Non-defining relative clauses

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

The celebrations, which began informally in the 1950s, have grown into something remarkable. The James Joyce Centre, which is located on North Great George's Street, organises guided walks. Communities in Trieste, where Joyce lived for many years, hold their own events.

Grammar Reference · Non-defining relative clauses

Who — for people

Adds extra information about a person. Leopold Bloom, who walks across Dublin, is the novel's hero. Always use commas.

Which — for things

Adds extra information about a thing or idea. Ulysses, which was published in 1922, is set in a single day. Never use 'that' here.

Where / Whose

Use where for places, whose for possession. Dublin, where the story is set, celebrates Bloomsday every June.

Common error

Do NOT use 'that' in non-defining clauses. The novel, that sold millions... ✗ → The novel, which sold millions... ✓

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Non-defining relative clauses

1.James Joyce, first date with Nora was on 16 June 1904, never forgot that day.

2.Leopold Bloom, works as an advertising agent, walks across Dublin in a single day.

3.The novel's final chapter, has no punctuation at all, is narrated by Molly Bloom.

4.Paris, the novel was first published in 1922, was home to many modernist writers.

5.Seamus Heaney, Nobel Prize was awarded in 1995, greatly admired Joyce's writing.

6.The annual Bloomsday walk, starts at the Martello Tower in Sandycove, attracts thousands of visitors.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.Colm Tóibín is a celebrated novelist. He grew up in Wexford.

2.Bloomsday is celebrated every June. It started as a small, informal gathering.

3.Trieste holds its own Bloomsday events. Joyce lived there for many years.

4.Seamus Heaney admired Joyce greatly. His poetry is rooted in the Irish landscape.

5.The James Joyce Centre organises annual guided walks. It is located on North Great George's Street.

6.Leopold Bloom is the novel's main character. His thoughts fill most of the book.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

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