Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses, also known as essential or restrictive clauses, provide essential information about the noun they modify. They help us understand who or what we're talking about. These clauses use relative pronouns like 'who', 'which', 'that', etc. Example: "The woman who lives next door is a doctor."
Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses, also known as non-essential or non-restrictive clauses, provide extra information that could be left out without changing the sentence's main meaning. We separate these clauses from the rest of the sentence with commas. Example: "My sister, who lives in Australia, is a teacher."
Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns are the superheroes of relative clauses. They replace the noun and join two sentences together. 'Who' and 'which' are subject pronouns, while 'whom' and 'which' serve as object pronouns. 'That' can be used as both subject and object pronoun in defining relative clauses.
Conclusion
Relative clauses might seem a bit tricky at first. But with practice and guidance from the Metkagram, app, you can master them. They will make your English more fluent and sophisticated.
Practice with Metkagram
Practice highlighting defining relative clauses in yellow and non-defining relative clauses in orange using Metkagram, . Try creating sentences with relative clauses and annotate them using the Metkagramapp. This practice will solidify your understanding and use of relative clauses.
Flashcards
Check out these Metkagram, flashcards to reinforce your understanding:
- "The woman who lives next door is a doctor." (Defining Relative Clause)
- "My sister, who lives in Australia, is a teacher." (Non-Defining Relative Clause)
- "I have a book that you might like." (Defining Relative Clause)
Trivia
Did you know that in informal English, we often omit the relative pronoun when it is the object of the relative clause? For example, "The book (that) I'm reading is very interesting."
Quick Check
Can you identify the relative clauses in the following sentences and label them as defining or non-defining?
- "The house that I grew up in has been demolished."
- "My brother, who is an architect, designed this building."
Remember, practice makes perfect!
The more you practice using relative
clauses, the more natural it will feel. Keep exploring, learning, and growing with
Metkagram, !
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