It’s all relative

Defining relative clauses

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We use defining relative clauses to explain what a person, thing or place is or does.

They describe something about a person, thing or place in the main clause.

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A cook is a person who makes food.

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A clock is something which tells the time.

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A clock is something which / that tells the time.

A cook is a person who / that makes food.

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A restaurant is a place where you can have lunch.

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Two becomes one

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She works for a man.

This man used to be a businessman.

She works for a man who used to be a businessman.

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I sent an email to my sister.

My sister lives in Boston.

I sent an email to my sister who lives in Boston.

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I love watching films.

The films have a happy ending.

I love watching films which have a happy ending.

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The fruit is on the table.

The table is in the garden.

The fruit is on the table which is in the garden.

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She works for a man who used to be a businessman.

I sent an email to my sister who lives in Boston.

I love watching films which have a happy ending.

The fruit is on the table which is in the garden.

12

Do you know the girl?

He is talking to a girl.

Do you know the girl (who) he is talking to?

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Yesterday we met a boy.

He is from New York.

The boy (who) we met yesterday is from New York.

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I haven’t found the money.

I lost some money yesterday.

I haven’t found the money (which) I lost yesterday.

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I was reading a book.

You gave it to me for Christmas.

I was reading the book (which) you gave me for Christmas.

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Do you know the girl (who) he is talking to?

I was reading the book (which) you gave me for Christmas.

I haven’t found the money (which) I lost yesterday.

The boy (who) we met yesterday is from New York.

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We met at a hotel.

The hotel is next to the beach.

The hotel where we met is next to the beach.

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I have a friend.

His father used to be a spy.

I have a friend whose father used to be a spy.

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YOUR TURN

Match the jobs in A with the corresponding explanation in B.

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A thief is a person who plays a musical instrument.

A dentist is a person who is very intelligent.

A musician is a person who teaches things.

A genius is a person who takes care of your teeth.

A teacher is a person who tells lies.

A liar is a person who steals things.

Adapted from Essential Grammar in Use

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YOUR TURN

Decide which of the sentences is right and which is wrong.

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An aeroplane is a machine that flies.

I don’t like people which never stop talking.

I know somebody who works on that shop.

Have you seen the money was on the table?

Correct the sentences who are wrong.

I know somebody that can help you.

Adapted from Essential Grammar in Use

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YOUR TURN

Choose the correct option.

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Which sentence is correct?a. The bag is who I bought is on the table.b. The bag that I bought is on the table. c. The bag that I bought it is on the table.

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Here’s a little song ... I wrote.a. whob. which c. where

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Here’s the money ... I earned on Saturday.a. whob. which c. where

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The sandwich ... is on the floor is yours.a. whob. which c. where

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What happened to the lady ... used to live here?a. whob. which c. where

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YOUR TURN

Two becomes one

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They called a lawyer. The lawyer lived nearby.

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He broke the computer. The computer belonged to his father.

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I broke a glass. The glass was new.

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My sister has three children. They are very spoiled.

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