The reason why making sentences is key in English study is that sentences are the fundamental units for expressing everyday conversations as well as complex thoughts. In particular, understanding the structure of sentences when relative clauses and relative pronouns are omitted plays a crucial role in enhancing advanced English comprehension and production skills. In this article, we will deeply explore the concept of relative clauses, the types and usages of relative pronouns, and the principles and necessities of omission.
1. Definition of Relative Clauses
A Relative Clause is a clause that combines with a main clause to modify a specific noun. Relative clauses generally include a subject, verb, object, or complement, but cannot stand alone as sentences. Therefore, relative clauses provide additional information about the nouns they include. This helps make sentences clearer and more specific.
2. Types and Examples of Relative Pronouns
There are several types of relative pronouns, and commonly used ones include “who”, “whom”, “whose”, “which”, and “that”. Let’s look at the situations in which each relative pronoun is used:
2.1. Relative Pronoun “who”
The relative pronoun “who” is used to refer to people. For example:
The woman who is speaking is my mother.
In the above sentence, “who is speaking” is a relative clause that specifically describes “the woman”.
2.2. Relative Pronoun “whom”
“Whom” is similar to “who” but is used in the objective case rather than the subjective case. For example:
The man whom I met yesterday is a doctor.
Here, “whom I met yesterday” further describes “the man”.
2.3. Relative Pronoun “whose”
“Whose” is used in the possessive case and can apply to both people and things. For example:
This is the artist whose work won the award.
The above sentence connects “the artist” with a possessive relationship, providing more information.
2.4. Relative Pronouns “which” and “that”
“Which” and “that” are primarily used to refer to things, and can sometimes be used interchangeably. However, “that” is commonly used in restrictive relative clauses. For example:
The book that I borrowed was fascinating.
The car which I bought last year is very fast.
Here, “that I borrowed” and “which I bought last year” each provide additional information about “the book” and “the car”, respectively.
3. Types of Relative Clauses
Relative clauses can be broadly divided into restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses.
3.1. Restrictive Relative Clauses
Restrictive relative clauses specify and restrict the noun, making it essential to know who that noun refers to. For example:
The man who called you is waiting outside.
In this case, “who called you” precisely tells who “the man” is, so it cannot be omitted.
3.2. Non-restrictive Relative Clauses
Non-restrictive relative clauses only provide additional information and do not require a specific description of the noun. For example:
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us next week.
In this case, “who lives in London” is optional information, and omitting it does not hinder the overall meaning.
4. Omission of Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns can be omitted to make sentences shorter and more natural. The relative pronouns “that” and “who” (especially when they are the subject) are often omitted.
4.1. Examples of Omission of Relative Pronouns
For example:
The book that you lent me was amazing.
The book you lent me was amazing.
The two sentences above have the same meaning, but the second sentence is more concise. Omitting relative pronouns can smooth the flow of sentences.
4.2. Omission in Idioms
Omission of relative pronouns is especially common in colloquial language. This provides an opportunity to enhance understanding between the speaker and the listener.
5. Importance of Relative Clauses
Relative clauses are an important component of English as they allow for the construction of more complex sentences and the conveyance of more information. Through relative clauses, simple sentences can express richer and more diverse meanings. They are also essential for making sentences clear and concise.
6. Discovering Relative Pronouns
Finding and utilizing relative pronouns is very beneficial for improving reading and writing skills. It is important to encounter various relative clauses through reading and to practice creating relative clauses through exercises.
Conclusion
Relative clauses and relative pronouns are significant parts of English grammar and are widely used in real life, so a systematic and in-depth understanding is required. Mastering relative clauses will enhance the ability to convey more complex and rich meanings when communicating in English. Above all, it is important to understand the role of relative pronouns well and to use them appropriately in sentences as needed.