The sentences provided include both correct and incorrect use of relative clauses. Here’s a breakdown:
-
My cat, that mostly stays outside, climbs on the window when she wants to come inside.
- Incorrect: "that" should be replaced with "which" because it’s providing non-essential information (an additional comment about the cat). The correct sentence should be: "My cat, which mostly stays outside, climbs on the window when she wants to come inside."
-
I need shoes which are more comfortable for the marathon.
- Correct: In American English, "that" is more commonly used for restrictive clauses, while "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses. In British English, "which" can be used for both restrictive and non-restrictive clauses. Therefore, this sentence is acceptable in British English, but it may be seen as less formal in American English. To be more formal in American English, it would be: "I need shoes that are more comfortable for the marathon."
-
My family adopted a dog that is a Dalmatian and Retriever mix.
- Correct: "that" is correctly used here for a restrictive clause, which is essential information to specify which dog.
-
The clothes, which are dirty, won't all fit in the washing machine.
- Correct: "which" is correctly used here as it provides non-essential information about the clothes.
In summary, the correct sentences are the third and fourth ones. The first one is incorrect as it uses "that" instead of "which," while the second is correct but context-dependent based on regional usage.
9 answers