Relative clauses

20 words

1. 1

   defining vs non-defining relative clauses (use of commas and that/which/who)grammar

   The difference between restrictive (defining) relative clauses that identify which person or thing is meant (no commas) and non-restrictive (non-defining) clauses that give extra information (with commas).

   “The students who study regularly get better grades. (defining)”

2. 2

   , who + Vgrammar

   A non-defining relative clause using 'who' for people, set off by commas to give extra information about a noun.

   “My teacher, who has worked abroad, speaks three languages.”

3. 3

   the + superlative + N + (that) + S + Vgrammar

   A structure using a superlative (the best, the most important) followed by an optional relative clause to give extra information.

   “the most important factor that affects students' choices”

4. 4

   each of whom + Vgrammar

   A relative phrase meaning 'each person of that group', used after a plural noun with a relative clause referring to individuals.

   “They invited ten students, each of whom received a certificate.”

5. 5

   , which is why + S + Vgrammar

   A non-defining clause connector used to explain reason or result of the previous clause: clause, which is why + clause.

   “The roads were icy, which is why many flights were delayed.”

6. 6

   Indefinite pronouns + who/that + V (someone/anyone/anything + who/that)grammar

   Using indefinite pronouns (someone, anyone, something, anything) with relative clauses (who/that) to describe or identify an unspecified person or thing.

   “Is there anyone who can help me with this problem?”

7. 7

   the majority of + N + who + Vgrammar frame

   the majority of + noun + who + verb — refers to most members of a group, with a defining relative clause describing them

   “The majority of students who took the test performed below expectations.”

8. 8

   those who + Vgrammar frame

   people who + verb — refers to a group of people who do something (defining relative clause)

   “Those who work hard usually improve faster.”

9. 9

   the reason why + S + Vgrammar

   A phrase used to introduce the cause of something; followed by a clause (that/why + clause).

   “The reason why many students move to the city is that universities and jobs are concentrated there.”

10. 10

    a number of + N + Vgrammar frame

    a number of + plural noun + plural verb — indicates several/many items/people; verb agrees with the plural noun

    “A number of students have expressed interest in the optional module.”

11. 11

    the point (that) + S + Vgrammar

    A structure used to state the main idea or argument; followed by a clause that explains the point.

    “The point that the author makes is that early education should be prioritised.”

12. 12

    who vs which (people vs things)grammar

    Use who for people and which for things/ideas; non-defining clauses (with commas) cannot use that.

    “My friend, who lives in Hanoi, visited last week.”

13. 13

    cannot omit the relative pronoun when it is the subjectgrammar

    You cannot omit the relative pronoun when it functions as the subject of the relative clause; omission is allowed only when it's the object.

    “People who live near the river tend to be more active outdoors.”

14. 14

    the kind of + N + that + S + Vgrammar frame

    the kind of + noun + that + clause — describes the type of person/thing by giving a defining relative clause

    “She is exactly the kind of teacher that inspires curiosity.”

15. 15

    whom (object) vs who (subject) — formal vs informalgrammar

    Use whom when the relative pronoun is the object (or after a preposition); use who when it is the subject. Whom is more formal.

    “The person to whom I spoke was very helpful.”

16. 16

    relative pronoun referring to whole clause: which (refers to the previous idea)grammar

    Which can refer back to an entire preceding clause or idea (not just a noun), often to add a comment or show result.

    “He missed the bus, which made him late for the meeting.”

17. 17

    whichever + N + Vgrammar frame

    whichever + noun + verb — indicates any option out of a set; 'whichever' introduces a free-choice clause

    “Whichever option you choose, make sure you can explain why.”

18. 18

    whose vs of which (possession: people vs things)grammar

    Use whose for possession with people; for things/ideas prefer of which in formal contexts, though whose for things is common in speech.

    “The student whose work was excellent got a prize.”

19. 19

    reduced non‑defining relative clause with participle (N, V‑ing, ...)grammar

    Non‑defining relative clauses can be reduced to participle phrases set off by commas: e.g., 'My brother, living in HCMC, ...' (present participle) or 'The book, written in 1999, ...' (past participle).

    “The professor, known for his clear lectures, retired last year.”

20. 20

    the sort of + N + that + S + Vgrammar frame

    the sort of + noun + that + clause — describes a type or example; similar to 'the kind of ... that ...'

    “He's the sort of person that volunteers without asking for praise.”