Relative clauses are used to connect a clause to a noun or pronoun, providing additional information without starting a new sentence. They help avoid repetition and make sentences more fluid and detailed.
- A relative clause adds extra information about a noun and starts with a relative pronoun.
- They make writing and speech more efficient by combining ideas.
- Can be essential (defining) or extra (non-defining) information.
Relative clauses are used to add information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
Common relative pronouns include who, which, that, whose, and whom.
Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun they describe. Without the clause, the meaning of the sentence would change or be incomplete. They do not use commas.
- Give essential information about a noun.
- Cannot be removed without changing the meaning.
- No commas are used.
- Relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, that.
Examples
- The man who lives next door is a doctor. (You need to know which man.)
- She bought a car that runs on electricity. (The kind of car matters.)
No, defining relative clauses are essential for the meaning.
Defining relative clauses use who, whom, whose, which, that.
Sentences 1 and 2 correctly use defining relative clauses. Sentences 3 and 4 use non-defining relative clauses.
Non-defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses add extra, non-essential information. The sentence still makes sense if the clause is removed. These clauses are set off by commas. Only who, whom, whose, which are used (not "that").
- Add extra information (not essential).
- Use commas to separate the clause.
- If removed, the main sentence still stands.
- Relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which (never "that").
Examples
- My brother, who lives in London, is a chef. (Extra info about my brother.)
- The car, which was made in 2010, is very reliable. (Extra info about the car.)
Yes, non-defining relative clauses can be removed without affecting the main sentence's core meaning.
Non-defining relative clauses are 'My father, who is a teacher, enjoys fishing.' and 'The Eiffel Tower, which was built in 1889, attracts millions of visitors.'
Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses and link them to the main clause. Their form depends on the noun they refer to and whether the clause is defining or non-defining.
| Pronoun | Refers to | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| who | People | Defining & Non-defining | The girl who sings is famous. |
| whom | People (object) | Defining & Non-defining | The man whom you saw is here. |
| whose | Possession (people/things) | Defining & Non-defining | I know a woman whose car is red. |
| which | Things/Animals | Defining & Non-defining* | The book which you need is mine. |
| that | People/Things | Defining only | The house that Jack built... |
\*Use "which" in non-defining clauses; "that" is never used in non-defining clauses.
'That' is only used in defining relative clauses, not in non-defining clauses.
We use 'who' for people, and 'which' for things or animals.
Omission of Relative Pronouns
In defining relative clauses, the relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted when it functions as the object of the clause (not as the subject).
- Omission is possible when the relative pronoun is an object.
- Common in informal speech and writing.
- Not possible in non-defining clauses.
Examples
- The book (that) I read was amazing. ("That" is omitted)
- The person (whom) you met is my friend.
A relative pronoun can be omitted only when it is the object of a defining relative clause.
No, you cannot omit the relative pronoun in non-defining relative clauses.
You can omit the relative pronoun only when it functions as the object in a defining relative clause.
Conclusion
Relative clauses are a powerful tool for linking ideas and adding detail without repetition. Understanding the difference between defining and non-defining relative clauses—and the correct use of relative pronouns—can greatly improve both clarity and style in English.
- Relative clauses connect extra information to a noun using relative pronouns.
- Defining clauses are essential to meaning; non-defining add extra info with commas.
- Mastery of relative clauses enhances precision and flow in communication.