Relative Clauses: Defining and Non-defining
Learn how to add essential and extra information using relative clauses.
- check_circleI can use defining relative clauses to identify people, things, and places.
- check_circleI can use non-defining relative clauses to add extra information.
- check_circleI can know when to use commas in relative clauses and when to omit relative pronouns.
Discover
Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.
Sarah: Have you seen the new exhibit at the gallery?
Mark: Which one? There are several going on right now.
Sarah: The one that features local artists. It’s by the same curator, who always puts together amazing collections, right?
Mark: Oh, yes! I spoke to the manager, whose office is on the first floor, and she said it’s their most successful event this year.
Sarah: That’s wonderful. I bought a painting that I absolutely love. The artist, whom I actually met at the opening, is incredibly talented.
Mark: I heard about him! He’s the guy who paints those large cityscapes, isn’t he?
Sarah: Yes! His work, which focuses on urban decay, really makes you think. It’s a fascinating perspective.
Mark: I’ll have to go check it out this weekend.
Learn
Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.
Relative clauses allow us to combine sentences and add information about a noun without repeating it. There are two main types: defining and non-defining relative clauses.
Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses give essential information to identify exactly who or what we are talking about. If we remove the clause, the sentence doesn’t make complete sense. We do not use commas.
- The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
- I like the car that is parked outside.
Omitting the Relative Pronoun
You can omit the relative pronoun (who/which/that) if it is the object of the relative clause. You cannot omit it if it’s the subject.
If there is a noun or pronoun directly after the relative pronoun, you can usually drop the relative pronoun!
- The book (that) I bought yesterday is great. (You can omit that)
- The man who called you is my uncle. (You cannot omit who)
Non-defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses give extra, non-essential information. The sentence still makes sense without it. We must use commas to separate it from the rest of the sentence.
- My brother, who lives in London, is coming to visit.
- The Eiffel Tower, which we visited last year, is beautiful.
Common Mistake: Never use “that” in a non-defining relative clause!
- Correct: Paris, which is the capital of France, is lovely.
- Incorrect: Paris,
thatis the capital of France, is lovely.
Prepositions in Relative Clauses
In formal English, the preposition often comes before the relative pronoun (whom/which). In everyday spoken English, it usually goes at the end of the clause.
- Formal: The company for which she works is very successful.
- Informal: The company she works for is very successful.
You will often encounter these rules when taking official exams or writing professional emails.
- Defining: Essential info. No commas. “That” can replace “who/which”.
- Object pronouns: Can be omitted in defining clauses (The girl [who] I met…).
- Non-defining: Extra info. Use commas. “That” is never used.
- Prepositions: Usually go at the end of the clause in spoken English.
Practice
Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.
Use It
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Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?