module 3 GRAMMAR RELATIVE PRONOUNS Remember that we use relative clauses to give additional information about something without starting another sentence. Relative pronouns can be defining when they give detailed information which defines a general term or expression or non-defining when they give additional information on something but do not define it. Defining relative clauses are not put between commas, the pronoun can be omitted when it is the object of the relative clause. Non-defining relative clauses are put between commas, the pronoun cannot be replaced by that and it cannot be omitted. E.g.: The drill which (that) is on the workbench is out of order. (defining/subject). The saw I bought last week is a Black & Decker. (defining/object) Bosch machine tools, which are produced in Germany, are rather expensive. (non-defining/ subject) When the relative pronoun is preceded by a preposition, it is generally omitted and the preposition follows the verb E.g.: This is the computer I was working at. RELATIVE PRONOUN who which whose that USE subject or object pronoun for people subject or object pronoun for animals and things possession for people animals and things (it can be replaced by of which for animals and things) subject or object pronoun for people, animals and things in defining relative clauses EXAMPLE I told you about the woman who lives next door. Do you see the cat which is lying on the roof? Do you know the boy whose mother is a nurse? I don t like the table that stands in the kitchen. Fill in the blanks with the correct relative pronoun, if one is necessary. a. A drill is a tool ........................... makes holes in a workpiece. b. Is there anything ........................... I can do for you? c. The Internet is a place ........................... you can find a lot of information. d. How much was the screwdriver ........................... you bought yesterday? e. This is a word ........................... meaning I don t remember now. f. That is the shaper ........................... I was looking for. g. A mechanic is a person ........................... repairs cars. h. A lathe is a machine tool ........................... shapes a piece of metal. i. LBM is a thermal energy-based process ........................... is often employed to cut ceramics and substrates for integrated circuits. j. Micro EDM, ........................... is used to machine precision holes and three-dimensional miniaturized parts, is widely used in aerospace, medical and electronics sectors. k. I cannot remember the machining process ........................... the teacher mentioned yesterday. l. Have you noticed the new machine tools ........................... they have been working with? 134