There are two types of relative clauses: defining and non-defining. Defining relative clauses identify the noun and are not set off by commas. Non-defining relative clauses provide extra information about the noun and are set off by commas. The relative pronoun used depends on the noun it refers to, with who/that for people, which/that for objects, where for places, why for reasons, when for time, whose for possession.

1. Definition A relative clause is a part of a sentence beginning with a relative pronoun (although this pronoun can be omitted in certain cases). RELATIVE CLAUSES C/ San Rafael, 25 46701-Gandia Tfno. 962 965 096 [email_address] www.escolapiasgandia.es COLEGIO ESCOLAPIAS GANDIA

2. There are two types Can you notice any difference in their meaning? The boys in my class who wear glasses are attractive The boys in my class, who wear glasses, are attractive

5. The relative pronoun you use depends on the thing you're talking about. Generally speaking, the most basic ones are these: DEPARTAMENTO DE CIENCIAS SOCIALES – HISTORIA DEL ARTE Copyright Colegio Escolapias Gandia info@escolapiasgandia.es www.escolapiasgandia.es Basic relative pronouns for people who/that for objects which/that for places where for reasons why for time for possession when whose

7. Trickier relative pronouns

8. This can be used to refer to the whole part of the sentence that went before. Usually a pronoun refers to a noun, but this refers to more. My dad has broken his leg, which worries me I've still got some money left, which is surprising . DEPARTAMENTO DE CIENCIAS SOCIALES – HISTORIA DEL ARTE Copyright Colegio Escolapias Gandia info@escolapiasgandia.es www.escolapiasgandia.es WHICH

9. This is used to show possession. It can always be used for people and animals, but also for things. My pupils, whose homework is never done, will fail the exam. The homework belongs to the students, it's theirs, so possessive. The city, whose football team lost the match, never wins anything. The city's made up of people, so it sounds OK. . DEPARTAMENTO DE CIENCIAS SOCIALES – HISTORIA DEL ARTE Copyright Colegio Escolapias Gandia info@escolapiasgandia.es www.escolapiasgandia.es WHOSE

10. . WHOM *It sounds very formal to most people. Therefore, it is hardly ever used in spoken English. *If you're going to use it at all, then only use it after prepositions. The boy to whom I was talking is my cousin *However, there's usually another less formal way to say the same thing. The boy that/who I was talking to is my cousin

11. Use the correct Relative Pronoun

20. -My neighbour, __________ son is studying in Germany, is quite impolite

21. -My neighbour, WHOSE son is studying in Germany, is quite impolite

22. SUBJECT OR OBJECT? The woman who was talking to David suffered from heart problems SUBJECT VERB The woman who I was talking to suffered from heart problems OBJECT SUBJECT VERB When the Relative Pronoun is the object it can be left out: The woman I was talking to suffered from heart problems