Grammar Re

Anotacoes

Grammar Reference Relative clauses Meaning and use Relative clauses are used to give additional information about a noun, such as a person, place or thing. Relative pronouns introduce a relative clause. They include who for people, that and which for things, when for time, and whose to show possession. Relative clauses belong to one of two categories: defining relative clauses and non-defining relative clauses. 1. Defining relative clauses add essential information to a sentence. The woman who found my wallet handed it in to reception. The student whose dog has run away has gone to look for it. I remember the day when we first met. These are the earrings that my mother gave me. These clauses give essential information about the subject of the sentence. They define the person, time or thing that we are talking about. If we remove the clause, the sentence does not make sense. 2. Non-defining relative clauses add extra information to a noun or noun phrase. My friend’s birthday, which was last weekend, was great fun. My current girlfriend, who I love very much, calls me every night. This extra information is not essential. If we remove the clause, the sentence still makes...