Have you ever tried to describe someone or something, but the other person didn’t know which one you meant? Defining relative clauses are the perfect tool to add essential information and “point with your words,” making it clear exactly which person or thing you’re talking about. 🎯
Function & Usage
A defining relative clause tells us which specific noun we are talking about. The information is essential; if you remove the clause, the meaning of the sentence becomes unclear or changes completely. We use specific words to introduce these clauses.
- Who / That: Used to give essential information about a person.
Example: The woman who works at the bank is very friendly. (This tells us WHICH woman). - Which / That: Used to give essential information about a thing or animal.
Example: I lost the book which you gave me. (This tells us WHICH book).
In many cases, ‘that’ can be used informally for both people and things.
The Structure (Form)
The clause comes directly after the noun it is describing.
| Noun | Relative Pronoun | Rest of Clause |
|---|---|---|
| The man | who/that | lives next door is a doctor. |
| The keys | which/that | are on the table are mine. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using commas: Defining relative clauses give essential information, so they are never separated by commas. Incorrect: “The man, who lives next door, is a doctor.”
- Using the wrong pronoun: Don’t use ‘which’ for people. Incorrect: “The woman which works at the bank…” Correct: “The woman who/that works at the bank…”
- Repeating the subject: The relative pronoun replaces the subject, so don’t add it again. Incorrect: “The student who she got the best grade…” Correct: “The student who got the best grade…”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: My phone is broken.
Person B: Oh no! Is it the one that you bought last month?
Person A: Yes, the very same one.
Friend 1: I spoke to a man this morning about the job.
Friend 2: Was it the man who is in charge of the sales department?
Friend 1: I think so!
Customer: I’m looking for the pasta.
Employee: We have many kinds. Are you looking for the pasta which is on sale this week?
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. The woman called you is my boss. (for a person)
2. I love the cake you made. (for a thing)
3. The police arrested the man stole the car. (for a person, informal)
4. Where is the email I sent you? (for a thing, informal)
5. An architect is a person designs buildings. (for a person)
6. I don’t like movies ___ have sad endings.
7. The person ___ won the competition is my cousin.
8. What’s the name of the restaurant ___ we went to last week?
9. A doctor is someone ___ helps sick people.
10. I’m reading a book ___ is about the history of space travel.
