Relative Clauses (who, which, that, defining, non-defining)

Surfing, which is an amazing sport, is very popular in Hawaii.

• Defining

• Non-defining

Answer explanation

Surfing is one of the oldest sports on Earth.

I live in London, which has some fantastic parks.

• Defining

• Non-defining

She bought the computer that her brother had recommended.

• Defining

• Non-defining

She lives in New York. She likes it there.

• She lives in New York, which she likes.

• She lives in New York which she likes.

I bought a new bike. It is very fast.

• I bought a new car, that is very fast.

• I bought a new car that is very fast.

Which sentence is correct?

• I like the woman who lives next door.

• I like the woman, who lives next door.

Answer explanation

Defining relative clause - NO COMMA

If I don't say 'who lives next door', then we don't know which woman I mean. So it is not extra information so no comma.

Which sentence is NOT correct.

• I'm looking for a secretary who can use a computer well.

• I'm looking for a secretary that can use a computer well.

• I'm looking for a secretary, that can use a computer well.

Which one is incorrect?

• The first major show jumping competition which was held in England was at Olympia in 1907.

• The first major show jumping competition that was held in England was at Olympia in 1907.

• The first major show jumping competition held in England was at Olympia in 1907.

• The first major show jumping competition, that was held in England was at Olympia in 1907.

Answer explanation

When the relative pronoun is the object of the clause we can drop the relative pronoun if we want to. This is called REDUCED CLAUSE

Examples:

She loves the chocolate (which / that) I bought.

We went to the village (which / that) Lucy recommended.

Make this into ONE complex sentence.

"We employed the lawyer . Julie recommended the lawyer.

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This is the person _________ Annie was talking.

• about who

• about whom

• whom