Semi-modals & Relative clauses — O/L English

What must I remember about Semi-modals & Relative clauses?

• Defining relative clauses provide essential identifying information without commas: uses 'who' (people), 'which' (things/animals), 'that' (people/things).
• Non-defining relative clauses provide extra non-essential details enclosed in commas: uses 'who' and 'which', NEVER 'that'.
• 'Whose' indicates possession for people and animals ('The student whose essay won first place').
• 'Whom' serves as the formal objective relative pronoun ('The mentor whom she consulted').
• Abstract personality nouns formed by suffixation: reliable -> reliability; sincere -> sincerity; resilient -> resilience.

Test yourself (1 minute)

1. The non-defining 'that' trap

   Writing 'My mother, that is a teacher, helped me' is a serious grammatical error; write 'My mother, who is a teacher, helped me'.

2. Relative clause comma requirement

   Omitting commas around non-defining clauses alters grammatical meaning and loses marks.

Practise Semi-modals & Relative clauses questions today

Must know

• Character sketch questions (Paper 1 Test 6 & Paper 2 Test 14): Blend personality traits with specific supporting anecdotes.

Source: NIE G.C.E. (O/L) English Language Syllabus (Grade 10, Unit 10)

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Where does Semi-modals & Relative clauses fit in the syllabus?

Grade 10 · Term 2