Relative Clauses
Relative clauses give more information about a noun. Defining relative clauses (no commas) identify which person or thing we mean. Non-defining relative clauses (with commas) add extra information about something already identified. Use who/that for people, which/that for things, and whose for possession.
WHEN TO USE
Use defining relative clauses (no commas) when the information is essential to identify the noun. Use non-defining relative clauses (with commas) when the information is extra/additional and the noun is already identified.
STRUCTURE
noun + who/which/that/whose + clause (no commas = defining)The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
proper noun + , + which/who + clause + , (non-defining)My father, whose car broke down, took the bus.
noun + where/when/why (relative adverbs)This is the city where I was born.
SIGNAL WORDS
- who
- which
- that
- whose
- whom
- where
- when
EXAMPLES
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
The book that I lent you is a bestseller.
My father, whose car broke down, took the bus.
That's the restaurant where we had our first date.
Do you know anyone who speaks Japanese?
COMMON MISTAKES
The man which called you is my brother.
The man who called you is my brother.
Use 'who' (not 'which') for people
She is the woman who her husband is a pilot.
She is the woman whose husband is a pilot.
Use 'whose' to show possession — not 'who her' or 'who his'
Tip
Quick guide: who = person, which = thing, that = person or thing (defining clauses only), whose = possession, where = place, when = time. 'That' cannot be used in non-defining (comma) clauses.