Wonders of Architecture (H3)
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EN: Non-defining relative clauses (also called non-restrictive relative clauses) are used to add extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. The relative pronoun 'which' is used to refer to things or concepts.
The book, which I bought yesterday, is very interesting.
EN: The verb 'take' is commonly used to express the amount of time required to complete an activity. The structure is often '[Something] takes [time]' or 'It takes [time] to do [something]'.
The flight took five hours.
EN: The relative pronoun 'whose' is used to show possession. It replaces possessive adjectives (like 'his', 'her', 'their') and connects a relative clause to a noun (the antecedent). In this sentence, 'whose' refers to 'an architect' and possesses 'ideas'.
I know a writer whose books are very popular.
EN: The past simple tense ('met', 'changed') is used to describe completed actions that happened at a specific time in the past.
She visited a museum that opened last year.
EN: Preposition + Relative Pronoun ('in which'): In formal English, a preposition (like 'in') can be placed before the relative pronoun 'which' to introduce a relative clause. This structure is equivalent to using 'where' to describe a place.
This is the room in which the meeting will be held.
EN: The Adverb 'once' for Past States: The adverb 'once' is used here to mean 'at some time in the past' or 'formerly', indicating a state or action that no longer exists.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (using commas) provide extra, non-essential information about a noun. If removed, the sentence still makes complete sense. The relative pronoun 'whose' is used to show possession, indicating that the roof belongs to the temple.
The book, whose cover is blue, belongs to my sister.
EN: The verb 'shines' is used here with the noun 'gold' functioning as an adverbial modifier (or object complement) to describe the color or manner of shining, meaning 'shines with a golden color'.
EN: The structure 'preposition + relative pronoun' (for which) is used in formal English to introduce relative clauses. The preposition 'for' is determined by the phrasal verb or adjective pattern in the relative clause—in this case, 'be known for' (以……聞名). Instead of leaving 'for' at the end ('which the town is known for'), it is placed before 'which' for a more formal tone.
This is the project for which he was responsible.
EN: The passive structure 'be known' is used to express what someone or something is famous for. When followed by the preposition 'for', it indicates the reason for the fame (e.g., a feature, achievement, or landmark).
The city is known for its beautiful canals.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (using 'which') add extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the main clause by commas. If removed, the sentence still makes complete grammatical sense.
The book, which I bought yesterday, is very interesting.
EN: The simple past tense ('opened') is used to describe an action that was completed at a specific time in the past (indicated here by the time expression 'last year').
The store opened two hours ago.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (also called non-restrictive relative clauses) provide extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. If you remove this clause, the sentence still makes complete grammatical sense.
My English teacher, who loves coffee, always arrives early.
EN: The relative pronoun 'whose' is a possessive relative pronoun used to show ownership or association. It replaces possessive adjectives like 'his', 'her', 'their', or 'its', and is followed immediately by a noun ('whose work').
I met a writer whose book became a bestseller.
EN: The structure 'preposition + relative pronoun' (in which) is used in formal English to introduce a relative clause. 'In which' functions as an adverbial of place, equivalent to 'where', indicating that the action in the relative clause took place inside that specific location.
This is the room in which the meeting will be held.
EN: The verb 'found' is the past tense of 'find'. In this context, 'find peace' is a common collocation meaning to achieve a state of calm, tranquility, or mental quietude after a period of search or struggle.
EN: In English literature and landscape design, 'gardens' are historically associated with sanctuary, contemplation, and spiritual restoration. Using 'in which she found peace' elevates the garden from a physical space to a psychological refuge.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (using 'which') provide extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the main clause by commas, and 'which' cannot be replaced by 'that'.
The hotel, which was built in 1920, has a beautiful garden.
EN: The verb 'face' can be used transitively to mean 'to have the front pointing towards a specific direction or place'.
Our classroom faces the playground.
EN: The preposition + relative pronoun structure ('in which') is used in formal English to introduce a relative clause. 'In which' functions as an adverbial of place, equivalent to 'where', indicating that the action of the relative clause happens inside the noun being modified (the house).
This is the box in which she keeps her old photos.
EN: The verb 'fill' is a transitive verb here, meaning 'to make something full'. In this sentence, 'light' is the singular subject, so the verb takes the third-person singular ending '-s' ('fills') in the simple present tense.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses with 'whose' are used to add extra, non-essential information about possession or relationship. The clause is separated from the main sentence by commas, and 'whose' functions as a possessive relative pronoun modifying the noun that follows it.
The castle, whose history dates back to the 12th century, is open to the public.
EN: The verb 'take' is used here to mean 'to require' or 'to demand' a certain amount of effort, skill, or time to complete something.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (using 'which') provide extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the main clause by commas. If removed, the sentence still makes complete sense.
The library, which was built in 1920, is being renovated.
EN: The metaphor 'the heart of [place]' is used to describe the central, most important, or most active part of a town, city, or organization.
The market square is the heart of the village.
EN: In many European and Western towns, the 'town square' (or plaza) historically served as the physical and social center of community life, where markets, festivals, and public meetings took place. Describing it as 'the heart of town' reflects this traditional layout.
EN: The relative pronoun 'who' is used to introduce a defining relative clause ('who made them') that modifies the noun 'people'. It acts as the subject of the verb 'made' within the relative clause.
I met a traveler who visited all seven continents.
EN: The phrase 'tell someone much about something' uses 'much' as a pronoun meaning 'a great deal of information'. It is a common pattern used to describe how something reveals significant insights.
This book tells us much about ancient history.
EN: This sentence reflects a common philosophical perspective in Western architecture and history: that buildings are not just physical structures, but cultural artifacts that reveal the values, technology, and social structure of the civilization that created them.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses with 'whose' are used to add extra, non-essential information about a noun's possession. 'Whose' functions as a possessive relative pronoun (meaning 'of which' or 'its' in this context) and is preceded and followed by commas in non-defining clauses.
The old library, whose roof was damaged in the storm, is now closed.
EN: The passive voice construction 'be covered in/with' is used to describe a state where a surface is completely spread or filled with something. 'In' often emphasizes the medium or material of the covering.
The hills were covered in snow.
EN: Preposition + Relative Pronoun ('for whom'): In formal English, when a relative pronoun (whom) is the object of a preposition (for), the preposition is often placed directly before the relative pronoun. 'Whom' is used instead of 'who' because it acts as the object of the preposition.
She is the mentor from whom I learned the most.
EN: Passive Voice ('was built by'): The passive voice is used to emphasize the action or the object of the action (the building/structure 'it') rather than the doer. It is formed with 'be' verb + past participle, followed by 'by' to introduce the agent.
The novel was written by a famous author.
EN: This sentence reflects a classic, formal architectural appreciation. In Western art history and architecture, especially during the Gothic or Renaissance periods, craftsmen and builders viewed their work not just as labor, but as a spiritual devotion to beauty and perfection. The use of formal grammar ('for whom') elevates the tone to match this noble sentiment.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (using 'which') add extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas, and 'which' cannot be replaced by 'that'.
The hotel, which was built in 1920, has been fully renovated.
EN: The verb 'take' is commonly used to express the amount of time required to complete an action, often followed by a time duration and an infinitive verb ('to + verb').
It took three hours to clean the kitchen.
EN: Preposition + Relative Pronoun ('in which'): This structure is a formal way to introduce a relative clause. 'In which' is used to modify a noun representing a place (here, 'a hall'), functioning similarly to the relative adverb 'where'.
This is the room in which the meeting will be held.
EN: Locative Inversion (Place Adverbial Inversion): When a sentence begins with a prepositional phrase of place (like 'Inside'), the subject ('a hall...') and the verb ('is') can be inverted. This is often used in descriptive writing to create suspense or focus on the setting.
At the top of the hill stands an old church.
EN: The phrase 'honored guests' and the formal structure 'in which' reflect the grandeur of royal history. In European architecture, the 'Great Hall' was the central hub of a palace or castle, used for feasts, receiving emissaries, and displaying the host's power and hospitality.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses with 'whose': Used to provide extra, non-essential information about a noun. 'Whose' is a possessive relative pronoun indicating that the following noun ('name') belongs to the antecedent ('the architect'). Commas are used before and after the clause.
The writer, whose novel won the prize, is writing a new book.
EN: Simple past tense for completed actions: The verb 'planned' is in the simple past tense, indicating a completed action that took place at a specific time in the past.
She designed the garden last year.
EN: Preposition + Relative Pronoun ('through which'): In formal English, a preposition can be placed before the relative pronoun 'which' to introduce a relative clause. 'Through which' means 'by means of which' or 'passing through the windows'. This structure avoids ending the sentence with a preposition.
She built a greenhouse in which rare flowers grow.
EN: Metaphorical Verb Usage ('paints'): The verb 'paint' is used here metaphorically to describe how sunlight casts light and patterns onto the floor, creating a visual image akin to an artist applying paint.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (using 'which') add extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the main clause by commas. If removed, the sentence still makes complete sense.
The hotel, which was built in 1920, is being renovated.
EN: The verb 'span' means to extend across or traverse a physical space, such as a river, road, or period of time. It is commonly used when describing bridges, arches, or historical eras.
The old stone bridge spans the narrow canal.
EN: This sentence uses 'locative inversion' (or place adverbial inversion) where the adverbial of place 'Nearby' is placed at the beginning, followed by the verb 'is' and then the subject 'a garden'. This structure is used in written or literary English to create a vivid description or to introduce a new subject.
On the hill stands an ancient castle.
EN: The prepositional relative clause 'in which' is used to modify the noun 'garden'. 'In which' is a formal equivalent of 'where', indicating that the action in the relative clause happens inside that place.
This is the room in which the meeting will be held.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (using 'which') add extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. If removed, the sentence still makes complete sense.
The old library, which was built in 1920, is being renovated.
EN: The verb 'connect' is often used with the pattern 'connect A and B' to show a relationship, link, or bridge between two distinct concepts, times, or places.
EN: This sentence reflects a deep appreciation for historical architecture and cultural heritage, which is highly valued in many cultures as a physical bridge that connects modern society with its ancestral roots.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses with 'whose' are used to provide extra, non-essential information about a person's or thing's possessions or characteristics. They are separated from the main clause by commas.
The artist, whose paintings are famous worldwide, attended the gallery opening.
EN: The past simple tense of the verb 'shape' (shaped) is used here to describe a completed action in the past that has a lasting result.
The ancient Greeks shaped modern philosophy.
EN: The phrase 'reached the sky' is a common English idiom and metaphor representing high ambition, grand vision, and limitless potential. It is often used in literature to describe architects, innovators, or dreamers whose work transcends ordinary limits.
EN: The phrase 'In the end' is a transitional idiom used to introduce a final conclusion, summary, or ultimate truth after considering all facts.
In the end, love conquers all difficulties.
EN: The past participle phrase 'turned into stone' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'hope'. It is a reduced relative clause, shortened from 'which is turned into stone'.
The artist showed us a piece of wood turned into a beautiful sculpture.
EN: This poetic quote reflects a deep appreciation for architecture, viewing it not just as functional engineering, but as the physical manifestation of human dreams, aspirations, and endurance across generations.
EN: Wh-questions in the simple past tense use the auxiliary verb 'did' followed by the subject and the base form of the main verb (infinitive without 'to'). Even though the action happened in the past, the main verb 'see' remains in its base form because 'did' already indicates the past tense.
What did you buy at the store?
EN: The comma followed by a proper noun at the end of the sentence is used for direct address (vocative case). It indicates who the speaker is talking to and is separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Where are you going, Tom?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, using a person's name (like 'Emma') in direct address is very common and helps to establish a friendly, personal connection during a conversation. It is not considered overly formal or intrusive.
EN: The relative pronoun 'whose' is used to show possession. It replaces a possessive adjective (like 'its' or 'their') and connects a relative clause to a noun (the antecedent). In this sentence, 'whose walls' means 'the walls of the temple'.
I met an artist whose paintings are famous worldwide.
EN: The passive voice construction 'be covered in/with' is used to describe a state where something is completely spread over or filled with another substance or object.
The mountain peaks are covered in snow all year round.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (also called non-restrictive relative clauses) are used to add extra, non-essential information about a noun. They are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas, and the relative pronoun 'which' is used for things (never 'that').
The museum, which opened last year, is huge.
EN: The verb 'take' is commonly used to express the amount of time required to complete an action or build something. In the past tense, 'took' indicates a completed duration in the past.
The project took three months to complete.
EN: The structure 'preposition + relative pronoun' (in which) is used in formal English to introduce a relative clause. 'In which' functions as an adverbial of place, meaning 'inside the hall' (in the hall), modifying the noun 'hall'.
This is the room in which the meeting will be held.
EN: The simple past tense (welcomed) is used to describe completed actions that occurred at a specific time in the past, indicating that the kings' welcoming of guests is a historical fact.
The guide showed us the palace where ancient kings lived.
EN: In European history, the 'great hall' was the main room of a royal palace or castle. It was a multifunctional space used for feasts, receiving important guests, and holding court, symbolizing the host's power and hospitality.
EN: The relative pronoun 'whose' is used to show possession. It replaces possessive adjectives (like 'his', 'her', 'their') and is always followed by a noun (in this case, 'ideas'). It connects two clauses, indicating that the noun following 'whose' belongs to the person or thing mentioned before it.
I know a writer whose books are very popular.
EN: The past simple tense of the verb 'meet' is 'met', and 'amaze' is 'amazed'. They are used here to describe completed actions in the past. 'Amaze' is a transitive verb meaning to fill someone with surprise or wonder.
The magician's tricks amazed the children.
EN: Preposition + Relative Pronoun (Prep + Which): In formal English, a preposition (like 'through') can be placed before the relative pronoun 'which' to introduce a relative clause. This structure describes the relationship between the noun being modified ('windows') and the action in the clause ('sunlight pours through').
This is the pen with which he wrote the novel.
EN: The verb 'pour' used intransitively: The verb 'pour' can mean to flow rapidly in a steady stream. When used intransitively (without a direct object), it describes natural elements like light or rain moving intensely into a space.
Rain began to pour down on the streets.
EN: In literature and architectural descriptions, the phrase 'sunlight pours' is a common poetic personification. It evokes a sense of warmth, brightness, and natural beauty, highlighting the harmony between human craftsmanship (windows) and nature (sunlight).
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (using 'which') provide extra, non-essential information about a noun and are separated by commas. If removed, the main sentence still makes complete sense.
The book, which I bought yesterday, is very interesting.
EN: Subject-verb agreement with a singular subject ('The bridge') requires a singular verb ('links') in the simple present tense.
The train, which runs daily, connects the two cities.
EN: This sentence uses a locative inversion (or place adverbial inversion) where the adverbial of place 'Nearby' is placed at the beginning, followed by the verb 'is' and then the subject 'a garden'. This structure is often used in descriptive writing to emphasize the location or to create a more dramatic, literary effect.
On the hill stands an old church.
EN: The phrase 'in which' is a relative pronoun structure ('preposition + which') used to introduce a relative clause modifying 'a garden'. 'In which' functions as 'where' in this context, indicating the location inside which the action of finding peace took place.
This is the room in which the meeting will be held.
EN: In English literature and garden design history, gardens are often conceptualized as sanctuaries of peace, reflection, and spiritual restoration. The phrasing 'found peace' in a garden reflects this deep cultural association between nature and mental tranquility.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses with 'whose': This structure is used to provide extra, non-essential information about a noun (the possessor). It is separated from the main clause by commas. 'Whose' functions as a possessive relative pronoun, replacing 'their' in this context.
The architect, whose design won the competition, was very proud.
EN: Subject-Verb Agreement in Relative Clauses: The verb in the relative clause must agree with the subject of that clause. Here, 'dreams' is plural, so the past tense plural verb 'were' is used.
The children, whose toys were broken, started to cry.
EN: The structure 'worth + -ing' is used to say that something is useful, interesting, or helpful enough to deserve a particular action. In this sentence, 'worth seeing' acts as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'place'. Note that the active form '-ing' is used even though the meaning is passive (the place is being seen).
This book is worth reading.
EN: The verb 'stay' combined with the prepositional phrase 'in our hearts' metaphorically means to be remembered fondly or to leave a lasting impression. 'In our hearts' functions as an adverbial phrase of place modifying the verb 'stays'.
Her kind words will always stay in my mind.
EN: The phrase 'stays in our hearts' is a common poetic expression in English literature and daily conversation, emphasizing emotional connection and lasting memory over physical presence. It is often used when talking about beautiful travel experiences, art, or loved ones.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
Existing or continuing through different historical periods.
To change or develop into something different.
Deserving of being looked at or visited because it is beautiful, interesting, or important.