*Relative clauses are also called adjective clauses. Like adjectives, relative clauses describe nouns.

11.1 Subject Relative Clauses

After the Main Clause

We met the woman. She owns the shop.

We met the woman who owns the shop.Subject Relative Clause

Inside the Main Clause

The tour was great. It left at noon.

The tour that left at noon was great.Subject Relative Clause

1. A sentence with a relative clause* combines two sentences or ideas.

I met the man. He organized the tour.I met the man who organized the tour.

2. A relative clause describes a noun or a pronoun. It usually comes after the noun or pronoun it describes.

The people that asked me about Jordan have left.

We welcome everyone who visits our home.

3. A subject relative clause begins with a relative pronoun (that, which, or who).

Use that or who for people. Use that or which for places, things, and animals.

I know someone who lives in Jordan.Many people that live here speak French.The book that’s on the table is Carla’s.The photos which show the Nile are amazing.

4. In a subject relative clause, the relative pronoun is the subject of the clause. The relative pronoun is followed by a verb.

I like the guide who showed us the sites.She wants something that will remind her of her trip.

Relative Clause

Noun

Pronoun

1. The verb in a subject relative clause agrees with the noun it describes.

I have a friend who likes traveling.

I have friends who like traveling.

2. Be careful! The verb in the main clause always agrees with the subject of the main clause. The map that they are looking at looks very old.

3. Do not repeat the subject in a relative clause.

✓ Where’s the book that has the map of Egypt?✗ Where’s the book that it has the map of Egypt?

Relative Clause

11.2 Subject Relative Clauses: Verb Agreement

Noun Verb

VerbNoun

Main Clause