RELATIVE CLAUSES

Relative clauses give us information about people, things, places, etc; and are usually introduced
by a relative pronoun (e.g. who, which, that, where, etc)

There are two types of relative clauses: defining and non-defining.

Defining Relative Clauses

They give us essential information. Information that we need to understand the sentence, so they
cannot be omitted.

who/that – used to talk about people

They’re the guys who/that mugged me the other day.

A nurse is a person who/that looks after sick people in hospitals.

John is the person who/that we elected chairman.

which/that – used to talk about things.

Look! That’s the dog which/that attacked me last week.

A laptop is a computer which/that you can carry everywhere.

whose – used to show possession.

A nurse someone whose job is to look after sick people in hospitals.

That’s the family whose house was burnt down.

where – used to refer to places and locations.

I know a restaurant where the food is excellent and cheap.

A hospital is a place where people receive medical treatment.

Non-defining Relative Clauses

They give us extra or additional information and are not necessary. They can be left out and the
sentence will still make sense.

My brother, who lives in Paris, is a well-known chef.

This smartphone, which I bought last week, takes great photos.

My hometown, where a powerful earthquake happened, is now being rebuilt.

John and Susan are comforting their little child, whose pet died this morning.