Commas with Relative Pronouns
Learning Objective: - Identify and correctly punctuate relative pronouns.
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LESSON
Relative pronounsA word that replaces a noun that it relates to; it also introduces a relative clause. Examples: what, who, whom, whose, whoever, whomever, and which. introduce a special type of dependent clausePart of a sentence that contains a subject and a verb but is unable to stand on its own because it is incomplete in some way. Example of a dependent clause: Because it was a freshly picked apple, the boy ate it with delight. In this sentence, Because it was a freshly picked apple is a dependent clause. It has a subject (it) and a verb (was), but it cannot stand on its own without the second part of the sentence. called a relative clauseA type of dependent clause that begins with a relative pronoun. A relative clause modifies the words or phrases in the main clause. Example: This is the boy who always finishes his homework on time. The subject: the boy, is modified by the relative clause: who always finishes his homework on time.. They also indicate which part of the main sentenceA group of words, phrases, or clauses that expresses a complete thought. A complete sentence has these characteristics: a capitalized first word, a subject and a predicate, and end punctuation, such as a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!). the relative clause modifiesTo change or specify the meaning of another word, usually the subject or the verb. Example: The red ball quickly bounced over the fence. The adjective red modifies the subject, the ball. Also, the adverb quickly modifies the verb bounced. or describes. Like all dependent clauses, a relative clause cannot stand alone as its own sentence because it does not express a complete thought.
All relative clauses consist of a relative pronoun (who/whom, whoever/whomever, whose, that, and which) and a verbA part of speech that refers to what is happening, the action, what the subject is doing, or how it is “being.” Examples include: sleep, to be, think.. For example, consider the sentence Jonah needed the backpack that was left on the desk. The relative pronoun is that. The relative clause is that was left on the desk. In the sentence, I work best with students who regularly attend class, the relative pronoun is who and the relative clause is who regularly attend class.
Some relative clauses require commas(,) A punctuation mark used to group and separate information in sentences., and some do not. To determine whether you need to use a comma or not, ask yourself if the relative clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence. If the clauseA group of words in a sentence that contains a subject and a predicate. is not essential to the meaning, then you will use commas to set it off. If it is essential, no commas are needed. A good rule to remember is relative clauses beginning with that are always essential and never require a comma; relative clauses beginning with which are almost always non-essential, so they typically require commas.
Let's look at an example:
The Spencer Inn and The Lane Homestead, which are outdated, will be torn down.
In this sentence, the relative clause which are outdated adds some additional information, but is not essential to the meaning. It is clear which buildings will be torn down without the relative clause. Therefore, commas are used to set the clause off.
Now consider this example:
All buildings that are outdated will be torn down.
In this sentence, the relative clause is essential. It tells us which buildings will be torn down. Without it, the meaning of the sentence is changed. Therefore, no commas are necessary.
+ PRACTICAL APPLICATIONUsing relative pronouns and clauses is a way to add detail and interest to your writing. It allows you to combine ideas in different ways and engage your reader. It is important to use commas correctly with relative clauses because doing so adds credibility to your writing. It shows that you are a careful writer and suggests that your ideas should be taken seriously.
+ EXAMPLEReview the following sentences and look at the explanations of whether the relative clauses are essential and why. You should also notice where the commas are placed before and after the non-essential clauses.
- I respect the students who complete school while working full-time.
The relative clause is who complete school while working full-time. It is essential, because it defines which students the speaker respects. Therefore, it does not require commas.
- My research assignment, which is due at the end of the term, must include a full bibliography.
The relative clause is which is due at the end of the term. It is non-essential. It adds information, but if it were removed, the central idea of the sentence would be unchanged. Therefore, it requires commas before and after the non-essential clause.
- The administrators whose offices were on the third floor have been relocated.
The relative clause is whose offices were on the third floor. It can be either essential or non-essential. If all administrators were in offices on the third floor and they were all relocated, then it is non-essential and requires commas. If there were administrators on many different floors and only the ones on the third floor were relocated, then it is essential and does not require commas.
- The course, which quickly developed a waiting list, was a new one on journalism in the digital age.
The relative clause is which quickly developed a waiting list. It is non-essential. It adds information, but if it were removed, the central idea of the sentence would be unchanged. Therefore, it requires commas before and after the non-essential clause.
- The plan, which was well-received by most of the staff, reorganized the department and increased productivity by 65 percent.
The relative clause is which was well-received by most of the staff. Since which is typically used for non-essential relative clauses, commas are required. If the relative clause was meant to be essential, you would use that as the relative pronoun and commas would not be needed.
- In the end, the professor will select whomever she pleases to be her assistant.
The relative clause is whomever she pleases. It is essential because it defines who the professor will select. Therefore, it does not require commas.
+ YOUR TURNReview the following sentences. For each sentence, identify the relative clause, whether it is essential to the meaning of the sentence, non-essential, or possibly both, and whether the sentence requires commas. If it does require commas, write the corrected sentence.
- He expects to hear from the researcher with whom he had been interning.
What is the relative clause?
The relative clause is with whom he had been interning.
Is the relative clause essential, non-essential, or both?
Does the sentence require commas? If so, write the corrected sentence.
It does not require commas.
- The exam which lasted all morning will determine whether students are accepted into the program.
What is the relative clause?
The relative clause is which lasted all morning.
Is the relative clause essential, non-essential, or both?
It can be both essential and non-essential. If there were many exams, then it is essential. If there was only one exam, it is non-essential.
Does the sentence require commas? If so, write the corrected sentence.
If it is non-essential, it requires commas: The exam, which lasted all morning, will determine whether students are accepted into the program.
- Our agreement with the company that owns the property is for a two-year lease.
What is the relative clause?
The relative clause is that owns the property.
Is the relative clause essential, non-essential, or both?
Does the sentence require commas? If so, write the corrected sentence.
It does not require commas.
- The company president who is the second person from her family to hold the position will speak later this morning.
What is the relative clause?
The relative clause is who is the second person from her family to hold the position.
Is the relative clause essential, non-essential, or both?
Does the sentence require commas? If so, write the corrected sentence.
It does require commas: The company president, who is the second person from her family to hold the position, will speak later this morning.
- I want to introduce you to the friend whose work I was telling you about.
What is the relative clause?
The relative clause is whose work I was telling you about.
Is the relative clause essential, non-essential, or both?
Does the sentence require commas? If so, write the corrected sentence.
It does not require commas.
- A person who applies himself to the task will find it goes quite quickly.
What is the relative clause?
The relative clause is who applies himself to the task.
Is the relative clause essential, non-essential, or both?
Does the sentence require commas? If so, write the corrected sentence.
It does not require commas.
+ METACOGNITIVE QUESTIONSWhy are relative pronouns and clauses important in writing?
They add variety, detail, and interest to writing.
Why is appropriately punctuating relative clauses important?
Using commas correctly with relative clauses makes writing clearer and more credible.
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