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Tenacious Learner Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Why don't we use 'that' in a non-restrictive relative clause?

Hi teachers,
Why don't we use 'that' in a non-restrictive relative clause?

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Thinking Spain Why don't we use 'that' in a non-restrictive relative clause? That's a great question! " when no one has a satisfactory answer.

— CalifJim

  • Thinking Spain Why don't we use 'that' in a non-restrictive relative clause?
  • That's a great question!
  • " when no one has a satisfactory answer.
  • ) There is no logical explanation.
  • The explanation is historical.
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6 Answers
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Thinking SpainWhy don't we use 'that' in a non-restrictive relative clause?
That's a great question!

(You know, we always say "That's a great question!" when no one has a satisfactory answer.
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CalifJim(You know, we always say "That's a great question!" when no one has a satisfactory answer. )
Hi Jim,
Thank you for your reply. Just in case my students ask me I'll say, 'We don't because that's the way English is'.
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Thinking SpainJust in case my students ask me I'll say, 'We don't because that's the way English is'.
Or you could tell them, "We don't because it brings bad luck". :-)

CJ
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Hi Jim
It certainly is a very academic explanation! How come I didn't think about it before?Emotion: big smile
In this sentence we need a
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Thinking SpainWe always need a comma before a non-restrictive relative clause. Right?
Right. Before and after unless it ends the sentence, as you have here.
Thinking SpainIn this sentence we need a comma, just because it is a non-restrictive relative clause. Right? ... Flash once built a house, which fell down three months later."
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Hi Jim,
Thank you very much for your reply and examples.

TS
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