A clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a predicate, with two main types: independent clauses and dependent clauses. Independent clauses can convey a complete thought, while dependent clauses cannot. Dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses, and a relative clause is a type of subordinate clause.
Key Takeaways
- A relative clause begins with a relative pronoun and acts as an adjective, while a subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.
- Both relative clauses and subordinate clauses cannot give a complete idea and can start with a relative pronoun.
- Subordinate clauses can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, while relative clauses only act as adjectives.
What is a Relative Clause?
A relative clause is a clause that begins with a relative pronoun, such as “who,” “which,” “that,” or “where.” Because it starts with a relative pronoun, it cannot convey a complete idea and is considered a type of subordinate clause. A relative clause acts as an adjective, identifying and modifying the noun preceding it. For example:
This is the guy who helped us yesterday.
Give me the book that is on the table.
Neal, who is my neighbor, is an eyewitness to the accident.
The party, which lasted the whole night, ended with the gruesome murder of the host.
This is the hotel where they met.
Relative clauses can be classified as defining clauses or non-defining clauses. Defining clauses add essential information to a sentence, while non-defining clauses add non-essential information and are set apart by commas.
What is a Subordinate Clause?
A subordinate (dependent) clause is a clause that cannot express a complete idea because it begins with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun. Examples include:
until I met you
when he laughed at me
whenever I see you
whatever you do
These clauses must be combined with independent clauses to convey a full meaning. Subordinate clauses can have various roles in a sentence, acting as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
What are the Similarities Between Relative Clause and Subordinate Clause?
Both relative clauses and subordinate clauses:
- Cannot give a complete idea.
- Can start with a relative pronoun.
What is the Difference Between Relative Clause and Subordinate Clause?
The key difference between relative clause and subordinate clause is that a relative clause begins with a relative pronoun and acts as an adjective, while a subordinate clause starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun and can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Summary – Relative Clause vs Subordinate Clause
In summary, a relative clause begins with a relative pronoun, while a subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. A relative clause acts as an adjective, whereas a subordinate clause can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb. This is the main difference between relative clause and subordinate clause.
