Complex Sentences with Relative Pronouns
The second type of dependent clause begins with a relative pronoun. Relative pronouns are listed below:
List of Relative Pronouns
who
whom
whose
which
that
(Somtimes where, when, and why act as relative pronouns.)
Examples:
Steinbeck, [who wrote novels], is famous.
The independent clause is Steinbeck is famous.
The dependent clause is [who wrote novels].
The dependent clause does have a subject and a verb. The subject of the dependent clause is usually the relative pronoun that begins the clause. In the dependent clause [who wrote novels], notice that who is the subject of the verb is.
Just as dependent clauses that begin with subordinating conjunctions cannot stand alone as complete sentences, dependent clauses that begin with relative pronouns cannot stand alone as complete sentences
Punctuation: Complex Sentences with Relative Pronouns
Rule 1: When a dependent clause beginning with a relative pronoun points to a general noun, do NOT use commas. The clause is needed in the sentence to make a general noun more specific.
Examples:
a. All books [that are banned] should be read (in college courses).
b. All books should be read (in college courses).
The meaning of the sentence is not that all books should be read in college courses. The meaning is that only books that are banned should be read in college courses. Therefore, the dependent clause [that are banned] is needed to identify the specific books and should NOT have commas around it. It is a necessary clause.
Rule 2: When a dependent clause beginning with a relative pronoun points to a specific noun, DO use commas. The clause is not needed in the sentence because it only gives extra information about a noun that is already limited and specific.
Examples:
a. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who won the Nobel Prize, wrote many novels.
b. Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote many novels.
The reader does not need the dependent clause to identify Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Gabriel Garcia Marquez is specific already; a proper noun or name is specific. The dependent clause [who won the Nobel Prize] merely gives extra information about him. Using commas with dependent clauses that are not needed sets them apart from the rest of the sentence.
Watch this video explanation with examples:
Access the file here if you would like to follow along with the video or print it to take notes.
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