RESTRICTIVE AND NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES

PRACTICE #1
Underline each relative clause in this passage and circle the noun phrase it modifies. The first
two have been done for you as an example.
(1) My friend Charlie has fallen madly in love. (2) He told me he has finally met the woman
that he has been looking for all his life. (3) He has always been attracted to women that
are intelligent and independent and that have a good sense of humor and a love of
adventure. (4) But Amy, the woman that he has fallen in love with, has all those things and
more. (5) Even though physical appearance isnt the most important characteristic that
Charlie is looking for, he is quite happy his new friend is attractive and athletic. (6) She not
only runs and skis, but also goes scuba diving, and has several other interests that Charlie
also shares.
(7)Charlie was never completely happy with the women that he used to go out with. (8)
There was always something that wasnt right. (9) I used to tell him he was too choosy.
(10) The ideal woman that he has always been looking for just doesnt exist. (11) No real
person can equal the picture that someone has in his or her imagination. (12) But Im glad
he has found someone that he thinks is perfect, because Ive never seen him happier.
Practice # 2
In the following article underline the relative clauses. Then restate each relative clause as an
independent sentence. The first three have been done for you as examples.
Scientist Identify Todays Prince Charming

Ecuacin

(1) Sociologists at Mills College have released a new study that may interest many people,
especially men. (2) They reported the results of a survey that they conducted with several
thousand American women all around the country. (3) They wanted to examine common
attitudes that these women have about men, so that they could identify important
characteristics that women think are necessary in a good husband or boyfriend. (4) The
study found a number of interesting results, which probably not surprise most women, but
may surprise some men.
(5) The women in the survey generally seem to prefer men who can express their feelings.
(6) Most women prefer husbands who they can talk to easily and that they can share their
problem with.
(7)There were also other several things that women consider important in a partner. (8) A
mans character or personality is more important to many women than the job he does for
a living or the salary that he brings home. (9) Not surprisingly, most women want a
husband that will take on an equal housekeeping and child-raising duties.
(10)But the most important characteristic is this: Women want boyfriends who they can
trust and husbands that they can depend on. (11) Unfortunately, more than 70 percent of
the women who answered the questionnaires said they had husbands or boyfriends who
lacked one or more of these important characteristics.

Practice #3
Combine these pairs of sentences by using a relative clause with that, who, whom, or which.
Example: I finally met the woman. Charlie has fallen in love with the woman.
I finally met the woman that Charlie has fallen in love with.
1. Last month Charlie fell in love with Amy. He had been introduced to her by some friends.
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2. Sha had a number of positive characteristics. Charlie found these characteristics.
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3. She has a responsible position in a company. The company produces computer programs.
______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Information Technology is a fast-growing field. Charlie is also interested in information
technology.
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5. Hobbies involve athletics and being outdoors. Both of them like these hobbies.
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6. Charlie introduced the woman to his parents. He had been dating a woman for several
weeks.
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7. She has a wonderful sense of humor. This makes their times together relaxing and
enjoyable.
______________________________________________________________________________________
From the first time they met, Charlie felt there was a special understanding between
them. He was unable to explain this understanding.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Practice #4
The following sentences are incorrect. Identify the mistake and correct them.
1. I read a book that it was published last year.
2. I saw an article that your professor wrote it.
Jeff and Matt have been living in the City of San Francisco, that is located in California,
since 1990.
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3.
4. This is the person to whom Charlie gave her flowers.
5. I met the person who Charlie told me about her.
6. The teacher that I studied with her has become quite famous.
7. The money that you loaned me some last week is there on the table.
8. The resort that we read about it in the newspaper is becoming more and more popular.
9. The people whom I visited them last year are coming here for a visit.
10.My father, that lives in San Diego, loves sailing.