What defines a relative clause?

What defines a relative clause?

• A. A clause that shows historical context
• B. A clause that starts with a preposition
• C. A dependent clause that begins with a pronoun
• D. A clause that provides an example

Answer: (C)

A relative clause is correctly defined as a dependent clause that begins with a pronoun. This type of clause typically begins with relative pronouns such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," or "that." Relative clauses serve to modify a noun or pronoun in a sentence, providing additional information about it and creating a more complex sentence structure. For instance, in the sentence "The book that I borrowed was fascinating," the relative clause "that I borrowed" provides more information about "the book," showing how the relative clause is integrated into the sentence. The other options do not align with the definition of a relative clause. A clause showing historical context, starting with a preposition, or providing an example does not capture the essence of what a relative clause is or how it functions grammatically within a sentence.

A relative clause is correctly defined as a dependent clause that begins with a pronoun. This type of clause typically begins with relative pronouns such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," or "that." Relative clauses serve to modify a noun or pronoun in a sentence, providing additional information about it and creating a more complex sentence structure.

For instance, in the sentence "The book that I borrowed was fascinating," the relative clause "that I borrowed" provides more information about "the book," showing how the relative clause is integrated into the sentence.

The other options do not align with the definition of a relative clause. A clause showing historical context, starting with a preposition, or providing an example does not capture the essence of what a relative clause is or how it functions grammatically within a sentence.