Relative Pronouns
Relative
Adjectives

who/whom 
whoever 
what  
which
whichever
that (reserved for restrictive use)
 
Relative Adverbs

where
why

 


 

 

 

Pattern 8:  Restrictive Dependent Relative Clauses

Pattern 1 |  Pattern 2  |  Pattern 3 | Pattern 4 | Pattern 5 | Pattern 6 | Pattern 7

 
   
Pattern 8 Rule: An essential relative clause (also called restrictive) requires no punctuation because it should not be separated from the independent clause.

These clauses often interrupt the independent clause but do not require commas be inserted to surround them.
 
The house  that is located north of Mission Street is important to the history of Salem.
Independent Clause Opening Essential Relative Clause Independent Clause Ending
 
The waiter who is wearing the red cummerbund is my waiter. who is wearing the red cummerbund
Independent Clause Essential Relative Clause

Pattern 8 Samples

The family who moved into the neighborhood in January is the family needing someone to house sit.

The reason why I have continued to work at Chemeketa is the diversity of its students' learning goals.

The house where I grew up was recently renovated and resold for four times what we bought it for.
 


Check Your Comprehension 
Identify the Dependent Clause 

1. The paper that I must complete before Monday is for my English course.
.

 

2. The student whom I am waiting for has always been on time until today.
.

 

3. The basement is the room where I do most of my studying.
.

 
 

Top /// Grammar Checks /// Punctuation Index

mcs © spring 2002