Relative Clauses (Defining & Non-Defining) | EasyTeaching

Summary

This video explains relative clauses, including their types and usage. It covers the importance of relative clauses in providing extra information about nouns, avoiding repetition, and clarifying meanings. The video distinguishes between defining and non-defining relative clauses, explaining when to use each and the role of commas. It also details the different relative pronouns and adverbs such as who, which, that, and where, alongside examples of each. Additionally, it highlights relative clauses that refer to entire sentences, offering a comprehensive understanding of this essential grammar concept.

Takeaways

• 😀 A relative clause provides additional information about a noun, avoiding repetition in sentences.
• 😀 Relative clauses can combine two sentences into one, making the sentence more concise and informative.
• 😀 A defining relative clause gives essential information needed to identify the noun it refers to.
• 😀 A non-defining relative clause provides extra, non-essential information about the noun.
• 😀 In non-defining relative clauses, commas (or parentheses) are used to separate the clause from the rest of the sentence.
• 😀 Defining relative clauses do not require commas and are essential for understanding the sentence.
• 😀 'Who' is used for people, 'which' for animals and things, and 'that' for animals and things in defining relative clauses.
• 😀 'That' is generally used in defining relative clauses, while 'which' is used in non-defining relative clauses.
• 😀 'Whose' shows possession and is used for both people and things.
• 😀 Relative clauses can also refer to entire sentences, providing additional context or clarification for the action or event described.
• 😀 Understanding when to use defining vs. non-defining relative clauses is crucial for clear and accurate sentence construction.

Q & A

What is a relative clause?

A relative clause gives more information about someone or something and is used to avoid repeating information. It helps to combine two sentences and provides additional details about a noun in the sentence.

Can you combine these sentences using a relative clause? 'The girl found my lost wallet. She returned it to me.'

Yes, the sentences can be combined using a relative clause as follows: 'The girl who found my lost wallet returned it to me.' The relative clause 'who found my lost wallet' gives more information about which girl is being referred to.

What is the difference between defining and non-defining relative clauses?

Defining relative clauses provide essential information that is necessary to identify the noun being referred to. Non-defining relative clauses give extra information that is not necessary for understanding the noun. Non-defining clauses are usually separated by commas.

How can you identify a non-defining relative clause?

A non-defining relative clause provides additional, non-essential information. It is typically separated by commas or parentheses, and the sentence can still be understood without it.

Give an example of a sentence with a defining relative clause.

An example of a sentence with a defining relative clause is: 'The students whose test results were the best received a prize.' The relative clause 'whose test results were the best' provides necessary information to identify which students are being referred to.

What role do commas play in non-defining relative clauses?

Commas are used to separate non-defining relative clauses from the main sentence. This helps to indicate that the information in the clause is extra and not necessary to identify the noun.

When do we use 'who' in relative clauses?

'Who' is used in relative clauses to refer to people. For example, 'My friend who recently moved here is a great cook.'

When should 'that' be used in relative clauses?

'That' is generally used in defining relative clauses, especially when referring to animals or things. For example, 'The car that I bought is blue.'

What is the function of the relative pronoun 'whose'?

'Whose' shows possession and is used for both people and things. For example, 'The woman whose car was stolen reported it to the police.'

Can a relative clause refer to an entire sentence? Give an example.

Yes, a relative clause can refer to an entire sentence. For example: 'She decided to study nursing, which was a choice that surprised us all.' The relative clause 'which was a choice that surprised us all' provides more information about the whole sentence.