Question

conventions relative clauses
a clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb. a relative clause is a dependent clause that acts as an adjective and modifies a noun or pronoun. a relative clause typically begins with a relative pronoun: that, which, who, whom, or whose.
example: our guide showed us a map of the trail that we would be hiking.
the relative clause is that we would be hiking. the relative pronoun is that. the noun that the relative clause modifies is trail.
a relative clause may be essential or nonessential. an essential clause provides information necessary to the meaning of a sentence. it should not be set off by commas. a nonessential clause adds information that is not vital to the sentence’s meaning. it should be set off by commas.
essential: the player who hit the most home runs was christian yelich.
nonessential: christian yelich, who hit the most home runs, was named most valuable player.
a. directions: the relative clause in each sentence below is in bold type. for each sentence, underline the relative pronoun. then, circle the noun that the relative clause modifies. lastly, identify the relative clause as essential or nonessential, and write the label on the line.

1. the world series, which matches the two league champions, started in 1903.
2. kelly paid the men who installed the new carpet.
3. the chief products that brazil exports are soybeans, iron ore, petroleum, and sugar.
4. rachel carson, whose book silent spring launched the environmental movement, received the presidential medal of freedom in 1980.

b. directions: underline the relative clause in each sentence. if the relative clause is nonessential, add commas to correct the punctuation.

1. the classmate whom i respect most is my friend and fellow drama club member lonnie.
2. last night, aunt fran who loves card tricks taught me a few of them.
3. olives, wheat, corn, and tomatoes are among the crops that farmers in greece grow.
4. the main highway which runs along the eastern edge of the city is always congested with traffic.

Explanation:

1.

• Relative pronoun: which. Noun modified: The World Series. Non - essential as it can be removed without changing the basic meaning of "The World Series started in 1903."

2.

• Relative pronoun: who. Noun modified: the men. Essential as it defines which men Kelly paid.

3.

• Relative pronoun: that. Noun modified: The chief products. Essential as it specifies which products are being talked about.

4.

• Relative pronoun: whose. Noun modified: Rachel Carson. Non - essential as removing it still leaves the main idea that Rachel Carson received the medal.

For part B:

1. The relative clause "whom I respect most" is essential, no commas needed.
2. The relative clause "who loves card tricks" is non - essential. Correct sentence: Last night, Aunt Fran, who loves card tricks, taught me a few of them.
3. The relative clause "that farmers in Greece grow" is essential, no commas needed.
4. The relative clause "which runs along the eastern edge of the city" is non - essential. Correct sentence: The main highway, which runs along the eastern edge of the city, is always congested with traffic.

Answer:

1.

• Underlined relative pronoun: which
• Circled noun: The World Series
• Label: Nonessential

2.

• Underlined relative pronoun: who
• Circled noun: the men
• Label: Essential

3.

• Underlined relative pronoun: that
• Circled noun: The chief products
• Label: Essential

4.

• Underlined relative pronoun: whose
• Circled noun: Rachel Carson
• Label: Nonessential

B.

1. The classmate whom I respect most is my friend and fellow drama club member Lonnie. (No commas added)
2. Last night, Aunt Fran, who loves card tricks, taught me a few of them.
3. Olives, wheat, corn, and tomatoes are among the crops that farmers in Greece grow. (No commas added)
4. The main highway, which runs along the eastern edge of the city, is always congested with traffic.