Relative Clauses in MLA Format: A Guide for College Students

📚 What are Relative Clauses?

A relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. It provides additional information about the noun it modifies. Relative clauses typically begin with relative pronouns such as who, whom, which, that, or relative adverbs such as where, when, or why. Mastering them is crucial for writing clear and concise academic papers!

• 🔍 Defining Relative Clauses: These clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence. They identify which specific noun is being discussed. For example: The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week.
• 💡 Non-Defining Relative Clauses: These clauses add extra information but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are set off by commas. For example: My professor, who has a PhD in literature, is very knowledgeable.
• 📝 Relative Pronouns: The choice of relative pronoun depends on the noun being modified. Who and whom refer to people, which refers to things, and that can refer to people or things.

📜 A Brief History of Relative Clauses

The use of relative clauses dates back to ancient languages, evolving over centuries. In English, their structure and function have been refined through various grammatical reforms and literary styles. The formal rules, as we know them today, were largely standardized during the rise of modern English grammar in the 18th and 19th centuries, coinciding with the development of academic writing conventions. Their importance has been maintained since the MLA style guide puts particular emphasis on clarity and precision.

🔑 Key Principles for Using Relative Clauses in MLA Format

When using relative clauses in MLA format, adherence to specific guidelines ensures clarity, accuracy, and proper citation. These principles help maintain academic integrity and effective communication.

• 🎯 Clarity and Conciseness: Aim for clear and concise sentences. Avoid overly long or complex relative clauses that can confuse the reader.
• ✍️ Proper Punctuation: Use commas correctly to set off non-defining relative clauses. This ensures the sentence's meaning is accurately conveyed.
• ✔️ Correct Pronoun Usage: Select the appropriate relative pronoun (who, whom, which, that) based on the noun being modified. Who and whom are for people, which is for things, and that can be used for both.
• 📖 Integration with Citations: Ensure that any information introduced through a relative clause, if derived from a source, is properly cited according to MLA guidelines. This includes in-text citations and entries in the Works Cited list.

✍️ Real-World Examples of Relative Clauses in MLA Format

Here are some examples demonstrating the proper use of relative clauses in academic writing, following MLA guidelines.

1. Defining Relative Clause: The article that Smith (2018) published provides crucial insights into the topic.
2. Non-Defining Relative Clause: The author, who is a leading expert in the field, argues for a new approach (Jones, 2020).
3. Using "Which" and a citation: The study, which revealed significant findings (Anderson, 2022), supports the hypothesis.

📝 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced writers can stumble with relative clauses. Being aware of these frequent errors can significantly improve your writing.

• ❌ Misplaced Modifiers: Ensure the relative clause is placed as close as possible to the noun it modifies to avoid confusion. For example, avoid: "I saw a dog running down the street that had a red collar." Instead: "I saw a dog that had a red collar running down the street."
• 🚫 Incorrect Pronoun Choice: Using 'which' for people or 'who' for things is a common mistake. Always double-check your pronoun choice.
• ⚠️ Comma Splices: Ensure you correctly punctuate non-defining relative clauses with commas at both ends.

🧪 Conclusion

Understanding and correctly using relative clauses is essential for producing clear, concise, and well-structured academic writing in MLA format. By following the principles outlined in this guide, you can enhance the precision and impact of your arguments. Pay attention to pronoun choice, proper punctuation, and the placement of relative clauses within your sentences. These skills will contribute to more effective communication and higher-quality academic work.