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Relative clauses that polish your prose: who/which/that

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Understanding Relative Clauses: A Comprehensive Guide

Relative clauses are a fundamental aspect of English grammar, providing essential information about the nouns they modify. They help us understand which specific person or thing is being referred to, or they can add additional information about a noun. This article will delve into the two primary types of relative clauses, their uses, and how to construct them effectively.

Defining and Non-defining Relative Clauses

Defining Relative Clauses

Defining relative clauses are crucial for identifying the noun they modify. They provide essential information that specifies the noun, making it clear which person or thing we are talking about. For instance:

  • The woman who lives next door is a doctor. - Here, "who lives next door" specifies which woman is being referred to.
  • Barbara works for a company that makes furniture. - The clause "that makes furniture" defines the type of company.
  • We stayed at the hotel (that) you recommended. - "That you recommended" tells us which hotel.

In defining relative clauses, we do not use commas. These clauses are integral to the sentence’s meaning, and omitting them would alter the sentence's meaning significantly.

Non-defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses, on the other hand, provide additional information about a noun that is already clear. They are not essential for identifying the noun but add extra details. For example:

  • My brother Rob, who lives in Australia, is a doctor. - The clause "who lives in Australia" adds extra information about Rob, but we already know who Rob is.
  • Colin told me about his new job, which he's enjoying very much. - Here, "which he's enjoying very much" adds more details about the job.
  • We stayed at the Park Hotel, which a friend of ours recommended. - "Which a friend of ours recommended" provides additional information about the hotel.

Non-defining relative clauses are set off by commas because the sentence would still be complete and understandable without them.

Using Relative Pronouns: Who, Which, That, and Whose

Who and Whom

"Who" is used for people and serves as the subject of the relative clause. For example:

  • The man who called yesterday is my uncle.

"Whom" is more formal and is used when referring to the object of a verb or preposition:

  • The woman whom I met was very kind.

Which

"Which" is used for things and animals. It can be used in both defining and non-defining clauses:

  • The book which you lent me was fascinating.
  • The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is a famous landmark.

That

"That" can be used for both people and things in defining clauses but is not used in non-defining clauses:

  • The car that is parked outside is mine.
  • The woman that you met is my sister.

Whose

"Whose" is used to show possession and can refer to people or things:

  • The artist whose painting won the prize is famous.
  • This is the house whose roof needs repair.

Omitting the Relative Pronoun

In defining relative clauses, the relative pronoun can be omitted if it is the object of the clause:

  • The book (that) I read was excellent.
  • The person (who) you called is not available.

However, when the pronoun is the subject of the clause, it cannot be omitted:

  • The woman who lives here is very friendly.

Position of Prepositions in Relative Clauses

Prepositions in relative clauses can appear at the end of the clause or before the relative pronoun. In informal English, the preposition is often placed at the end:

  • The house which I live in is old.
  • The person you are talking to is my friend.

In formal English, the preposition is placed before the relative pronoun:

  • The house in which I live is old.
  • The person to whom you are speaking is my friend.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Using "which" for people: Always use "who" or "that" for people.
  • Omitting the relative pronoun when it is the subject: Ensure the pronoun is present when it is the subject of the clause.
  • Misplacing commas in defining clauses: Do not use commas in defining clauses as they are essential to the meaning.

FAQs About Relative Clauses

Can I use "that" in non-defining clauses?

No, "that" is not used in non-defining clauses. Use "which" instead.

Is it necessary to use "whom" in spoken English?

In spoken English, "whom" is often replaced by "who" or omitted altogether, especially in informal contexts.

Exercises to Practice Relative Clauses

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using appropriate relative pronouns.

  1. The person _____ called you is my friend.
  2. The house _____ we visited was beautiful.
  3. She is the author _____ book you are reading.
  4. The city _____ I was born is famous for its history.

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in these sentences.

  1. The car which is parked outside is mine.
  2. The woman whom I spoke was very helpful.
  3. The movie that we watched it was exciting.

Conclusion

Mastering relative clauses is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding the differences between defining and non-defining clauses, using the correct relative pronouns, and knowing when to omit them, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills. Practice regularly, and soon, using relative clauses will become second nature.

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