What is a Free Relative Clause?
A free relative clause is a special type of clause that functions as a complete noun phrase. It has the noun it refers to (the antecedent) "built-in."
In a standard relative clause, the pronoun refers to a noun that is already mentioned.
- I'll eat the thing [that you cook]. (The noun "thing" is separate from the clause.)
In a free relative clause, the pronoun includes the noun's meaning.
- I'll eat [what you cook]. ("what" = "the thing that")
Here, the entire clause "what you cook" acts as the object of the verb "eat."
Common Free Relative Pronouns
These pronouns begin a free relative clause. They often have an "-ever" suffix to indicate a sense of "any" or "it doesn't matter."
| Pronoun | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| what | the thing(s) that | I can't hear what you're saying. |
| whatever | anything that | You can do whatever you want. |
| who | the person who | I don't know who sent the flowers. |
| whoever | anyone who | Whoever arrives last will have to wait. |
| where | the place that | This is where I grew up. |
| wherever | any place that | Sit wherever you like. |
| when | the time that | Midnight is when the magic happens. |
| whichever | the one(s) that (from a limited choice) | Choose whichever you prefer, the red or the blue. |
| how | the way that | I love how you decorated this room. |
Functions in a Sentence
Because they act like noun phrases, free relative clauses can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
As a Subject:
The clause is the one performing the action.
- What she said surprised everyone.
- Whoever wins the race will receive a trophy.
As an Object:
The clause is the one receiving the action.
- You can invite whoever you want.
- I will buy what I need.
As a Subject Complement:
The clause follows a linking verb (like 'be') and renames the subject.
- Home is where the heart is.
- The problem is what we do next.
"What" vs. "That"
A common point of confusion is whether to use "what" or "that."
-
Use that (or which) to refer to a noun that has already been stated. (Standard Relative Clause)
> * I loved the book that you gave me. -
Use what when there is no preceding noun. "What" means "the thing that." (Free Relative Clause)
> * I loved what you gave me. (= the thing that you gave me)
| ✗ Incorrect | ✓ Correct |
|---|---|
| I don't believe the thing what he said. | I don't believe the thing that he said. |
| I don't believe that he said. | I don't believe what he said. |
Real-World Examples
In Conversation:
"Just do whatever feels right."
In Instructions:
"Please place the documents where your manager told you."
In Literature:
"What is done cannot be undone." - William Shakespeare
Summary
| Pronoun Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| what, whatever | Refers to things. | What you need is a good rest. |
| who, whoever | Refers to people. | I'll speak to whoever is in charge. |
| where, wherever | Refers to places. | This isn't where I left my keys. |
| whichever | Refers to a choice. | Take whichever you want. |
💡 The key takeaway: A free relative clause is a "two-in-one" package—it's a clause that acts like a noun. If you can replace the entire clause with "something" or "someone," it's likely a free relative clause.