Explanation
What Is a Relative Clause? A relative clause is a part of a sentence that gives extra information about a noun. It usually begins with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb. It is a dependent clause. Example: The researcher who conducted the survey published her findings. (Relative clause: who conducted the survey. Noun described: researcher). The Antecedent is the noun that the relative clause describes. The Most Important SAT Idea Relative clauses often add information, but they are usually not part of the basic sentence core . To understand the main sentence, remove the relative clause. On the Digital SAT, relative clauses often distract students from finding the real subject, real verb, subject-verb agreement, and correct punctuation. Essential vs. Nonessential Clauses Essential Relative Clause: Gives information that is necessary to identify the noun. No commas. Example: The students who attended the review session performed well. (Meaning: Only the students who attended performed well). Nonessential Relative Clause: Adds extra information. The sentence is still clear without it. Use commas. Example: The students, who attended the review session, performed well. (Meaning: All the students attended the review session, and they performed well).