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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > Another doubt on relatives
Another doubt on relatives
MsPoppins
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Another doubt on relatives
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Dear All,
Here I am with another question about relatives. Do you think the relative clause in the following sentence should be written between commas?
I met a nice girl whose father is English. I met a nice girl, whose father is English.
I know defining relative clauses are essential to clarify and make the antecedent more precise; personally, I would not write commas. However, one of my collegues thinks the opposite. So far I have two opinions: one in favor, one against... I need your help!!
Thanks a lot in advance. MsPoppins
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29 Apr 2010
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aura+
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No commas, in my opinion. |
29 Apr 2010
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Carla Horne
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You and Aura+ are correct. It is essential because you don �t know which girl you are speaking about until the clause is written.
Carla
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29 Apr 2010
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MarianaC
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If you said "the girl that I met, whose father is English, was lovely" then commas would be ok because it �s clear which girl you are talking about, you don �t need to identify her/define her as you are using the definite article the. But because you �re using "I met a girl whose father is English" and used an indefinite article, then you need to give more information to define her/identify her. Therefore you need a defining relative clause, no commas. |
30 Apr 2010
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MsPoppins
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Now I have five opinions: four in favor, one against...
Thank you very much aura, Carla and Mariana for your help. Have a nice weekend!! MsPoppins
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30 Apr 2010
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