Example:
I have a friend. My friend works as an architect.
I have a friend who works as an architect.
Relative clauses are important because they can communicate information more efficiently and more formally. In a way they help us connect two pieces of information in a single sentence.
In this topic you will learn the functions of relative pronouns, their use as connectors of two sentences or pieces of information. You will also learn to distinguish the types of pronouns and the structure of relative clauses.
At the end of the topic you will use relative pronouns to give indications, opinions and suggestions in order to communicate in daily life situations.
Special activities have been selected to help you develop grammar and vocabulary skills regarding this topic and you will also find a self-assessment quiz that will allow you to realize your performance and domain of the topic.
Relative pronouns are used to link two sentences that have the same noun or pronoun in them.
Relative pronouns form the beginning of a relative clause.
Hamilton Robotics. (2014). Hamilton Robotics AB third usermeeting in Stockholm 9th september 2014. Retrieved 18/09/16 from
Relative pronouns. Retrieved 18/09/16 from http://4thgradeela.weebly.com/uploads/2/0/7/7/20771340/5289752_orig.jpg
When we use a relative pronoun to connect information together we call it a relative clause.
There are two types of relative clauses:
They give you the information to understand the sentence.
There are no commas in them.
DON’T OMIT the clause when it’s a SUBJECT CLAUSE
Example:
-That’s the girl who invited me.
-That’s the place where I work
OMIT the clause when it’s an OBJECT
Example:
-I bought a car. It’s a Ford.
-The car (that) I bought is a Ford.
We can also use defining clauses to make definitions:
Example
-A waiter is a person who serves drinks.
-A pub is a place where you can have a drink.
Now, try to combine these two sentences:
Buzanowski, J. (2010). Old man in Kyrgyzstan, 2010. Retrieved 04/11/16 from
1- The old man who lives next door.
2- He seldom has visitors.
3-The old man who lives next door seldom has visitors.
Degtyarev, A. (2009). Fashion designer Valentin Yudashkin presents Marine Collection. Retrieved 04/11/16 from
1- I’ve got a friend.
2- His brother is a famous fashion designer.
3- I’ve got a friend whose brother is a famous fashion designer.
(2015). Hotel Bellagio Las Vegas. Retrieved 04/11/16 from
1- We stayed at a hotel.
2- The hotel was very far from the airport.
3- The hotel where we stayed was very far from the airport.
Mary, who is French, is a nice girl.
Mary is a nice girl.
My father, who works in a bank, may be able to help you with these forms.
-It is separated by commas from the rest of the sentence, often one at the beginning of the clause and the other at the end.
Now, try to combine these two sentences:
Swipe left or right
Casey, Q. (2013). (n/n). Retrieved 18/09/16 from http://www.hkcba.com/articles/the-chinese-market-is-changing-but-are-canadian-companies-adapting
1- Tom moved to Canada.
2- He was born in Hong Kong.
3- Tom, who was born in Hong Kong, moved to Canada.
Globe Views. (2015). Doctor-06. Retrieved 18/09/16 from http://globe-views.com/dreams/doctor.html
1- Peter is an actor.
2- His father is a doctor.
3- Peter, whose father is a doctor, is an actor.
Transdev. (2016). (n/n). Retrieved 18/09/16 from http://www.yorkbus.co.uk/YorkCitySightseeing.htm
1- York is a quiet city.
2- She lives in York.
3- York, where she lives, is a quiet city.
Activity 1
The acceptance letterNow that you know relative clauses help us link two sentences that have the same noun or pronoun in them, it is time to practice them with the following task.
Look at the acceptance letter your brother has just shared with you. You will notice there are some missing relative pronouns.
Complete the sentences by filling in the gaps with the most adequate pronoun in each case. Once you have finished answering the exercise, click on Check.
Activity 2
Longevity
Activity 3
Who do you admire?Now you are going to describe a person you admire. Write a small text (150 words) and use at least 5 relative clauses connecting information about him or her. You can select a person from your family, a friend, or a famous Irish or British character that you think highly of.
Take a look at the following example:
A person that I really admire is my mother because she is a very tenacious and positive woman. She is a type of person that tries to stay positive in every situation. She has taught me to think optimistically even in situations that seem difficult. What mostly impresses me is her ability to thrive.
She was a born in a small town in Oaxaca where there wasn’t a university. However, when she was 20 years old, she decided to leave her town and move to the city of Oaxaca, where there was a public university that she could go to. She didn’t have any money, so she got a job that allowed her to pay the bills while she studied college.
I think she is very brave. She wanted to learn and acquire the skills which allowed her to become a better person, even when her chances were slim. She really is an inspiration to me.
When your text is ready, check your work with the following checklist
Activity 4
An exchange programFor this oral expression activity you must make some research and use your imagination.
Imagine you are participating in an exchange program to a city in the UK for a summer. You have to follow the steps below:
1. Research on a city of your choice.
2. Find out all about its climate, history cultural aspects, and what people usually do.
3. Make notes of your findings
4.Record yourself: pretend you are telling this information to a sibling or a friend. Make sure to incorporate 8 relative clause sentences using this information.
After practicing your 4 skills, it is time now to evaluate your proficiency in this topic. Take this short test to assess your skills.
Basic references
Chamot , A., et. al. (2008). The learning strategies. NY: Longman.
Harmer, J. (2004). Just Grammar. Malaysia: Ed. Marshal Cavendish.
Complementary references
Delors, J. (1994). Los cuatro pilares de la educación en: La educación encierra un tesoro. UNESCO, pp. 91-103. Consejo de Europa. (2010). Marco Europeo Común de Referencia para Lenguas. Aprendizaje, enseñanza y evaluación. Nueva York, EEUU: Cambridge University Press ( 10ª Ed.)
