(Also Called Adjective Clauses)
Relative Clauses are…
- a relative pronoun + verb phrase
- a relative pronoun + an independent clause
- a relative adverb + verb phrase
- a relative adverb + an independent clause
If a relative clause
is an essential part
of the noun,
use “that” and no commas.
The baseball game
that starts at 3pm
was cancelled this morning.
If a relative clause
simply adds information
about the noun,
use “which” and commas.
The baseball team,
which has a new pitcher,
should be strong this year.
Sometimes, the relative pronoun
or relative adverb is not used:
“I want to see that movie
that Tom recommended.”
“I want to see that movie
Tom recommended.”
Both are correct.
