dog smells.'


There are two types of relative clause - a defining relative clause and a non-defining relative clause.

A defining relative clause must be present as it defines the noun - it tells us exactly which noun.

 'This is the man whose dog smells.' - without the clause it has no sense.

A non-defining relative clause gives additional information and is not essential to the meaning. It is contained in commas and can be left out.

I met John, who was wearing a bright pink t-shirt, yesterday. - I met John yesterday still has perfect sense.

In defining clauses (only) we can use 'that' in place of 'who' and 'which' without changing the meaning. There are also occasions when we can leave out 'who', 'which' and 'that'. This can cause a few problems sometimes


'The lesson on relative clauses which Bob taught was a little complicated at times'


In this sentence 'which' refers to 'the lesson on  relative clauses'

In the second part 'the lesson on  relative clauses' is the object (ie what Bob taught)

So in this situation we can leave out the 'which' and the sentence.....

'The lesson on relative clauses Bob taught was a little complicated at times'


.....is correct.

It is also possible to leave out the relative pronoun and the verb 'be' in passive and continuous tenses.

I like watching people who are working hard. > I like watching people working hard :)


The second book which was written by Paulo Coehlo was also very popular
> The second book written by Paulo Coehlo ....