Defining & non-defining relative clauses

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/relative-clauses-non-defining-relative-clauses

Relative clauses - non-defining relative clauses

Relative clauses add extra information to a sentence by defining a noun. They are usually divided into two types –defining relative clauses and non-defining relative clauses.

Non-defining relative clauses

Look at this sentence.

• My grandfather, who is 87, goes swimming every day.

‘who is 87’ is a non-defining relative clause. It adds extra information to the sentence. If we take the clause out of the sentence, the sentence still has the same meaning.

Look at some more examples.

• The film, which stars Tom Carter, is released on Friday.
• My eldest son, whose work takes him all over the world, is in Hong Kong at the moment.
• The car, which can reach speeds of over 300km/ph, costs over $500,000.

Non-defining relative clauses add extra information to sentences.

Defining or non-defining?

Remember that defining relative clauses are used to add important information. The sentence would have a different meaning without the defining relative clause.

• I’m going to wear the skirt that I bought in London. The defining relative clause tells us which skirt.
• The skirt, which is a lovely dark blue colour, only cost £10. The non-defining relative clause doesn’t tell us which skirt – it gives us more information about the skirt.

Non-defining relative clauses can use most relative pronouns (which, whose etc,) but they CAN’T use ‘that’ and the relative pronoun can never be omitted.

• The film, that stars Tom Carter, is released on Friday.

Non-defining relative clauses are more often used in written English than in spoken English. You can tell that a clause is non-defining because it is separated by commas at each end of the clause.

Making an appointment

a) Watch the video from 3'10" onwards and write down the key details of the appointment:
- Date:
- Time:
- Place:

b) Listen again and write down the key sentences for making an appointment.

Placing an order

Listen and write down the details of the order.

First experience as a Certified Nurse Assistant

Watch and answer:

1- What’s the name of the speaker?

2- What period of time is she talking about?

3- How much is she paid per hour?

4- What task has she basically done so far?

5- Why does she need to have some fresh air?

6- Where did she work before becoming a nurse assistant?

7- Does she think her new job is hard?

8- What does she mean when she says she didn't expect to face identity issues at work with the patients and her workmates?

9- Listen for a second time and say which words she says that should be avoided because they are consired rude or impolite.

Holes, by Passenger

1) Listen and write down all the sentences with the verb 'have got'.
2) What do the statements with the word 'hole' mean? Rephrase them to make their meaning clear.
3) In small groups, ask each other whether you've got any holes in your hearts or your pockets.

Counting Stars - Present Perfect Continuous

Irregular Verbs Grammar Rap Song!

PRESENT CONTINUOUS: Making Arrangements - Things Happening At The Moment

Watch and complete:

...................................... wants to meet ....................................

WHAT FOR: ..................................

WHEN:          ..................................

Listen to the two friends, the dark-haired one and the blond-haired one. The former wants to meet the latter. Fill in the data of their arrangement:

DAY:              ..................................

TIME:             ..................................

PLACE:        .................................

If necessary, watch again and answer:

a) What is the dark-haired friend doing on Tuesday after lunch?

b) What is she doing on Thursday at 1:30 p.m?

c) What is the blond-haired friend doing on Thursday at 3 p.m.?

Verb Form + USE for the PRESENT + USE for the FUTURE:


Some more arrangements:

activity	Meeting Thomas
Activity suggested: Time of the activity: Place:	Meeting point. Meeting time:

1. What are they doing afterwards?

activity	Meeting Thomas
Activity suggested: Time of the activity: Place: Nearest undreground station:	Total of tickets to buy: point. Time to buy them:

1. What are they doing afterwards?
2. Who has been invited?

Look what's happening around this boy who's getting bored, poor thing!