English Studio
Grammar C1 - Advanced Relative Clauses..
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Relative clauses are used to provide additional information about a noun without starting a new sentence. They are introduced by relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, and that.
In advanced English, relative clauses can be complex and often involve formal or literary constructions. One such construction is the importance of which cannot be overstated, where the clause emphasizes the significance of something mentioned in the sentence.
1. Defining Relative Clauses
A defining relative clause gives essential information that is necessary for understanding the meaning of the sentence. It cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Example: The book that I borrowed was excellent.
Explanation: Here, "that I borrowed" is a defining relative clause because it specifies which book is being referred to.
2. Non-defining Relative Clauses
A non-defining relative clause provides extra, non-essential information. The sentence would still make sense if the clause were removed, and commas are used to separate these clauses.
Example: My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.
Explanation: Here, "who lives in New York" is a non-defining relative clause providing extra information about the speaker's brother.
3. Advanced Use: Emphasizing the Importance with Relative Clauses
In formal and academic writing, we often encounter relative clauses that emphasize the importance or significance of something.
Example: The new policy, the importance of which cannot be overstated, will improve public health.
In this case, "the importance of which cannot be overstated" emphasizes how crucial the policy is.