B1 · Intermediário Capítulo 11

Adding Extra Information and Formal Details

4 Regras totais
43 exemplos
7 min
Regras neste capítulo Prática rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Elevate your communication by seamlessly weaving extra details and formal precision into your English sentences.

  • Distinguish between essential and non-essential information.
  • Apply commas correctly to structure complex thoughts.
  • Master formal prepositional phrasing to sound professional.
Add detail, gain clarity, sound professional.

O que você vai aprender

Want to add rich detail and clarity to your English? This chapter shows you how to smoothly include extra information using commas and master formal language, so you can express complex ideas precisely and confidently.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use relative clauses to combine two short sentences into one fluid, detailed statement.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Employ formal prepositional structures in professional correspondence.

Guia do capítulo

Overview

As you navigate the B1 level in English, you're moving beyond basic sentences and starting to express more nuanced and complex ideas. This chapter is your key to unlocking that next level of clarity and sophistication. We're diving into the essential skills for adding extra information and formal details, which are crucial for sounding natural and precise, especially in written English or more formal spoken contexts.
Mastering these structures will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively, ensuring your message is always understood exactly as you intend.
You'll learn how to seamlessly weave in additional facts and explanations without making your sentences clunky or confusing. This isn't just about sounding fancy; it's about being clear and concise, whether you're describing a person, an object, or a situation. We'll explore different types of relative clauses – the building blocks for this kind of detail – and show you how to use commas to manage the flow of information.
This includes understanding the subtle yet powerful difference between essential and non-essential information.
Furthermore, we'll equip you with the tools to handle more formal language. This is vital for academic writing, professional emails, or even just impressing an English speaker with your command of the language. By the end of this guide, your B1 English grammar will feel much more robust, allowing you to articulate complex thoughts with confidence and precision, making your English sound truly advanced.

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of adding extra information and formal details are relative clauses. These are parts of a sentence that describe a noun, giving us more specific data about it. They typically start with words like who, whom, which, that, or whose.
The critical distinction here is between defining and non-defining relative clauses.
A defining relative clause provides essential information that pinpoints *which* specific noun you're talking about. If you remove it, the meaning of the main sentence changes or becomes unclear. For instance,
The student who answered the question correctly passed the exam.
Here,
who answered the question correctly
tells us *which* student.
We don't use commas with defining clauses, and we can often use that instead of who or which.
In contrast, a non-defining relative clause adds extra, non-essential information. It's like a bonus detail. The sentence would still make sense and identify the noun without it.
These clauses are always set off by commas. For example,
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting next week.
The main point is
My brother is visiting next week.
The fact that he lives in London is just additional info. You *must* use who for people and which for things in non-defining clauses; that is never used.
For more formal contexts, especially in writing, we often place prepositions *before* the relative pronoun. Instead of saying
The colleague I spoke *to*
, formal English prefers
The colleague to whom I spoke.
Similarly,
The project *which I am working on*
becomes
The project on which I am working.
This structure elevates the formality and precision of your language.
Finally, to describe quantities within a previously mentioned group, we use relative clauses with quantifiers. These are also non-defining and use commas. We say
quantifier + of + whom/which.
For instance,
I invited ten friends to the party, all of whom accepted.
Or,
She bought three books, none of which she had read before.
This allows you to elegantly provide specific details about a subgroup, enriching your descriptions without creating separate sentences.

Common Mistakes

Learning to correctly add extra information is vital for your B1 English grammar, but it's easy to make a few common errors.
  1. 1✗ Using 'that' in non-defining clauses or forgetting commas.
✗ My car, that is red, is fast.
✓ My car, which is red, is fast.
*Explanation:* Non-defining clauses, which add extra, non-essential details, always use which (for things) or who (for people) and are separated by commas. 'That' is only for defining clauses.
  1. 1✗ Incorrectly placing prepositions in formal relative clauses.
✗ The person who I sent the email to was out of office.
✓ The person to whom I sent the email was out of office.
*Explanation:* In formal English, prepositions should precede whom (for people) or which (for things).
  1. 1✗ Not using 'of whom'/'of which' correctly with quantifiers.
✗ I have two brothers, both who live abroad.
✓ I have two brothers, both of whom live abroad.
*Explanation:* When quantifying a previously mentioned group in a non-defining clause, use
quantifier + of whom
(for people) or
quantifier + of which
(for things) after a comma.

Real Conversations

A

A

Did you enjoy the concert last night?
B

B

Yes, it was fantastic! The lead singer, who has an incredible voice, really brought the house down. And the band, which had a new drummer, sounded tighter than ever.
A

A

"I'm finalizing the report for the CEO."
B

B

Right. Did you get the figures from Sarah?
A

A

Yes. The data, all of which was verified by her department, confirms our initial projections. The CEO, to whom I will present the findings directly, expects a thorough explanation.
A

A

Have you seen John recently?
B

B

"Oh, John? My old classmate, whom I haven't seen in ages, is actually coming to my party next week. He's bringing his new dog, which I hear is a Golden Retriever."

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use 'which' instead of 'that' when adding extra information?

You use which when the information is extra, or non-essential, and set off by commas. For example,

The new office, which is on the third floor, has great views.
If the information is essential to identify the noun, you use that (or which without commas), like
The office that is on the third floor has great views.

Q

What's the main difference between to whom and who...to?

To whom is a formal structure where the preposition comes before the relative pronoun, typically used in written English or very formal speech (e.g.,

The client to whom I sent the email
). Who...to is an informal and more common structure in everyday spoken English (e.g.,
The client who I sent the email to
). Both are grammatically correct but convey different levels of formality.

Q

Can I use all of that or none of that instead of all of which or none of which?

While all of that or none of that can be used in some contexts, particularly informally, when referring back to a *previously mentioned noun or clause* as part of a non-defining relative clause, you should use

all of which
or
none of which.
For example,
She mentioned several problems, all of which need attention.

Q

Why are commas so important when adding extra information with relative clauses?

Commas are crucial because they signal whether the information is essential or non-essential. Using them correctly prevents misunderstandings and makes your writing clearer. Incorrect comma usage can completely change the meaning or make a sentence ungrammatical.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use these patterns constantly, though often unconsciously. The more formal structures (like prepositions before whom/which and quantifiers) are far more common in written English – reports, academic papers, formal emails – than in casual conversation. In daily speech, speakers tend to opt for simpler, less formal constructions like splitting the preposition from the relative pronoun or rephrasing entirely.
Understanding this distinction helps you sound natural whether you're chatting with a friend or writing a professional document.

Exemplos-chave (8)

1

The profile that has the blue checkmark is the real one.

O perfil que tem o selinho azul é o verdadeiro.

Orações Relativas: Diferença entre Restritivas e Explicativas
2

My laptop, which I bought only last month, is already lagging.

Meu laptop, que comprei mês passado, já está travando.

Orações Relativas: Diferença entre Restritivas e Explicativas
3

My brother, who lives in Sydney, is a fantastic surfer.

Meu irmão, que mora em Sydney, é um surfista fantástico.

Orações Subordinadas Adjetivas Explicativas: Adicionando Informações Extras (com vírgulas)
4

The new restaurant, which opened last week, serves delicious vegan options.

O novo restaurante, que abriu semana passada, serve deliciosas opções veganas.

Orações Subordinadas Adjetivas Explicativas: Adicionando Informações Extras (com vírgulas)
5

The professor, to whom I submitted my thesis, provided invaluable feedback.

O professor, a quem enviei minha tese, me deu um feedback valioso.

Preposições Formais em Orações Relativas (to whom, for which)
6

This is the complex issue for which a solution is urgently needed.

Este é o problema complexo para o qual uma solução é urgentemente necessária.

Preposições Formais em Orações Relativas (to whom, for which)
7

I have three brothers, all of whom are engineers.

Eu tenho três irmãos, todos eles engenheiros.

Orações relativas com quantificadores (all of whom, none of which)
8

He sent me ten emails, none of which I have read yet.

Ele me mandou dez e-mails, nenhum dos quais eu li ainda.

Orações relativas com quantificadores (all of whom, none of which)

Dicas e truques (4)

🎯

O Truque de Apontar o Dedo

Se você consegue apontar o dedo e dizer 'AQUELE lá!', é uma defining clause. Não precisa de vírgulas, não! "That's the car that I want."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações Relativas: Diferença entre Restritivas e Explicativas
💡

As Vírgulas São Suas Guias

Sempre se lembre das vírgulas! Elas são a pista visual de que a informação é extra e não define o substantivo. Se você consegue remover a oração e a frase principal ainda faz sentido, você precisa de vírgulas. Pense, por exemplo, em:
My car, which is red, is in the garage.
(Você ainda entende que 'My car is in the garage' sem o resto).
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações Subordinadas Adjetivas Explicativas: Adicionando Informações Extras (com vírgulas)
💡

Quando Usar 'Whom'

Se você consegue substituir o pronome relativo por 'him' ou 'her' na oração relativa, use 'whom'. Se der para usar 'he' ou 'she', use 'who'. Pense assim: 'to him' vira 'to whom'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Preposições Formais em Orações Relativas (to whom, for which)
⚠️

A Vírgula é Essencial

Nunca esqueça a vírgula antes do quantificador! Ela indica que a informação é extra e ajuda a frase a não virar uma bagunça.
I have three cars, all of which are red.
(e não 'I have three cars all of which are red.')
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações relativas com quantificadores (all of whom, none of which)

Vocabulário-chave (5)

clause a part of a sentence containing a verb define to explain the nature or meaning of something formal appropriate for official or serious situations quantifier a word expressing amount, like all or none preposition a word showing relationship like to, for, or with

Real-World Preview

users

Professional Introduction

Review Summary

  • Noun + that/who + verb
  • Noun, + which/who + verb, + rest
  • Prep + whom/which
  • Quantifier + of + whom/which

Erros comuns

You don't need 'he' if 'who' already acts as the subject. The extra 'he' is redundant.

Wrong: My brother, who lives in Paris, he is a chef.
Correto: My brother, who lives in Paris, is a chef.

When using a formal structure, the preposition moves to the front, and the object pronoun is removed.

Wrong: The person that I spoke to him was nice.
Correto: The person to whom I spoke was nice.

Use 'which' or 'whom' to connect the clause to the main sentence, not 'them'.

Wrong: I have many books, all of them are new.
Correto: I have many books, all of which are new.

Next Steps

You've unlocked a higher level of English precision! Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to use these structures in your daily writing.

Write a formal email to a professor describing your research interests.

Continue to: Mastering Ability and Polite Requests

Prática rápida (10)

Qual frase implica que o falante tem mais de um irmão?

Escolha a frase correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My brother who lives in London is a doctor.
Sem vírgulas significa que é uma defining clause, que identifica *qual* irmão entre vários.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações Relativas: Diferença entre Restritivas e Explicativas

Qual frase usa corretamente a estrutura formal da oração relativa?

Escolha a frase correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The regulations, about which they complained, were difficult.
Em orações relativas formais, a preposição precede 'which' para coisas. 'That' não é usado nessa estrutura formal.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Preposições Formais em Orações Relativas (to whom, for which)

Complete a frase com o pronome relativo correto.

I have two best friends, both of ___ live in London.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: whom
Usamos 'whom' porque estamos nos referindo a pessoas (amigos). Lembra do teste do coração? Amigos têm coração!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações relativas com quantificadores (all of whom, none of which)

Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta?

Escolha a melhor frase para um ensaio formal:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She wrote five books, all of which are famous.
Essa frase usa o pronome relativo correto ('which' para livros) e inclui a vírgula necessária. Perfeito para um texto polido!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações relativas com quantificadores (all of whom, none of which)

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase formal.

Find and fix the mistake:

This is the objective to who we are striving.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This is the objective to which we are striving.
'Objective' é uma coisa, então 'which' deve ser usado. 'Whom' é para pessoas. A preposição 'to' precede corretamente 'which'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Preposições Formais em Orações Relativas (to whom, for which)

Escolha o pronome relativo e a pontuação corretos.

My best friend ___ is a brilliant artist, just had her first exhibition.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: , who
Como 'my best friend' já está identificada, a oração 'is a brilliant artist' adiciona uma informação extra e não essencial. Portanto, ela precisa ser separada por vírgulas, e 'who' é usado para pessoas.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações Subordinadas Adjetivas Explicativas: Adicionando Informações Extras (com vírgulas)

Encontre o erro nesta frase sobre uma pessoa específica e já conhecida.

Find and fix the mistake:

Mr. Smith that is my teacher is very kind.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mr. Smith, who is my teacher, is very kind.
Como já sabemos o nome dele, a informação é extra. Precisamos de vírgulas e 'who' em vez de 'that'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações Relativas: Diferença entre Restritivas e Explicativas

Escolha a forma correta para completar a frase formal.

The candidate, _____ the committee voted unanimously, accepted the position.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: for whom
Como 'the candidate' é uma pessoa e a preposição 'for' vem antes do pronome relativo, 'whom' é a escolha formal correta.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Preposições Formais em Orações Relativas (to whom, for which)

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

I have many unread notifications, some of who are from Instagram.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: some of which are from Instagram.
Notificações são 'coisas', então precisamos usar 'which' em vez de 'who'. Lembre-se, 'which' para coisas, 'whom' para pessoas.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações relativas com quantificadores (all of whom, none of which)

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

The new cafe that has a rooftop terrace is very popular.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The new cafe, which has a rooftop terrace, is very popular.
A oração 'has a rooftop terrace' adiciona informação não essencial sobre 'the new cafe' (que já é suficientemente único para ser identificado por 'the new'). Portanto, precisa de vírgulas, e 'which' deve ser usado em vez de 'that' em orações explicativas.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Orações Subordinadas Adjetivas Explicativas: Adicionando Informações Extras (com vírgulas)

Score: /10

Perguntas comuns (6)

Defining clauses te dizem *qual* você está falando (essencial). Non-defining clauses só dão uma informação extra sobre algo que você já sabe (um bônus!).
The car that is red is fast
vs
My car, which is red, is fast
.
Sempre use vírgulas para non-defining clauses. Elas agem como 'parênteses' em volta da informação extra.
My sister, who lives in Brazil, is coming to visit.
Ela adiciona informações extras e não essenciais sobre um substantivo que já está claramente identificado. Pense nisso como uma anotação útil ou um detalhe bônus, não algo crucial para entender quem ou o que você está falando. Por exemplo:
My teacher, who is very patient, helped me a lot.
A maneira mais fácil é procurar por vírgulas! Orações explicativas são sempre separadas por vírgulas. Além disso, tente remover a oração; se a frase principal ainda fizer sentido perfeito, é explicativa. Por exemplo, em
My dog, which loves to play, is sleeping.
, 'My dog is sleeping' ainda funciona.
Olha só, 'who' funciona como sujeito (tipo 'he' ou 'she'), enquanto 'whom' funciona como objeto (tipo 'him' ou 'her'). Em orações formais com preposição antes, usamos 'whom' sempre, por exemplo, 'to whom'.
Aprender isso te permite se comunicar com mais precisão e formalidade. Isso é essencial em textos acadêmicos, no trabalho e quando você quer causar uma ótima impressão, tipo em 'the report for which I was responsible'.
Capítulo anterior
Describing Places, Times, and Ownership
Próximo capítulo
Mastering Ability and Polite Requests
Voltar ao roteiro