There are two types of relative clauses
and it’s important to know when we
use them.
Let’s look at:
1.
When we use defining and non-defining relative clauses.
2.
Which relative pronouns we use in relative clauses, and when.
3.
How we make sentences which contain relative clauses.
When do we use relative
clauses?
Function: When do we use relative
clauses?
We use relative clauses to give more information about a person, place, object,
situation, etc. There are two types – defining and non-defining relative clauses.
Match them to
the pictures.
Look at these sentences. They have the same relative
clause: ‘which was red’. In the first sentence with the
comma, the relative clause isn’t necessary to understand
which t-shirt the girl is talking about – it’s just extra
information. In the second sentence without the comma, the
relative clause is necessary in order to define which t-shirt the
girl bought.
1. I bought the cheapest t-shirt, which
was red.
2. I bought the cheapest t-shirt which
was red.
Function: When do we use relative clauses?
Defining relative clauses: Information which is necessary to
define which object, person, place, etc. we are talking about.
Here, the relative clause, which was red, is
necessary. She didn’t buy the cheapest t-shirt (the
purple one). She bought the cheapest red t-shirt.
I bought the cheapest t-shirt
which was red.
Defining relative clauses
have NO comma. Nondefining relative clauses
have a comma.
Non-defining relative clauses: Information which isn’t necessary to define which object,
person, etc. we are talking about. It’s just extra information.
I bought the cheapest t-shirt, which was red.
Here, the relative clause, which was red, isn’t
necessary. We know that she bought the
cheapest t-shirt. The fact it is red is just extra
information.
Relative
pronouns…
Function: What about relative pronouns?
Relative pronouns connect the relative clause to the rest of the sentence. We use
different relative pronouns depending what we are describing.
Look at the examples and
complete the table with one
of the relative pronouns in
bold.
It’s the restaurant
where I had my
birthday party.
He’s the boy who I
walk to school
with.
people
who
things/animals
which
places
where
times
when
possessions
whose
It’s the dog whose
owner is sitting
over there.
I’ll always
remember the
day when I
broke my arm
skiing.
I read a
wonderful
book which
was set in New
York.
Function: What about relative pronouns?
The relative pronouns connect the relative clause to the rest of the sentence. We use
different relative pronouns depending what we are describing.
It’s the restaurant
where I had my
birthday party.
people
He’s the boy who I
walk to school with.
It’s the dog whose
owner is sitting
over there.
who
things/animals
which
places
where
times
when
possessions
whose
I’ll always remember
the day when I broke
my arm skiing.
I read a wonderful
book which was set
in New York.
In defining relative clauses, we can also use
that instead of who or which. We cannot use that
after a comma with non-defining relative
clauses.
Practice activities
Look at the sentences. They all have errors. Correct them and justify your answers.
1. Last week, I went to see my brother Tom who lives in London.
Last week, I went to see my brother Tom, who lives in London.
We know which brother he is talking
about (Tom), so this is a non-defining
relative clause and needs a comma.
2. She is my neighbour that mother is really famous.
She is my neighbour whose mother is really famous.
3. Jack is the boy where I study with on Saturdays.
Jack is the boy (who) I study with on Saturdays.
4. This is my new baby sister, that turns one month old tomorrow.
This my new baby sister, who turns one month old tomorrow.
5. Is that the car whose you sold last year?
Is that the car (which/that) you sold last year?
6. This is the photo, which I told you about yesterday.
This is the photo (which/that) I told you about yesterday.
This is a defining relative clause (the
information is necessary to know
which photo we are talking about), so
we don’t use a comma.