DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSE

A defining relative clause gives necessary information about a noun.

Example:

I like the woman who lives next door. (If I don't say 'who lives next door', then we don't know which woman I mean).

We can usually leave out the relative pronoun in defining relative clauses when it refers to the object of the clause.

Example:

Paris is a place anyone should enjoy visiting. OR ...a place which / that anyone...

NON-DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSE

A non-defining relative clause gives extra information, separated from the main clause by commas.

Example:

My bicycle, which I've had for more than ten years, is falling apart.
My boss, who is very nice, lives in Manchester.

We can't leave out the relative pronoun in non-defining relative clauses.

Example:

My brother, who you will meet today, is an engineer. NOT My brother, you will meet.

Relative Pronouns: which, that, and who

In defining relative clauses we can use that instead of which or who in more informal situations but not in non-defining relative clauses.

Example:

The man who you met....OR...who you met.
My sister, who lives in Australia, is staying with us at the moment...NOT.... ~~that lives in Australia~~ ...

In very formal language we sometimes use whom as the object form of who.

Example:

Tom Willes, whom many see as the best boxer, will be giving a talk tonight.

We can use which as a non-defining relative pronoun to refer back to the entire main clause.

Example:

I've got lots of homework to do,which means I need to stay up late tonight.

Other kinds of relative clauses

We can use when or in / at / on which to refer to a noun of time, like day, year etc.

Example:

....to 1922, the year in which oil was discovered at Maracaibo. OR ...the year ( when )

We can leave out such words after the words day, year, moment and time.

Example:

She was born in 2000, the year (when) her mother graduated from University.

After a reason, we can use why or sometimes that or no conjunction.

Example:

Under Venezuela there is oil, the reason why/that it was South America's strongest economy...

We sometimes use what or who in a way similar to a relative pronoun, to mean 'the thing which' or the person who'

Example:

The traffic is what I hate about living in a big city. OR The traffic is the thing (which) I hate...

We can use when, where and why in the same way.

Example:

My childhood was when I was happiest.
This city is where I grew up.
That's why it's so nice to experience this again.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

A. Direction: Decribe the following using relative clauses. Expand your answers .

A person ( or people) you know or have heard about
A place you have visited or know about
A book you have read or a movie you have watched or know about
A memorable experience you have had

Example:

The Grand Canyon, where the vast expanse of colorful rock formations stretches as far as the eye can see, is a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe. It is a place where countless photographers and artists find inspiration in capturing the ever-changing play of light and shadow on the canyon walls. The Grand Canyon is a destination where nature's grandeur and the passage of time converge, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all who venture there.

Now, it's your turn.

YOUR TURN Photo