What defines a relative clause?

• A. A dependent clause that tells more about a noun
• B. A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence
• C. A type of independent clause used for emphasis
• D. A complex structure without a subject

Answer: (A)

A relative clause is defined as a dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. It often begins with a relative pronoun such as "who," "which," or "that." For instance, in the sentence "The book that you lent me was fascinating," the relative clause "that you lent me" modifies the noun "book" by giving more details about it. This function of describing or providing specificity to a noun is what distinctly characterizes relative clauses.

The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of a relative clause. A clause that stands alone as a complete sentence describes independent clauses, while a clause used for emphasis would refer to specific rhetorical devices. Furthermore, a complex structure without a subject does not form a complete thought, which is contrary to the nature of relative clauses as they are dependent on the main clause.