Material Unit 2

A relative clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun or a noun phrase.  Relative clauses give essential information to define or identify the person or thing we are talking about.

Example:  The man who is smoking is the murderer

The noun the man is modified by the relative clause who is smoking.

We use relative pronouns and adverbs to add a new clause ( the relative clause) to a sentence.

The pronouns or adverbs we use are:

- Who (to refer to people) :  The girl who works at the library is very friendly.

- That (to refer to things and people) : School is a place that gives you an education.

- Which (to refer to things) : I'm revising some of the language which we studied last week.

- Whose (to express possession) : There isn't anyone in the class whose marks are worse than mine.

- When (to refer to time) : There are times when my mind goes completely blank during his lessons.

- Where (to refer to spaces and places) : You need to find a room where you can study properly.

Exercises