relative clauses defining and non defining
Overview
Relative clauses add information to sentences using words like 'who', 'which', 'where', and 'whose'. Defining clauses give essential information without commas, while non-defining clauses give extra information and must have commas. Understanding the difference will help you write more complex and accurate English sentences.
Introduction
Relative clauses help us give more information about people, places, things, or ideas in our sentences. They make your English sound more natural and help you avoid repeating words. In this lesson, you'll learn about two types: defining clauses (essential information) and non-defining clauses (extra information).
Key Concepts
Defining Relative Clauses give essential information about the noun. Without this information, the sentence doesn't make complete sense. We use: who (for people), which/that (for things), where (for places), when (for times), whose (for possession). NO commas are used. Example: 'The woman who lives next door is a teacher.' (Which woman? The one who lives next door.)
Non-defining Relative Clauses give extra information that is not essential. The sentence makes sense without it. We use: who (for people), which (for things), where (for places), when (for times), whose (for possession). We CANNOT use 'that'. We MUST use commas before and after the clause. Example: 'My sister, who lives in London, is a teacher.' (We already know which sister; the London information is extra.)
Examples and Usage
**Defining Clauses Examples:** 1. 'I need a pen that writes in blue ink.' (Which pen do you need? One that writes in blue - this is essential information) 2. 'The restaurant where we met is closed now.' (Which restaurant? The one where we met) 3. 'People who exercise regularly are usually healthier....
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Key Concepts
- Defining clauses give essential information and have no commas
- Non-defining clauses give extra information and must have commas
- Use 'that' only for defining clauses; use 'which' for both types
- Relative pronouns: who (people), which (things), where (places), whose (possession)
Exam Tips
- →In writing tasks, non-defining clauses show advanced grammar and can improve your score
- →Always check your commas carefully - missing commas in non-defining clauses is a common exam error
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