Relative clause
A subordinate clause introduced by a relative pronoun ('who', 'which', 'that', 'whose') that provides information about a noun. Relative clauses can be restrictive (defining, essential) or non-restrictive (non-defining, additional).
Real World
In legal contracts, restrictive relative clauses like 'the party that signed the agreement' are essential for identifying exactly who is bound by each term, whereas removing the clause would make the sentence dangerously vague.
Exam Focus
Distinguish restrictive from non-restrictive relative clauses — restrictive defines, non-restrictive adds extra detail — and explain the effect on meaning.
How well did you know this?