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Published At: 5/24/2025, 1:19:59 AM
EXERCISE
EXPLANATION
Defining Relative Clauses
The use of defining relative clauses enables readers to understand which specific person or object or location a sentence refers to.
Relative clauses are used to give more information about a noun without starting a new sentence. They help make our writing more fluid and natural. At B2 level, learners are expected to understand and use both defining and non-defining relative clauses correctly.
What Is a Relative Clause?
A relative clause is a part of a sentence that adds extra information about a noun. It usually begins with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, which, or that, or with a relative adverb such as where, when, or why.
Types of Relative Clauses
Defining Relative Clauses: These give essential information about the noun. Without them, the meaning of the sentence would change.
Non-defining Relative Clauses: These add extra, non-essential information. The sentence would still make sense without them. They are always separated by commas.
Relative Pronouns and Their Use
Relative Word
Used For
Example
who
People (subject)
The teacher who helped me was very kind.
whom
People (object, formal)
The student whom I met is from Spain.
whose
Possession (people or things)
She’s the girl whose brother is in my class.
which
Things or animals
The book which I borrowed was fascinating.
that
People or things (defining only)
The car that he drives is new.
where
Places
This is the café where we met.
when
Times
That was the day when we got lost.
why
Reasons
I don’t know the reason why she left.
Defining vs. Non-defining Examples
Defining Relative Clause Examples:
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
This is the movie that everyone is talking about.
He’s the student whose project won the prize.
The place where we met has been renovated.
I found the keys that you lost.
Non-defining Relative Clause Examples:
My uncle, who lives in Canada, is coming to visit.
The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is a popular tourist attraction.
Sarah, whose mother is a professor, speaks three languages.
We visited London, where the Queen lives, last summer.
Monday, which is the first day of the week, is usually very busy.
