non-defining clauses?

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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azz
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non-defining clauses?

Post by azz »

Can one say
a. My cousin, in Milan, wrote me a letter every month.
instead of:
b. My cousin, who was/is in Milan, wrote me a letter every month.
?

Can one say
c. I love my cousin, in Milan.
instead of
d. I love my cousin, who is in Milan.
?

Can one say
e. The earthquake, during an important sporting event, didn't claim any victims.
instead of
f. The earthquake, which took place during an important sporting event, didn't claim any victims.
?

Many thanks.
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Alan
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Re: non-defining clauses?

Post by Alan »

1. Yes, but informal only.
2. Strange and potentially ambiguous.
3. No
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