Non-defining rel. clauses

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

The clownfish, which hides among the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone, cleans the anemone's tissue. Marine biologist Sylvia Earle, who has spent more than 7,000 hours underwater, calls the reef a masterclass in interdependence.

Grammar Reference · Non-defining rel. clauses

Non-defining: who

Used for people. Adds extra information between commas. Sylvia Earle, who has spent 7,000 hours underwater, studies coral reefs.

Non-defining: which

Used for things. The clause can be removed without changing the main meaning. The parrotfish, which grows to a metre, cleans the reef.

Non-defining: whose

Shows possession. Works for people and things. The anemone, whose tentacles are deadly, protects the clownfish.

Common error — no

Never use that in non-defining clauses. The reef, that covers 2,300km... ✗ → which covers ✓

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Non-defining rel. clauses

1.The Great Barrier Reef, stretches for 2,300 kilometres, is the largest living structure on Earth.

2.Sylvia Earle, has logged more than 7,000 hours underwater, is one of the world's leading marine biologists.

3.The parrotfish, diet consists mainly of algae, keeps the reef clear and healthy.

4.Cleaning stations, are found across the reef, become busier when the ecosystem is under stress.

5.The sea anemone, tentacles are deadly to most fish, provides safe shelter for the clownfish.

6.A parasite, only strategy is to take without giving, cannot survive long in a healthy reef.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.The clownfish, that hides in the anemone, keeps the anemone clean.

2.The parrotfish, whose it produces white sand, is vital to the reef.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

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

Non-defining rel. clauses01classplan.ai