More on relative clauses

Recently we explained what a relative clause is. Today too we like to familiarise you with it.

A clause is a part of a sentence. A relative clause therefore is a part of a sentence that tells us which person or thing is referred to. Let us have a look at some of the relative clauses.

The girl who is wearing a blue skirt is my sister.

The novels that he writes do not sell.

Where is the cake that was in the fridge?

Do you know the name of the horse which won the race?

A dictionary is a useful book which helps us to know the meaning of words.

As you can see, when we use ‘who’ in a relative clause we refer to people, not things. In other words, we use ‘who’ instead of ‘he, she, they.’

The girl who answered the phone told me that you were on leave.

Shakespeare was the dramatist who wrote ‘The merchant of Venice.’

The security forces are looking for the terrorists who attacked the cricketers.

Some people who were arrested have been released.

Can you identify the thief who stole my car?

A customer who is dissatisfied will not come back to the same shop.

She is a tenant who pays her rent on time.

Instead of using ‘who’ we can also use ‘that’ in relative clauses.

The gentleman that lives next door is a surveyor.

What happened to the workman that built our house?

The lawyer that is appearing for me is an old friend of mine.

When we refer to things we use ‘that’ or ‘which’ in relative clauses.

Sena does not like films that (or which) have unhappy endings.

I worked for a company that (or which) prints and publishes newspapers.

The vehicles that (or which) broke down have to be repaired soon.

The building that (or which) was used by war victims has crumbled down.

The train that (or which) goes to Kandy is half an hour late.

Sometimes, we leave out ‘who, that, which’ in relative clauses.

Is this the wallet you are looking for?

The officer I wanted to meet was away on holiday.

Have you found the book you lost yesterday?

Is there anything I can do for you?

The people I live with are very cooperative.

Fun with proverbs

By using proverbs you can put your ideas across to others in a delicate manner. Some of the proverbs carry strong messages and advice. Be familiar with the following proverbs.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

When two friends are separated for sometime they begin to miss each other.

Actions speak louder than words

Many people, notably politicians, make tall promises, but fail to fulfil them. Therefore, we respect those who deliver the goods rather than those who only talk.

Adam’s ale

Legendary Adam had only water to drink. All the other

drinks - tea, coffee, cola and wine came very much

later. So, water is called Adam’s ale!

All roads lead to Rome

Rome was the commercial capital of ancient Europe. As a result, those who did business came to Rome from different directions. Today the proverb means that manydifferent methods can be used to achieve a certain goal.

All that glitters is not gold

Certain items look beautiful, but they may not have any value. Therefore, do not be carried away by the outward appearance.

All’s fish that comes to the net

Make use of whatever that comes your way. Sometimes we tend to reject opportunities thinking that they are useless and repent later.

Call a spade a spade

If you call a spade a spade, you give an honest opinion about something or someone. However, many people donot do so and hide their true feelings for various reasons.

Cast pearls before swine

Swine is another word for pigs. We cannot expect pigs to know the value of pearls. Similarly, some people simply cannot understand the value of learning, literature or drama.

Catch as catch can

This simply means that people use any means to achieve an object.

Catch your bear before you sell its skin

Do not make plans until you know the results of something. In other words, do not put up a dispensary until you become a doctor!

Catch at straws

When you are in trouble you resort to anything to save yourself. For example, Prabhakaran is clutching at straws!

Charity begins at home

First look after your own family before being charitable to others. Many engage in doing charity work while neglecting their parents or needy relatives.