By Relative pronouns, Commas

Davkett wrote: CalifJim wrote:Why should 'which' be 'that'? Both mean the same thing in that context.' Have I misapplied the rule, CJ? I plead ignorance-- as a native speaker --of what is 'in that context' that causes these two words to be equally acceptable? Or is it just a comma missing...

We don't use a comma before that when it is acting as a relative pronoun, no. This rule does not apply when that is used in other ways. CJ

Hello Jack The rules for relative adverb clauses are almost the same as for relative pronoun clauses. If no comma precedes 'where', the 'where' clause modifies the antecedent noun phrase restrictively. Your sentence is parsed as follows; "Much of industry is concerned with { (where perhaps...

Hi, Unix, Let me try for the first part: Nimbostratus clouds are thick clouds and are dark gray clouds ... Nimbostratus clouds are thick (clouds and are) dark gray clouds ... Nimbostratus clouds are thick, dark gray clouds... ... forebode rain. The verb is "forebode", but you need a subject, a...

Hi Komountain, perhaps this helps, my English-German dictionary says among other things: as to MrP: You wrote, "Did you mean to write for #2: 'Child though he was'? -- This would fit the context better." I don't think a child is expected to outwit a robber and "as" used as conjunction seems...

Both are fine, Hanuman-- but you haven't proofread your typing again. 'That' is the restrictive relative pronoun, while 'which' serves as either a restrictive or non-restrictive relative pronoun, depending on the respective absence or presence of a preceding comma.

Hi DK, Welcome to englishforums. "Press on the wound. That will stop the bleeding". The 'that' is not a relative pronoun for a dependent clause. It is a different word (with a different pronounciation); it is the demonstrative pronoun for 'pressing on the wound'. I have not pursued all...

I wouldn't know how to give a detailed explanation or description of all three types of clause in one post, so let's go step by step. Let's start with adjectival (or relative) clauses, since these are the easiest to identify. They can function only as postmodifiers of a nominal head. This...

1 is ok (I’d use “stamp-collecting” or “collecting stamps”, though). 2 has a “to” too many. you can choose which one you wish to get rid of. “Can I ask who(m) I’m talking to?” or “Can I ask to whom I’m talking?” 3 is ok “My dog whose fur is back is coming” is grammatically correct, although I’m...

I'll try to give a partial answer. A relative clause is a portion of a sentence that adds information about a previous noun in the sentence. The previous noun is called the antecedent. Relative clauses are marked by relative pronouns: that, which, who, whom, and others. Examples will...