Практикум по грамматике английского языка : учебное пособие

RELATIVE CLAUSES (Defining/Non-Defining)
Defining Relative Clauses
Non- Defining Relative Clauses
These clauses identify nouns and tell 
us which person, thing, etc. the speak-
er means.
He spoke to the woman who owns the 
hotel.
(who owns the hotel tells us which 
woman)
The house which Sue has bought is 
over 100 years. 
(which Sue has bought tells us which 
house)
These clauses do not tell us which 
person, thing, etc. the speaker means; 
these clauses give more information 
about a person or thing already iden-
tified.
Greg’s mother, who is 53. has iust 
passed her driving test. 
(who is 53 does not tell us which 
woman; we already know that she is 
Greg’s mother)
Kate’s house, which is in the centre 
of town, is over 100 years old. 
(which is in the centre of town does 
not tell us which house; we already 
know that it is Kate’s house)
We use who (for people), which (for things) in relative clauses.
that is used for both people and things 
in defining clauses
that is NEVER used in non-definine 
clauses
1. We cannot leave out subject rela-
tive pronouns.
Have you heard about the earthquake 
which/that occurred in Japan?
2. We can leave out object relative 
pro nouns.
I always return the money____ I bor-
row from my friends.
1. We cannot leave out relative pro-
nouns.
2. My aunt Amy, who lives in Liver-
pool, is coming to see me next week.
He gave me the keys, which I put in 
my pocket.
!!! When we write these clauses, we 
put commas (,).

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Exercise 19. In the sentences provided below, decide which of the claus-
es are non-defining? Add commas (,) where necessary.
Example: Peter’s relatives, who are both retired, now live in Portugal. — 
non-defining
Greg has just returned from a study tour ______________which his 
university arranged.—defining
1. The people___who live next door ___helped us move the furniture.
2. There’s a small shop ___which sells food and drinks.
3. The young men___who we met at yesterday’s meeting ________were all 
from Holland.
4. Have you still got the money ___which I gave you?
5. The doctor___who examined the sick child ______ was very gentle.
6. Tom’s sister___who I’ve known for years ______ is a very nice person.
7. We saw Olga last night with that man _____ who _____ works in the 
library.
8. The police caught the burglar ___who broke into Mr. Smith’s apartment 
last week.
9. Sydney ______ which has a population of more than three million _____
is Australia’s largest city.
10. The term paper___which Richard is now writing ________ touches some 
problems of genetic engineering.
11. Hawaii _______ which consists of eight principal islands _______ is a 
favourite vacation spot.
12. This is Ivan Fallon _______ who has been working for the Sunday Times 
for some years.
13. My sister ________ who wasn’t feeling very hungry _________ didn’t 
want to go to the restaurant.
14. Is that the same song _________ which we heard yesterday?