Defining and non-defining relative clauses

​Defining, non-defining and reduced relative clauses C1 level

​Defining relative clauses

• They are clauses (phrases) that give us ESSENTIAL INFORMATION.

• At the beginning of a relative clause we use relative pronouns:

• WHICH - for things / objects

• WHO - for people

• WHEN - time

• ​ WHERE - for places

• THAT - instead of WHO / WHICH ​

• WHOM - for the object of a verb or preposition

• WHOSE - possession

​Non-defining relative clauses

• ​They are clauses (phrases) that give us EXTRA INFORMATION.

• We use COMMAS to separate the relative clause from the main sentence. ​

• At the beginning of a relative clause we use relative pronouns:

• WHICH - for things / objects

• WHO - for people

• WHEN - time

• ​ WHERE - for places

  We CANNOT USE THAT instead of WHICH / WHO

Reduced relative clauses: Who or Which

When the relative pronoun ("who," "which," "that") is followed by a form of "to be" and a present participle (verb+ing) or a past participle (verb in the third form), you can omit the relative pronoun and the verb "to be," leaving only the participle.
Full relative clause: "The man who is standing over there is my brother."

Reduced clause: "The man standing over there is my brother."

Full relative clause: "The book which was written by J.K. Rowling is very popular."

Reduced clause: "The book written by J.K. Rowling is very popular."

Reduced relative clauses: That

When the relative clause is followed by an infinitive verb:

Full relative clause: "She is the only one that is qualified to lead this project."

Reduced clause: "She is the only one qualified to lead this project.

Rule: When "that" is followed by an adjective or a noun phrase, you can omit "that" and "is," leaving just the adjective or noun.

Examples of Reduced Relative Clauses:

• Original: "The house which was built in the 19th century is now a museum."

• Reduced: "The house built in the 19th century is now a museum."

• Original: "The woman who is singing on stage is famous."

• Reduced: "The woman singing on stage is famous."

• Original: "The employees who work hard will be promoted."

• Reduced: "The employees working hard will be promoted."

When to Avoid Reducing:

• Ambiguity: If reducing the clause makes the sentence unclear or changes the meaning, it’s better to keep the full clause.

• Formality: In very formal writing, full relative clauses might be preferred for clarity and formality.

Multiple Choice

Nordahai Grieg school, where Hanne studies, has about 800 students

• defining relative clause

• non-defining relative clause

Multiple Choice

The guy that teaches physics loves video games

• defining relative clause

• non-defining relative clause

Multiple Choice

Jacob, who goes to the school, is very happy

• defining relative clause

• non-defining relative clause

Multiple Choice

The day when we first played Portal was exciting

• defining relative clause

• non-defining relative clause

Multiple Choice

The cook, who made the pasta, was Italian. We use for:

• things / objects

• people

• places

• time

Multiple Choice

Have you read the book which won the Booker Prize? We use which for:

• objects / things

• people

• places

• time

Multiple Choice

That is the shop where you can buy any fresh vegetables. We use where for:

• objects /things

• people

• places

• time

Multiple Select

He ate the food ............ his mom had cooked for him.

• WHICH

• WHO

• WHERE

• THAT

Multiple Choice

The novel, ………….took place between 1861 and 1865, was very good.

• THAT

• WHO

• WHICH

• WHERE

Multiple Choice

Do you still go to that pub........ we used to go as students?

• WHEN

• WHO

• WHERE

Multiple Choice

Tom wants to go to Milan .............. his girlfriend is working

• WHO

• WHICH

• WHERE

• WHEN