Relative clauses
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Have a look at these sentences from the text: The theory took shape in 2004, when two psychologists suggested a change of focus. We should celebrate all the things that can go right Perseverance, which is also known as grit, is key. All the sentences above contain relative clauses, which, like adjectives, describe or give additional information about the previously mentioned nouns or clauses. |
How much do you remember about relative clauses?
Read the sentences below and complete them with the most suitable option. Please note that if the relative pronoun is optional, choose the - /who or -/which.
1) They are the people who are determined to learn from failures.
2) I am reading the book -/which you recommended on your blog, and it's great.
3) I enjoyed the film which was shown last night.
4) Peter, who I worked with last year, is a risk-taker.
5) They are the ones - /who I met at Paul's party.
6) The prefrontal cortex, which keeps my impulses in check, is also known as self-regulation filter.
7) I admire people who use their creative energy to change the world.
REMEMBER
The relative pronoun whom could be used in sentence 4 "Peter, whom I worked with last year, is a risk-taker." Whom is the object form of who. It is not used very often and is more common in writing than in speaking.
We may omit the relative pronoun if it is followed by the subject of the relative clause.
In non-defining relative clauses we can also use that in informal contexts.
We always use commas to separate the non-defining relative clause. e.g. Rachel, who is the most diligent person I know, spends long hours at home.
We only need one subject/object: e.g The person who she works in my school has just moved out.