relative clauses

relative clauses

Defining relative clauses 

Defining relative clauses carry essential information, because they identify which thing or person we are talking about, and they are used without commas.

This is the music which was used at the show. 

Have they found the prisoner who escaped last week?

 

We can use that 

In defining relative clauses we can use that instead of which or who.

This is the music that was used at the show. 

Have they found the prisoner that escaped last week?

When can we omit who/which/that? 

Who/which/that, can be omitted if they are followed by subject + verb

Can you pass me the box (which/that) I keep in the top drawer?

You are not the man (who/that) I thought you were. 

 

Non-defining relative clauses 

Non-defining relative clauses are used between commas, and they add extra information which is not necessary to know who or what we are talking about.

This music, which I really like, was used at the show.

My sister, who I truly admire, is coming for Thanksgiving. 

We cannot use that, and we cannot omit who/which 

In non-defining relative clauses (between commas) we cannot use that, and we cannot omit who/which.

This music, which I really like, was used at the show. 

My sister, whoI truly admire, is coming for Thanksgiving. 

Common mistakes 

Two subjects 

When who, which or that is the subject of a relative clause, we don’t use another pronoun or noun after it, because we can only have one subject (who, which or that).

I saw a man who was very tall. (NOT: I saw a man who he was very tall.)

That is the painting that was stolen from the gallery. (NOT: That is the painting that it was stolen from the gallery.)

Multiple Choice

1

This is the place ______ I saw him the last time.

• a.where

• b.which

• c.that

Multiple Choice

2

That's the man ______ daughter has won the lottery.

• a.which

• b.who

• c.whose

Multiple Select

3

Do you know the musician ______ is playing the guitar. Choose TWO correct options

• a.who

• b.-

• c.that

Multiple Choice

4

The painting, ______ was finished in 1850, is one of the most representative works of that time.

• a.which

• b.-

• c.that

Multiple Choice

5

This is the person ______ I introduced you a few weeks ago.

• a.which

• b.that

• c.-

Multiple Choice

6

I can't find the shop ______ I bought my computer two years ago.

• a.where

• b.that

• c.which

Multiple Choice

7

What's the book ______ we must read this term?

• a.where

• b.who

• c.–

Multiple Choice

8

This is the girl ______ parents are getting divorced.

• a.who

• b.whose

• c.whom

Multiple Choice

9

The final decision, ______ not everybody is going to like, will be announced at the next meeting.

• a.which

• b.that

• c.–

Multiple Select

10

This phone is much better than the first phone ______ you showed me. Choose TWO correct options

• a.whose

• b.that

• c.–