Relative clauses are used to give additional information about a noun without starting a new sentence. In French, there are two main types of relative clauses: defining (restrictive) and non-defining (non-restrictive). They are introduced by relative pronouns such as qui, que, dont, and où.
- Defining Relative Clauses specify exactly which person or thing is being talked about. Without this information, the meaning would be incomplete or unclear.
- Non-defining Relative Clauses add extra information about something already identified. They are usually set off by commas and can be omitted without changing the main meaning of the sentence.
Defining Relative Clauses
A defining relative clause provides essential information that identifies the noun it modifies. It is not separated by commas.
Key Points
- The clause is essential for identifying the noun.
- No commas are used.
- Common relative pronouns: qui (subject), que (object), dont (of which/whose), où (where/when).
Examples
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Le livre que tu lis est intéressant. | The book that you are reading is interesting. (Which one? The one you are reading.) |
| La femme qui parle est professeur. | The woman who is speaking is a teacher. (Which woman? The one speaking.) |
Exercise: Identify whether these relative clauses are defining or non-defining:
- L'homme qui porte un chapeau est mon oncle.
- Mon frère, qui habite à Paris, vient nous rendre visite.
- Les films que nous avons vus étaient excellents.
- Madame Dupont, dont le mari est médecin, est très gentille.
A defining relative clause provides information that is essential to identify the noun.
Common relative pronouns for defining clauses include 'qui', 'que', 'dont', and 'où'.
Non-defining Relative Clauses
A non-defining relative clause adds supplementary information about a noun that is already clearly identified. It is always separated by commas and cannot be introduced by que.
Key Points
- The clause adds extra (non-essential) information.
- It is set off by commas.
- You cannot use que as a relative pronoun (use qui for subjects, dont for possession, où for places/times).
- If removed, the main sentence still makes complete sense.
Examples
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Mon oncle, qui habite à Lyon, est pilote. | My uncle, who lives in Lyon, is a pilot. (Extra info) |
| La Paris, dont je rêve, est magnifique. | Paris, which I dream of, is beautiful. (Extra info) |
Exercise: Convert these sentences into two parts: main clause and non-defining relative clause.
- Le professeur, qui est très strict, a donné beaucoup de devoirs.
- Notre maison, dont le jardin est énorme, est à la campagne.
The pronoun 'que' is not used in non-defining relative clauses.
Non-defining relative clauses are set off by commas.
Comparison
| Aspect | Defining Relative Clause | Non-defining Relative Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identifies/defines the noun | Adds extra information |
| Commas | No | Yes |
| Can it be omitted? | No | Yes |
| Relative pronouns | qui, que, dont, où | qui, dont, où (not que) |
| Example | Le garçon qui court est mon frère. | Le garçon, qui court, est mon frère. |
Defining clauses do not use commas and provide essential information; non-defining clauses use commas, give extra info, and do not use 'que'.
Conclusion
Defining relative clauses are essential for identifying a noun and are not set off by commas, while non-defining relative clauses provide additional information, require commas, and use a restricted set of relative pronouns.
- Defining clauses clarify "which one" and are integral to the sentence.
- Non-defining clauses add extra details and can be removed without altering the main meaning.
- Mastering both types is crucial for fluent and precise French communication.