Relative clauses

Use an appropriate relative pronoun

What is the function of this relative clause?

Defining or non-defining?

Commas or no commas?

Join the sentences with a relative clause

100

I know a man _______ can touch the tip of his nose with the tip of his tongue.

I know a man WHO / THAT can touch the tip of his nose with the tip of his tongue.

100

Robert's parents live in Spain, which I'm sure is amazing.

Type 1: comments on the whole main clause.

100

I was sitting on a chair which belonged to my grandmother.

DEFINING. It is identifying exactly which chair it is.

100

Sydney which has a population of more than 3 million is Australia's largest city.

COMMAS: Sydney, which has a population of more than 3 million, is Australia's largest city.

100

Starbucks wants to open new stores in China. It does business all over the world.

Starbucks, which does business all over the world, wants to open new stores in China.

200

Do you know the woman ______ husband found a job in China?

Do you know the woman WHOSE husband found a job in China?

200

The book which I read last week is fascinating. You must read it, too!

Type 2: identifies something in the main clause (the book).

200

I know a man who played for Arsenal in the 80s.

DEFINING. It is identifying the man.

200

My new apartment which you visited yesterday is bigger than my old one.

COMMAS: My new apartment, which you visited yesterday, is bigger than my old one.

200

Scientists are working with stem cells. Stem cells will revolutionize medicine.

Scientists are working with stem cells, which will revolutionize medicine.

300

Wilt Chamberlain is the only basketball player __________ was able to score 100 points in an NBA game.

Wilt Chamberlain is the only basketball player WHO / THAT was able to score 100 points in an NBA game.

300

I saw the film "Casablanca", which won an Oscar in 1942.

Type 3: gives extra, non-essential information about something in the main clause (the film "Casablanca").

300

I love New Zealand whose landscapes are simply spectacular.

I love New Zealand, whose landscapes are simply spectacular.

NON-DEFINING. it is giving extra information about New Zealand.

300

The politician who visited our neighbourhood wants to make it safer for children to play outside.

NO COMMAS

300

Last week, Jim Taylor interviewed Sally Thompson. She is my neighbour.

Last week, Jim Taylor interviewed Sally Thompson, who is my neighbour.

400

Because I am unemployed I am currently living at my parents' house, _________ is an annoying situation.

Because I am unemployed I am currently living at my parents' house, WHICH is an annoying situation.

400

I saw the woman whose daughter won the lottery yesterday. She looked very happy!

Type 2: identifies something in the main clause (the woman).

400

The King of Spain who loves sailing participated in the Olympics.

The King of Spain, who loves sailing, participated in the Olympics.

NON-DEFINING. It is giving more information about the King of Spain.

400

Last week, I visited Aunt Mary who invited me to stay with her for a while.

COMMAS: Last week, I visited Aunt Mary, who invited me to stay with her for a while.

400

I was told the story by a girl. I visited her in an orphanage.

I was told the story by a girl who I visited in an orphanage.

500

That casino is the Bellagio, __________ Ocean's people robbed $3.6 million last year.

That casino is the Bellagio, WHERE Ocean's people robbed $3.6 million last year.

500

That's my cousin Sandra, whose job as a hotel manager gives her many headaches.

Type 3: gives extra, non-essential information about something in the main clause (Sandra).

500

The king of England who created the Anglican Church was Henry VIII.

DEFINING: It is identifying which king it was.

500

I hate it that my teachers have given me extra homework.

NO COMMAS

500

Al Gore gave a long and boring speech. He won a Nobel Prize.

Al Gore, who won a Nobel Prize, gave a long and boring speech.