Unit 7 A | Optional and required relative pronouns | Passages 2

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on the use of optional and required relative pronouns in English, as discussed in Unit 7 of the "Passages 2" book by Jack C. Richards and Chuck Sandy. Understanding these pronouns is essential for forming complex sentences and enhancing your writing clarity. This guide will break down the concepts step-by-step, making it easy for both teachers and students to grasp the topic.

Step 1: Understanding Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns connect clauses or phrases to nouns. They help provide additional information without starting a new sentence.

Key Relative Pronouns

• Who: Refers to people.
• Whom: Also refers to people but is used in more formal contexts.
• Whose: Indicates possession.
• Which: Refers to animals and things.
• That: Can refer to people, animals, and things; often used in defining clauses.

Practical Tip

Use "who" for subjects and "whom" for objects. However, in everyday conversation, "who" is often used in place of "whom".

Step 2: Identifying Required Relative Pronouns

Required relative pronouns are essential to the meaning of a sentence. If removed, the sentence would lose its intended meaning.

Example

• Original: The teacher who teaches math is great.
• Without the relative clause: The teacher is great. (This lacks specificity.)

Common Pitfalls

Be careful not to omit required pronouns when they are crucial for understanding who or what you are referring to.

Step 3: Recognizing Optional Relative Pronouns

Optional relative pronouns can be omitted without changing the main meaning of the sentence. They often add extra information.

Example

• Original: The book that you lent me was fascinating.
• Without the relative clause: The book was fascinating. (The main idea remains clear.)

Practical Application

Use optional relative pronouns to add detail without cluttering your sentences. This helps maintain flow and readability.

Step 4: Practicing with Examples

Put your understanding into practice by creating sentences using both types of relative pronouns.

Exercise

1. Write three sentences using required relative pronouns.
2. Write three sentences using optional relative pronouns.
3. Identify which pronouns are required and which are optional in your sentences.

Tips for Practice

• Start with simple sentences and gradually add complexity.
• Read sentences aloud to ensure they flow smoothly.

Conclusion

Mastering optional and required relative pronouns will significantly improve your sentence construction skills. Remember to distinguish between the two types and practice regularly to enhance your proficiency. For further learning, consider reviewing examples from the "Passages 2" book or other grammar resources. Happy studying!