Inserting relative clauses

Relative clauses are added clauses that give more information about a subject.

Why use relative clauses?

Relative clauses can add more information about a subject.

They are used as a way to break up subject-verb-object (although they can also be added to many other forms – passive, time phrases, prepositions etc.)

The easiest way to insert a relative clause is to use punctuation to pause a sentence, add the clause, use more punctuation, then continue the sentence.

Examples of inserting relative clauses into SVO

My dog, which my mum had given me for my birthday, has a habit of eating my parents’ shoes and socks.

My English teacher (who smells awful) is the least popular educator in the whole school.

Examples of inserting relative clauses after time phrases

Last week – the final week of the school year – the boys took the car out to the countryside.

The beginning of May, which is always a busy month for students, was particularly torturous last year.

Examples of inserting relative clauses after preposition phrases

Under the moon, shining as bright as a star, the couple danced in the park.

Atop the shelf, where the dust gathered and the spiders had built a nest, the box rested for many years.