Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Avoid repeating a subject, an object, or an adverb in an adjective clause
Sentence structure
Multilingual Writers and ESL Topics

Adjective clauses begin with relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (when, where). Relative pronouns usually serve as subjects or objects in the clauses they introduce; another word in the clause cannot serve the same function. Relative adverbs should not be repeated by other adverbs later in the clause.

Sometimes the relative pronoun is understood but not present in the sentence. In such cases, do not add another word with the same function as the omitted pronoun.

EXERCISE 30-1

In the following sentences, add needed subjects or expletives and delete any repeated subjects, objects, or adverbs. Answers appear in the back of the book.

a. Are some cartons of ice cream in the freezer.

b. I don’t use the subway because am afraid.

c. The prime minister she is the most popular leader in my country.

d. We tried to get in touch with the same manager whom we spoke to him earlier.

e. Recently have been a number of earthquakes in Turkey.