What is a Relative Clause in English? - Definition and Examples

The English term for '定语从句' is 'Relative Clause'. Relative clauses are dependent clauses that modify nouns or pronouns. They provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they modify. There are two main types of relative clauses: restrictive and non-restrictive.

Restrictive relative clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are not set off by commas. For example:

The woman who is wearing a red dress is my sister.

Non-restrictive relative clauses provide additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are set off by commas. For example:

My sister, who is wearing a red dress, is a doctor.

Relative clauses are an important part of English grammar. Understanding them can help you improve your writing and speaking skills.