Who, which, that — relative pronouns
What is a relative clause?
A relative clause helps us combine two sentences. In the examples below, it is highlighted in bold.
You gave me a pen. It doesn't write.
→ The pen that you gave me doesn't write.
An artist drew this picture. This artist is well known in the USA.
→ The artist who painted this picture is well known in the USA.
A relative clause can be defining or non-defining.
Defining clause = information is essential
A defining relative clause helps us define the noun by providing essential information about it. If we take away the relative clause, the meaning will be lost. We won't be able to understand clearly what is meant.
Examples of a defining clause
The news which Sam told me was truly exciting.
Where is the paper that was here on the desk?
The server failure that happened yesterday was predictable.
There are 3 relative pronouns we can use in a defining relative clause:
- who — for people
- which — for things
- that — both for people and things
The personal pronoun can be the subject or the object of the verb. If it is the object, we can omit it. In the examples below, the subject is underlined.
Examples where the relative pronoun is the subject:
The woman who lives next door is a very nice person.
Do you know anybody who can restore an old motorcycle?
I've never met the person that owns this house.
It is the thought which drives me crazy.
The idea that seems obvious always comes too late.
Can you pass me the folder that is right behind you?
Examples where the relative pronoun is the object:
The young man who you met at the party is Jenny's brother.
The manager that I spoke to wasn't very helpful.
He's just the person we need.
Do you still have the book which Albert gave you?
The software that the company uses is quite expensive.
Are you still wearing the T-shirt you bought five years ago?
Keep in mind
We don't put commas in defining relative clauses.
Non-defining clause = information is additional
A non-defining relative clause gives us additional, not essential information about the person or thing. If we take it away from the sentence, we will lose some detail but not the meaning.
We usually separate the non-relative clause from the rest of the sentence with commas.
Examples of a non-defining clause
My brother, who is 10 years younger than me, has a high-paying job.
In that restaurant, I first tried sushi, which I had never eaten before.
There are 2 relative pronouns we can use in a non-defining relative clause:
- who — for people
- which — for things
Attention
We don't use "that" in a non-defining relative clause and we can't omit the relative pronoun "who"/"which".
More examples of a non-defining clause
Mr Louis, who arrived late that night, heard a gunshot, too.
My parents, who are both retired now, are really fond of travelling.
Danny, who has owned the same model for two years, says it is very robust.
Flamingos, which we know for their pink colour, are naturally white.
I found the lost earring, which had been in the drawer all this time.
A table to sum up
| Relative pronouns: choosing between who, which, that | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the clause affect the meaning? | Defining (= essential information) | Undefining (= additional information) | ||
| Can the pronoun be omitted? | Yes, if it is the object. | No | ||
| Is it a person? | who or that (informal) |
who | ||
| Is it an animal/a thing? | which or that (informal) |
which | ||
Preposition in relative clauses
If the verb in the relative clause requires a preposition, we normally put it at the end of the clause.
Examples
Jane, who I work with, bakes delicious cakes.
The city he comes from isn't as big as London.
The woman that I was talking to is Greg's wife.