Relative clauses and an interview with Anita Roddick

Week 26^th -28^th

This week we studied grammar: defining and non-defining relative clauses.

Remember:

Defining relative clauses are essential for the meaning of the sentence. If you remove them, the sentences don’t make complete sense.

Here’s somebody (who speaks English).

Here’s somebody…( ? It doesn’t make sense )

You can use all the relative pronouns in defining clauses: who, which, that, whose, whom, when, what, where and why.

The relative pronoun can be omitted when it’s the object of the relative clause.

The doctor who helped the most was Dr Clark. (Subject. No omission)

The doctor (who) I found the most helpful was Dr Clark. (Object. Omission)

Non- defining relative clauses, on the contrary, aren’t essential for the meaning of the sentence. They add “extra information.”

Mr Jenkins, who has written several books, spoke at the meeting last night.

Mr Jenkins, (who has written several books), spoke at the meeting last night.

If you remove the relative clause, the sentence makes complete sense.

Bear in mind that Non- defining relative clauses go with commas, (in written English; pauses in spoken English. Although these clauses sound formal when used in spoken English).

“That” can’t be used instead of “who” or “which” and the relative pronoun can’t be left out, (omitted).

Prepositions.

Prepositions can come either before relative pronouns or at the end of a relative clause. In spoken English is much more common to put the preposition at the end. Before the relative pronoun sounds rather formal.

This is the book (that)I was talking to you about.

This is the book about which I was talking to you. ( Formal)

And finally,

Difference between “which” and “what”

Which can be used in non-defining clauses to refer to the whole of the preceding clause.

He passed the exam, which surprised everyone.

The lift isn’t working, which means we’ll have to use the stairs.

What is used instead of “the thing that” in some sentences.

Has she told you what’s worrying her?

I have to do what I believe is right.

Let’s change of subject!

We listened to an interview with Anita Roddick, the founder of the Body shop. And we listened to her views on trading, entrepreneurs and running a business.

To her, money and profit aren’t important. Money is just a means to an end. Entrepreneurs just want money because it oils the wheels. She doesn’t want to be the biggest retailer, just the most idiosyncratic, and the bravest. And she also thinks that business should support local farming, pay living wages and not slave wages and eliminate sweat shops and child labour.

In her view, the best thing of wealth is that allows you to be generous.

Well, I’ll see you this week!

Entrepreneurs