APA Rules for Relative Clauses: A Style Guide for College Students

📚 What are Relative Clauses?

Relative clauses are dependent clauses that modify a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, which, that) or a relative adverb (when, where, why). They add extra information to a sentence, making it more detailed and specific.

📜 A Brief History

The use of relative clauses has evolved over centuries, with different style guides adopting specific rules for clarity and precision. APA style, developed by the American Psychological Association, emphasizes clear and concise communication in scholarly writing. Consequently, APA has specific guidelines for using relative clauses to avoid ambiguity and maintain readability.

📌 Key Principles of APA Style for Relative Clauses

• 👤 Use the Correct Relative Pronoun: Choose the appropriate pronoun (who, whom, which, that) based on whether you are referring to people or things.
• 🎯 Clarity and Precision: Ensure the relative clause clearly refers to the noun it modifies to avoid ambiguity.
• ✍️ Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Clauses: Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses (which provide extra, non-essential information) but not restrictive clauses (which are essential to the meaning of the sentence).
• ⚖️ Placement: Position the relative clause as close as possible to the noun it modifies to enhance readability.
• ✅ Avoid Ambiguity: Ensure the sentence's meaning is clear and unambiguous by correctly using relative clauses.

✍️ Examples of Relative Clauses in APA Style

Example 1: Correct Use of 'Who'

Original: The psychologist is conducting research.

With Relative Clause: The psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavior therapy is conducting research.

Example 2: Correct Use of 'Which'

Original: The study showed significant results.

With Relative Clause: The study, which was published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, showed significant results.

Example 3: Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Clauses

Restrictive (no commas): The students that attended the workshop improved their writing skills.

Nonrestrictive (with commas): The workshop, which was held on Tuesday, was very informative.

💡 Tips for Using Relative Clauses Effectively

• 🔍 Identify the Noun: Make sure it's crystal clear which noun your relative clause is modifying.
• 📝 Check for Ambiguity: Reread your sentences to ensure there's no confusion about the clause's meaning.
• 🗣️ Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing or unclear connections.
• 📚 Consult APA Guidelines: When in doubt, refer to the official APA style manual for guidance.

📝 Conclusion

Mastering the use of relative clauses in APA style enhances the clarity and precision of your writing. By understanding the key principles and practicing with examples, you can effectively incorporate relative clauses into your academic papers. Remember to choose the correct relative pronoun, use commas appropriately for nonrestrictive clauses, and ensure clarity in your writing. Happy writing!