RELATIVE CLAUSES

Introduction to Relative Clauses

Overview of the Interview

• Thiago introduces himself as a TV reporter interviewing fellow puppets at a bar where he used to work.

• The show is sponsored by the topic of relative clauses, emphasizing their importance in providing information about nouns.

Defining vs. Non-defining Relative Clauses

• Defining Relative Clauses: Specify which noun is being referred to and are not set off by commas (e.g., "I visited my friend who lives in Spain").

• Non-defining Relative Clauses: Provide additional information that is not essential for understanding the sentence and are enclosed in commas (e.g., "Peter, who is very tall, is my best friend").

Usage of Relative Pronouns

Substituting Pronouns

• In defining relative clauses, 'that' can replace 'who' or 'which', but this substitution does not apply to non-defining clauses.

• Examples include using 'that' for people ("That's the teacher that taught me English") and animals/things ("That is the cat that bit me last week").

Dropping Relative Pronouns

• When the relative pronoun acts as an object, it can be omitted (e.g., "Peter met a woman I had been to school with").

Possession and Question Words

Expressing Possession

• The word 'whose' indicates possession for both people and things (e.g., "That is the girl whose father is a doctor").

Using Question Words as Alternatives

• Certain question words can substitute for relative pronouns:

• When refers to time (e.g., "1492 was the year when America was discovered").

• Where refers to place (e.g., "That is the place where we sang last week").

• Why refers to reason (e.g., "My mom didn't explain the reason why I was punished").

Personal Insights from Characters

Elmer's Love Life

• Elmer expresses his feelings about being in love with a girl described as having beautiful hair and a great personality.

Momo's Favorite Bar