Restrictive Relative Clauses.

Restrictive Relative Clauses.

1. Relative pronouns are used to join two or more clauses, thus forming what we call “relative clauses”. There are two types of relative clauses: those that add additional information and those that modify (or define) the subject of the sentence.

   • Defining Relative Clauses
     • These clauses define the noun and identify what thing or person we mean. Commas are not used with this type of clause.
       • THINGS Which / That
         • This is the school in which I spent all my childhood.
         • TIME When
           • Elizabeth I ruled in an age when England was very powerful.
           • PEOPLE Who / that
             • She never met the man who saved her father’s life.
             • POSSESSION Whose
               • Edward IV was the king whose sons disappeared.
               • PLACES Where
                 • This is the house where I live.
                 • That is the school where Andrew works.
                 • That's the shop where I saw some really cheap smartphones.
               • He is the boy whose brother lives next door.
               • The man whose car was stolen went to the police station.
             • That's the woman who bought my house.
             • The man who came yesterday is my husband.
           • I don't remember when your birthday is.
           • That was the day when I decided to quit my job.
         • This is the bike which I got for my birthday last week.
         • The computer which Paul brought is failing.
   • Non-defining Relative Clauses
     • These clauses add additional information. Commas are used to separate the relative clause from the rest of the sentence.
       • Who
         • Which
           • Where
             • Whose
               • When
                 • When I arrived home, my parents had already left
                 • My favorite season is fall, when all the leaves change color.
                 • We are going on holiday in September, when the weather isn't so hot.
               • George, whose father is a doctor, is a nice boy.
               • The boy, whose brother works here, is such a good dude.
               • The senator, whose book was published recently, spoke to the audience.
             • We went to the beach, where they had a sand castle competition.
             • In Spain, where it is usually sunny, you need a hat.
             • The Palace hotel, where many celebrities stay, is being closed down.
           • The building, which was rebuilt after the fire, was recognized for its spectacular architecture.
           • The dog, which you bought yesterday, is very nice.
           • The products, which were sold in five countries, are very popular.
         • Mary, who was eighteen yesterday, is one of my best friends.
         • Norma, who is my friend's mother, is a great cook.
         • Sharon, who helped me in class, is a very nice person.