RELATIVE CLAUSES:

A. Relative clauses can be NON-DEFINING:

1. They don`t identify – they give additional/extra information;
2. They are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas (,) because it is not a
necessary part of the meaning of the noun;
3. Who, whom, whose is used when it refers to PEOPLE;
4. Which, whose (of which) is used when it refers to THINGS or ANIMALS;
5. Where to PLACES;
6. When to DATES.
Examples:
a) My neighbour, WHO is very pessimistic, says there will be no air to breathe
in a few years.
b) Andrew, WHOSE children are at school all day, is trying to get a job.
c) Mr. Brown, WHOM we met yesterday, is my French teacher.
d) The exam, WHICH I will be doing next Saturday, is my driving one.

B. Relative clauses can be DEFINING:

1. They identify – they give essential information;
2. They are NOT separated from the rest of the sentence by commas (,);
3. Who, whom, whose is used when it refers to PEOPLE;
4. Which, whose (of which) is used when it refers to THINGS or ANIMALS;
5. Where to PLACES;
6. When to DATES.
Notes: THAT can be used to replace the relative pronoun WHO or WHICH;
We can sometimes omit the relative pronoun, determiner or adverb.
Examples:
a) Students WHO/THAT are hard-working usually have the best results.
b) The day WHEN Hilda became a mother was one of the best days of her life.

Exercises:

1. Link the sentences by means of a Relative Clause. Use commas when necessary.

1.1. We went to Nicole`s party. We enjoyed it a lot.

__We went to Nicole`s party, which we enjoyed a lot._________
1.2. My brother lives in Edinburgh. It is the capital of Scotland.
___My brother lives in Edinburgh, which is the capital of Scotland.____________________
1.3. Edward is very friendly. He lives next door.
__Edward who lives next door is very friendly. _____________________
1.4. Susan is away from home a lot. Her job involves a lot of travelling.
__Susan is away from home, whose job involves a lot of traveling.________________
1.5. Our parents` cottage (farm countryside house) is in Kent. We have stayed there for two weeks.
__Our parents cottage is in Kent, where we have stayed there for two weeks._________
1.6. London was once the largest city in the world. Its population is now falling.
__London was once the largest city in the world whose population is now falling.
1.7. TV ads will forever be kept in the consumer`s memory. These ads come out with a catchy jingle.
TV ads will forever be kept in the consumer`s memory which come out with a catchy single.
_______________
1.8. My mother works as a journalist. She is an excellent cook.
__My mother ,who is an excellent cook ,works as a journalist._________________
1.9. My sister didn`t like the hotel. She has been there for two weeks.
__My sister who has been there for two weeks, didn’t like the hotel.___
______
1.10. Caroline has got three brothers and one sister. They are all married.
___Caroline has got three brothers and one sister who are all married.
 It continues

Continuation:

2. Combine the following pairs of sentences by means of Relative

pronouns/determiners or adverbs. Use commas where they are
necessary.

2.1. Catherine is looking for a job. Her studies are not complete.
___Catherine whose studies are not complete, is looking for a job.___________
2.2. James woke up at 3 a.m. He had taken a sedative before going to bed.
__James who woke up at 3 a.m., had taken a sedative before going to bed.
________
2.3. Stress can be cured with the help of will power. It affects many people
nowadays.
___Stress, which can be cured with the help of will power, affects many
people nowadays. _
2.4. Mr. Bing went to Southampton. He spent his holidays there.
___Mr. Bing who went to Southampton, spent his holidays there.
_______________________
2.5. These are the stories of three people. They suffered from stress.
___These are the stories of three people who suffered from stress.
_______________
2.6. This is a memorable date. My first child was born.
____This is a memorable date, when my first child was born. ___________
2.7. Norman won a lot of money. His dream was to build a school for poor
children.
___Norman won a lot of money, whose dream was to build a school for poor
children. ___
2.8. Sarah lives in a wonderful big house. It is in the suburbs of her birth
town.
___Sarah lives in a wonderful big house which is in the suburbs of her birth
town.
2.9. Mrs. Gareth rented a nice house in Norway. She is visiting some
relatives there.
__Mrs. Gareth who rented a nice house in Norway, is visiting some relatives
there. ___
2.10. Hollywood actors like Tom Cruise can be signed up for advertising. His image is
associated with a certain brand.
_ Hollywood actors like Tom Cruise can be signed up for advertising whose image is
associated with a certain. _____________________________________________

3. Now write 5 sentences about Philippa who studies at the university. Link
each sentence by means of a Relative pronoun/determiner or adverb.
Omit the relative word when possible.

3.1. Philippa is an 18-year-old student. She won a 100,000 € scholarship.

3.2. The scholarship will allow Philippa to continue her research. She won it.
3.3. The professor congratulated Philippa on her accomplishment. Philippa
needed her help.
3.4. The head of the university was immensely proud of Philippa. She
studies there.
3.5. That is the book. Philippa used it to prepare her research.

3.1. Philippa is an 18-year-old student who won a 100,000€ scholarship.

3.2. She won the scholarship which allows her to continue her research.

3.3. Philippa needed help from the professor who congratulated her on her
accomplishment.
3.4. The head of the university was immensely proud of Philippa where she
studies._.

3.5. That is the book that Philippa used to prepare her research.

By now you have practised this grammar item. You should continue your study by
practising further (online, through the site l recommended you, through your book, exercise
book, etc). The important is to practise and, eventually, master it!
Your English teacher, March 2020,
Ana Cristina Melim

Your Name: Joana Ribeiro______________________________________________________

Number: __13___ 11th Form - Escola Secundária António Damásio – Class: _____J___