Relative clauses & pronouns – an overview
I. Relative clauses define or give extra information on persons or things.
a) Non-defining relative clauses:
- could be left out
- are always separated from the main clause with (a) comma(s)
example: My father, who is from Oldenburg, is a teacher, too.
b) Defining relative clauses:
- define a person or thing and cannot be left out
- never used with a comma
example: The man who just came in is our teacher.
b.1) Contact clause:
- a defining relative clause with a second subject that has been left out
- never used with a comma
The man (who) you just saw is our teacher.
II. Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses and refer to persons, things or abstract concepts.