Relative Clauses

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Defining Relative Clauses

Defining relative clauses give detailed information defining a general term or expression. Defining relative clauses are not put in commas.

Example: The boy (who/whom) we met yesterday is very nice.

Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses give additional information on something, but do not define it. Non-defining relative clauses are put in commas.

Example: Jim, (who/whom) we met yesterday, is very nice.

*Note: In non-defining relative clauses, (who/which) may not be replaced with that.

relative pronounuseexample who subject or object pronoun for people.I told you about the woman who lives next door. which subject or object pronoun for animals and things.Do you see the cat which is lying on the roof? which referring to a whole sentence.He couldn’t read which surprised me. whose possession for people animals and things.Do you know the boy whose

mother is a nurse? whom object pronoun for people, especially in non-defining relative clauses (in clauses we colloquially prefer who).I was invited by the professor whom I met at the conference. that subject or object pronoun for people, animals and things in defining relative

clauses (who or which are also possible).I don’t like the table that stands in the kitchen.