Relative Clause

In this lesson you will learn

What is a relative clause

What is a defining and non-defining relative clause

When you can omit a relative pronoun (who/that/which)

What is a Relative Clause?

RC gives us information about people or things mentioned.

We use relative pronouns (who, which, that, whom, whose) and realtive adverbs

when, where, why) to give information.

Who/that

Refers to
people

She is the girl who/that lives next door.

which/that

Refers to
things

He wrote a book which/that is about History.

whose

Refers to
possesion

I have an uncle whose name is Archibald.

who/whom/th
at

Refers to
object

This is the girl who/whom/that I met at the party.

where

Refers to place

The village where I grew up is very small.

when

Refers to time

This is the time when everyone goes on holiday.

why

Refers to
reason

This is the reason why I broke up with my boyfriend.

What is defining and non-defining rc?

Defining RC;

gives necessary information

“Now that’s a girl who knows how to shop”

are not separated by commas

We can use “that” instead of who/which

Non-defining RC;

gives extra information

are separated by commas

“Madonna, whose father is a car engineer, owns a Ferrari.”

we can’t use “that” instead of who/which

You can use non-defining relative clauses with;

All of/any of/some of/few of/none of/half of/many of + which/whom

●There were a lot of people at the party, many of whom I had known for years.

●There are 14 girls in my class, a few of whom are my friends.

●He was carrying his belongings, many of which were broken.

Pay attention

Which can also refer to a whole sentence at the beginning of a non-defining RC

●Chris did really well in his exams, which is quite a surprise.

●My friends were all hiding in my apartment, which isn't what I'd expected.

●She's studying to become a doctor, which is difficult.

Including or omitting the relative pronoun

The relative pronoun can only be omitted when it is the object of the clause. When the
relative pronoun is the subject of the clause, it cannot be omitted.

The woman that/who spoke at the meeting was very famous. (followed by verb)

The woman (that/who) the man loved was very famous. (followed by subject)

Other examples

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​There's something (that) you should know.

It was the best film (that) I've ever seen.

Do you have anything that will help my throat?