Overview
Relative clauses modify nouns using who (people), which (things), that (people or things), whose (possession), where (places), and when (times). Defining relative clauses identify which person or thing is meant and need no commas. Non-defining clauses add extra information and require commas.
Relative Pronouns
- whoPeople: the woman who called
- whichThings/animals: the car which broke down
- thatPeople or things (defining): the book that I read
- whosePossession: the boy whose bag was stolen
- wherePlaces: the city where I grew up
Defining vs Non-Defining
- DefiningNo commas — essential info: the man who stole the car
- Non-definingCommas — extra info: My sister, who lives in Rome, called.
- That is only used in defining clauses
Common Mistakes
- ❌ The man which I met → ✅ The man who I met
- ❌ The house who I bought → ✅ The house that/which
- ❌ My friend, that lives in Paris → ✅ who lives
When to use
Describing People
The teacher who helped me was amazing.
Describing Places
This is the café where we first met.
Describing Things
I found the keys that I lost.
Showing Possession
The student whose essay won is here.