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What is a defining relative clause?

Back

A defining relative clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It is necessary for understanding the sentence's meaning. Example: "The book that I borrowed was interesting."

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What is a non-defining relative clause?

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A non-defining relative clause adds extra information about a noun but is not essential to the sentence's meaning. It is usually set off by commas. Example: "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting."

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What is the purpose of commas in non-defining relative clauses?

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Commas are used to separate non-defining relative clauses from the main clause, indicating that the information is additional and not essential. Example: "The car, which is red, belongs to my sister."

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How do you identify a defining relative clause in a sentence?

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A defining relative clause can often be identified by the absence of commas and its role in specifying which noun is being referred to. Example: "The teacher who helps me is very kind."

Front

What is the difference between 'who' and 'whom'?

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'Who' is used as the subject of a verb, while 'whom' is used as the object of a verb or preposition. Example: "Who is coming to dinner?" vs. "To whom should I address the letter?"

Front

When should you use 'that' instead of 'which'?

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Use 'that' for defining relative clauses and 'which' for non-defining relative clauses. Example: "The book that I read was great." vs. "The book, which I read last year, was great."

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What is an example of a sentence with a defining relative clause?

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"The student who studies hard will pass the exam." Here, 'who studies hard' defines which student is being referred to.

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What is an example of a sentence with a non-defining relative clause?

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"My dog, who is very friendly, loves to play fetch." The clause 'who is very friendly' adds extra information about the dog.

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How do you punctuate a non-defining relative clause?

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You should place commas before and after the non-defining relative clause. Example: "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in London."

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What is the role of relative pronouns in relative clauses?

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Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) introduce relative clauses and connect them to the main clause, providing more information about a noun.