Page 215 - Basic English Usage

217 277

I've got a book. It might interest you.
I've got a book which might interest you.
(Which joins the two clauses together. It is the subject of the second
clause: we use which in the same way as it.)
I’ve found the paper. You were looking for it.
I've found the paper which you were looking for.
(Which is the object of the second clause.)
One subject or object is enough.
Here's the book which you asked for.
(NOT Here-sthe feHt)
-whieh-you-
boot
asked
We use who/whom for people and which for things.
She's a person who can do anything. (NOT ... @persor-whieh |. .
It's @ machine which can do anything. (NOT ... @rmaehinewhe ...
2 We often use that instead of which in ‘identifying’ relative clauses (see
280).
I've got a book that might interest you.
Have you got a map that shows all the motorways?
In an informal style, we also use that instead of who(m).
There's the woman that works in the photographer's.
You remember the boy that | was talking about?

3 In ‘identifying’ relative clauses (see 280), we often leave out object
pronouns.
You remember the boy (that) | was talking about?
I've found the paper (that) you were looking for.

4 Wecanuse when and where in a similar way to reiative pronouns.
Can you tell me a time when you'll be free?
(= ... atimeatwhich ...)
| know a place where you can find wild strawberries.

5 Donot use what instead of that or which.
Everything that happened was my fault.(NOT... whathappened .. .
She got married again, which surprised everybody.
(NOT ... whatsurprised-everybody-)

6 Some relative clauses ‘identify’ nouns — they tell us which person or
thing is meant.
What's the name of the tall man who just came in?
Other relative clauses tell us more about a noun which is already
identified.
This is Ms Rogers, whom you'met last year.