Defining Relative Clauses: Identifying People & Things
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Defining relative clauses give essential information to identify exactly which person or thing you are talking about.
- Use 'who' or 'that' for people (e.g., The man who called).
- Use 'which' or 'that' for things (e.g., The car that I bought).
- Never use commas before or after a defining relative clause.
Overview
These word groups help us know exactly which thing we mean.
They answer "Which one?". "The boy who is tall" helps us.
These words are very important. Do not take them away.
How This Grammar Works
Who(for people): This relative pronoun is exclusively used to refer to people. It can function as the subject or the object within the relative clause. Whilewhomis the grammatically correct objective form,whois almost universally preferred in informal and even much formal modern English when functioning as an object. Usingwhofor people ensures clarity and maintains a natural flow in conversation and writing.- As subject:
She's the professor who teaches linguistics.(Here,whois the subject ofteaches) - As object:
He’s the colleague who I met at the conference.(More formallywhom, butwhois common;who/whomis the object ofmet)
Which(for things, animals, and concepts):Whichis used when the antecedent is an inanimate object, an animal, or an abstract concept. Likewho, it can serve as the subject or the object of the verb within its clause.- As subject:
The car which is parked outside is mine.(whichis the subject ofis parked) - As object:
This is the book which I recommended.(whichis the object ofrecommended)
That(for people, things, animals, and concepts):Thatis the most versatile relative pronoun in defining relative clauses because it can refer to both people and things. It is particularly common in informal spoken English and often interchangeable withwhoorwhich. However, there are specific contexts wherethatis preferred or cannot be used, which will be discussed further below. When in doubt in a defining context,thatis often a safe and natural choice, especially for B1 learners.- For people:
She's the student that got the highest score. - For things:
I like the cafe that has outdoor seating.
Formation Pattern
The person who won the award smiled, who is the subject of won. You cannot say The person won the award smiled.
I bought the phone that has the best camera, that is the subject of has. You cannot say I bought the phone has the best camera.
This is the architect who(m) I admire. Here, who(m) is the object of admire. It can be reduced to This is the architect I admire.
The lecturer with whom I spoke... | The lecturer (who/that) I spoke with... | The tool with which I fixed it... | The tool (which/that) I fixed it with... |
When To Use It
- Identifying a specific individual or item from a group: When there are multiple possibilities, a defining relative clause singles out the exact person or thing you mean.
Could you please pass me the book that is on the top shelf?(Not just any book, but the one specifically on the top shelf.)I'm looking for the technician who can fix this printer.(There might be several technicians, but only one with this specific skill.)
- Providing necessary characteristics or details: These clauses define the nature or attributes of a noun that are essential for its understanding.
We need to hire a candidate who has strong leadership skills.(The leadership skills are a defining requirement for the candidate.)She always prefers restaurants which serve organic food.(This clause describes the type of restaurant she prefers.)
- Explaining the purpose or function of something: Often, defining relative clauses describe what something is for or does.
This is the machine that makes fresh pasta.(It identifies the machine by its function.)He works for a company that develops AI software.(The clause defines the company by its core activity.)
- Clarifying previous statements or avoiding misunderstandings: In conversations, these clauses prevent follow-up questions by providing immediate clarity.
- Instead of
I saw a film., you might sayI saw a film that everyone was talking about.(This adds context that identifies which film.) - In a professional setting:
Please submit the report that includes the quarterly sales figures.(This ensures the correct report is submitted, preventing confusion with other reports.)
- Making generalizations or definitions: Defining relative clauses are often used to define categories or general truths.
A person who never makes mistakes never makes anything.(A proverb defining a type of person.)An algorithm that learns from data is called machine learning.(A definition of a concept.)
Common Mistakes
- Confusing
whoandwhich: This is perhaps the most frequent error. Remember the fundamental distinction:whofor people,whichfor things, animals, or concepts. - Incorrect:
I met a dog who loves to play fetch.(Dogs are not people.) - Correct:
I met a dog which loves to play fetch.orI met a dog that loves to play fetch.
- Incorrect use of commas: Defining relative clauses provide essential information, so they do not take commas. This distinguishes them from non-defining clauses, which are always punctuated with commas because they add supplementary details that could be removed without altering the core meaning.
- Incorrect:
The building, that has a green roof, is our office.(The clause identifies which building; the commas are wrong.) - Correct:
The building that has a green roof is our office.
- Omitting the relative pronoun when it is the subject: You can only drop the relative pronoun if it functions as the object of the relative clause. If it is the subject, it must always be present.
- Incorrect:
The student studies hard will succeed.(Missingwhoorthatas the subject ofstudies) - Correct:
The student who studies hard will succeed. - Contrast (object omitted):
The book (that) I read was interesting.(Here,thatis the object ofreadand can be omitted.)
- Using
thatimmediately after a preposition: This is a grammatical impossibility in standard English. When a preposition is part of the relative clause and precedes the relative pronoun,thatcannot be used. - Incorrect:
This is the topic about that we talked. - Correct:
This is the topic about which we talked.(Formal) - Correct:
This is the topic that we talked about.(Informal and common, with the preposition moved to the end.)
- Overusing
whom: While grammatically correct for the object case of people,whomis highly formal and rarely used in everyday spoken English. Relying on it too heavily can make your language sound stilted or unnatural to a native speaker.Whoorthatare generally preferred for objects referring to people in defining clauses in most contexts. - Technically correct but overly formal:
The author whom I admire lectured today. - More natural:
The author who I admire lectured today.orThe author that I admire lectured today.orThe author I admire lectured today.
Real Conversations
Defining relative clauses are not merely academic constructs; they are integral to how native English speakers communicate efficiently and precisely in daily life. Their utility spans a wide range of contexts, from casual digital exchanges to more formal discussions. Observing their use in various contemporary scenarios highlights their natural integration into modern English.
- Texting and Social Media: In character-limited or fast-paced digital communication, conciseness is valued, making the omission of relative pronouns (when they are objects) particularly common.
- Just saw that movie you recommended - it was great! (Here, that or which is omitted.)
- Look at this meme that went viral last week. (that is the subject and cannot be omitted.)
- Ordering and Shopping: When specifying preferences or identifying items, these clauses are invaluable.
- I'd like the coffee which has oat milk. (Specifying a particular type of coffee.)
- Do you have the charger that works with an iPhone 15? (Identifying a specific compatible charger.)
- Academic and Professional Settings: In discussions, presentations, or reports, clarity is paramount. Defining relative clauses ensure that technical terms, specific projects, or individuals are precisely identified.
- The research that we discussed yesterday requires further analysis. (Identifying which specific research.)
- She's the project manager who initiated the new workflow. (Singling out a specific individual by their action.)
- Casual Conversations: In everyday chats, these clauses help to clarify references and add necessary detail without interrupting the flow.
- Remember that guy who taught our calculus class? I saw him yesterday. (Identifying a shared acquaintance.)
- I love that little bakery that sells those amazing croissants. (Specifying a favorite place by its product.)
These examples illustrate that defining relative clauses are not abstract grammar rules but functional elements that facilitate clear and unambiguous communication. They allow speakers and writers to layer essential information directly onto their nouns, creating richer, more descriptive, and ultimately more comprehensible sentences.
Quick FAQ
- What is the main purpose of a defining relative clause?
- It provides essential information to identify or define the noun it refers to. Without it, the sentence's meaning would be unclear or change. It answers
Which one?
- When do I use
who,which, andthat? Whois used for people only.Whichis used for things, animals, and concepts.Thatcan be used for both people and things/animals/concepts in defining clauses.
- Can I omit the relative pronoun?
- Yes, if the relative pronoun (
who,whom,which,that) functions as the object of the verb in the relative clause. For example:The email (that) I received was long. - No, if the relative pronoun (
who,which,that) functions as the subject of the verb in the relative clause. For example:The person who works here is friendly.
- Do defining relative clauses use commas?
- No. Defining relative clauses are integral to the meaning of the noun and the sentence. They are never separated by commas.
- When should I use
whom? Whomis the objective form ofwhoand is grammatically correct when referring to people as the object of a verb or preposition. However, it is very formal and generally replaced bywhoorthatin most modern English contexts, especially informal ones.- Example:
The friend whom I visited is well.(Formal) vs.The friend (who/that) I visited is well.(Common)
- Are there any restrictions on using
that? - Yes. While
thatis highly versatile in defining relative clauses, it cannot be used immediately after a preposition. For example, you cannot sayThe context in that I learned it.It must beThe context in which I learned itorThe context that I learned it in.
- What's the difference between a defining and a non-defining relative clause?
- Defining clauses provide essential information to identify the noun and use no commas. Removing them changes the sentence's core meaning.
- Non-defining clauses provide extra, non-essential information and are always set off by commas. Removing them does not change the sentence's core meaning, only adds detail.
- Why do some style guides or grammar checkers prefer
whoorwhichoverthatfor specific antecedents? - Historically, some prescriptive grammar rules preferred
whofor people andwhichfor things exclusively. Whilethatis widely accepted and natural for both in defining clauses in modern English, especially informally, some older or stricter guides maintain this distinction. It's a matter of style preference, butthatis grammatically sound in defining contexts.
Relative Pronoun Selection
| Target | Subject Form | Object Form | Possessive Form |
|---|---|---|---|
|
People
|
who / that
|
who / whom / that / (omitted)
|
whose
|
|
Things
|
which / that
|
which / that / (omitted)
|
whose / of which
|
|
Places
|
which / that
|
where
|
n/a
|
|
Times
|
that
|
when
|
n/a
|
Meanings
A defining relative clause provides information that is necessary to identify the noun it follows. Without this clause, the sentence would be incomplete or the meaning would change significantly.
Identifying People
Using 'who' or 'that' to specify which person is being discussed.
“The woman who lives next door is a doctor.”
“I know a girl that speaks five languages.”
Identifying Things
Using 'which' or 'that' to specify which object or concept is being discussed.
“The book which I borrowed is excellent.”
“This is the phone that has the best camera.”
Possession
Using 'whose' to show who something belongs to within the identifying clause.
“The boy whose father is a pilot is my friend.”
“I met a woman whose car had broken down.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Subject (People)
|
Noun + who + verb
|
The man who lives here.
|
|
Subject (Things)
|
Noun + that + verb
|
The car that crashed.
|
|
Object (People)
|
Noun + (who) + subject + verb
|
The man (who) I saw.
|
|
Object (Things)
|
Noun + (that) + subject + verb
|
The book (that) I read.
|
|
Possessive
|
Noun + whose + noun
|
The girl whose cat died.
|
|
Place
|
Noun + where + subject + verb
|
The house where I live.
|
|
Time
|
Noun + when + subject + verb
|
The day when we met.
|
Formality Spectrum
The gentleman whom I encountered this morning. (social_interaction)
The man who I met this morning. (social_interaction)
The guy I met this morning. (social_interaction)
The dude I linked with earlier. (social_interaction)
Relative Pronoun Choice
People
- who subject
- whom object (formal)
Things
- which subject/object
- that subject/object
Defining vs Non-Defining
Can I omit the pronoun?
Is it a defining clause?
Is the pronoun the object?
Common Relative Pronouns
People
- • who
- • that
- • whom
- • whose
Things
- • which
- • that
- • whose
Examples by Level
The man who is happy is my dad.
The dog which is big is mine.
I like the girl who is nice.
This is the house which is blue.
The phone that I have is new.
The people that live here are kind.
Where is the cake that I bought?
I saw the movie that you liked.
The woman whose car broke down is waiting.
The hotel where we stayed was cheap.
The reason why I called is important.
Is that the man you were talking about?
The candidate whom we interviewed yesterday was impressive.
The city in which he was born is very small.
The students failing the test will need to retake it.
It was the atmosphere that made the restaurant special.
The speed at which the virus spread was alarming.
Any person found trespassing will be prosecuted.
The extent to which he went to help was amazing.
He is a man for whom I have great respect.
The manner in which the data was manipulated suggests fraud.
Such was the intensity with which she studied that she fell ill.
The person to whom the letter was addressed has moved.
The criteria by which we judge art are subjective.
Easily Confused
Learners often use commas in defining clauses or use 'that' in non-defining clauses.
Using 'what' to mean 'the thing that'.
Mixing up the person with their possessions.
Common Mistakes
The man what lives here.
The man who lives here.
The car who I like.
The car that I like.
The boy he is my friend.
The boy who is my friend.
I like the book is red.
I like the book that is red.
The man, who is tall, is my uncle.
The man who is tall is my uncle.
The girl who she called me.
The girl who called me.
The house that I live.
The house where I live.
The man whose his car is red.
The man whose car is red.
The reason because I came.
The reason why I came.
The book I read it was good.
The book I read was good.
The person that I gave the book.
The person to whom I gave the book.
Sentence Patterns
The ___ who ___ is ___.
I'm looking for a ___ that ___.
That is the ___ where ___.
He is the kind of person whose ___ is always ___.
Real World Usage
I am looking for a role that allows me to use my coding skills.
Show me the laptops that are under $500.
I want to meet someone who loves hiking and travel.
The suspect is a man who was wearing a blue hoodie.
Did you see the video I sent you?
Take the bus that stops in front of the library.
The 'Finger Test'
No 'What' Allowed
That is Safe
Formal 'Whom'
Smart Tips
You can probably omit the relative pronoun entirely to sound more like a native speaker.
Avoid using 'that' for people; use 'who' or 'whom' instead to maintain a professional tone.
Try removing the clause. If the sentence becomes confusing or 'The [Noun]' doesn't refer to anyone specific anymore, don't use commas.
Remember that 'whose' replaces 'his/her/their' + the noun. Don't keep the possessive adjective!
Pronunciation
Relative Pronoun Reduction
In fast speech, 'that' is often pronounced with a schwa /ðət/.
Stress on the Noun
The stress usually falls on the noun being defined, not the relative pronoun.
Continuous Flow
The girl who lives next door ↗ is a doctor.
There is no pause between the noun and the defining clause.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
WHO is for humans, WHICH is for things, and THAT is the friend that fits both strings.
Visual Association
Imagine a giant magnifying glass hovering over a crowd of people. The glass highlights one person wearing a 'WHO' t-shirt. This represents how the clause 'defines' or 'zooms in' on one specific person.
Rhyme
If the info is a must, no commas you shall trust.
Story
A detective is looking for a thief. He says, 'I need the man WHO has the red bag.' There are ten men, but only one has the red bag. The 'who' clause is the detective's tool to find the right person.
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room. Pick three objects and describe them using 'that' or 'which' (e.g., 'The lamp that is on my desk is black').
Cultural Notes
American English speakers strongly prefer 'that' over 'which' for defining clauses. Using 'which' can sometimes sound overly formal or even British to American ears.
British English is more accepting of 'which' in defining clauses, though 'that' is still very common in speech.
In formal academic papers, 'whom' is still expected when the person is the object of the clause, whereas it has almost disappeared from spoken English.
Relative pronouns in English evolved from interrogative pronouns (who/which) and demonstrative pronouns (that).
Conversation Starters
Tell me about a person who has influenced your life.
What is a gadget that you can't live without?
Describe the kind of house where you would like to live.
Think of a movie that made you cry. Why was it so sad?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
The woman ___ lives next door is a famous singer.
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Find and fix the mistake:
The man who he called me is my boss.
I have a friend. Her father is a doctor.
You can use 'that' instead of 'who' for people in defining clauses.
A: Which book do you want? B: I want the one ___ is on the top shelf.
The movie that we saw last night was great.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesThe woman ___ lives next door is a famous singer.
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Find and fix the mistake:
The man who he called me is my boss.
I have a friend. Her father is a doctor.
You can use 'that' instead of 'who' for people in defining clauses.
A: Which book do you want? B: I want the one ___ is on the top shelf.
The movie that we saw last night was great.
1. The person... 2. The car... 3. The girl... 4. The house...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesI read the article ___ was recommended by my professor.
The architect ___ designed this building won an award.
Is this the laptop ___ you want to buy?
The doctor which I saw was very kind.
The book, that was on the table, is mine.
Which sentence is correct?
Which sentence is correct?
El coche que está aparcado allí es nuevo.
No me gusta la gente que se queja mucho.
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Put the words in the correct order:
Match the relative pronouns with their usual referents:
Match the sentence parts:
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
You can leave it out only if it is the **object** of the clause. For example, in 'The man [that] I saw', 'I' is the subject and 'that' is the object, so you can omit it. In 'The man who called', 'who' is the subject, so you must keep it.
Neither is 'better', but 'who' is more common in formal writing, while 'that' is very common in everyday speech.
No, 'which' is strictly for things and animals. For people, use 'who' or 'that'.
Commas in English indicate that the information is 'extra'. In defining clauses, the information is essential to identify the noun, so we don't use commas.
'Who' is for subjects and 'whom' is for objects. However, 'whom' is very formal and rarely used in spoken English today.
Yes! You can say 'The tree whose leaves are falling' instead of the more clunky 'The tree of which the leaves are falling'.
In American English, 'that' is preferred for defining clauses. In British English, both 'that' and 'which' are used frequently.
Yes, 'where' is much more natural in conversation. 'The house where I live' is better than 'The house in which I live'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
que
English has different pronouns for people vs. things, whereas Spanish often uses 'que' for both.
qui / que
French never omits the relative pronoun, while English often does.
der / die / das
German relative clauses always require commas, even if they are defining.
None (Adnominal clause)
Japanese uses word order instead of pronouns like 'who' or 'which'.
al-ladhi (الذي)
English does not use resumptive pronouns (e.g., we don't say 'the man who I saw him').
de (的)
The relative clause precedes the noun in Chinese but follows it in English.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Don't Drop the Subject: Relative Pronouns (who, which, that)
Overview Relative clauses are sophisticated grammatical structures that allow you to combine ideas and provide additiona...
Relative Clauses: Defining vs Non-Defining Meaning
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Formal Prepositions in Relative Clauses (to whom, for which)
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Non-Defining Clauses: Adding Extra Info (with commas)
Overview Non-defining relative clauses are an essential tool in English for adding **supplementary information** about a...
Dropping Relative Pronouns (the 'that' shortcut)
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Relative Adverb: 'When' for Time
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Relative Adverb: Where for Places
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Relative Clauses with Quantifiers (all of whom, none of which)
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Whose for Possession: Relative Clauses
Overview `Whose` serves as a **possessive relative determiner** in English, primarily within relative clauses. Its core...
Relative Pronouns: 'Which' for Things
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Relative Pronouns: Using 'Who' for People
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Using 'What' as a Relative Pronoun (the thing that...)
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