Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
In English, you can never delete a relative pronoun (who, which, that) if it acts as the subject of the following verb.
- Use 'who' for people and 'which' for things; 'that' works for both in informal speech.
- If the pronoun is followed immediately by a verb, it is the subject: 'The man who lives here.'
- Never omit the subject pronoun: 'The man lives here' is wrong if you mean 'The man who lives here.'
Overview
who、which 和 that 这样的词。它们就像两个想法之间的胶水。想象一下你有两个独立的句子：“我看到一个男生”和“那个男生穿着皮卡丘连体衣”。为了不让自己听起来像个机器人，你会把它们组合起来：“我看到一个 who 穿着皮卡丘连体衣的男生。”在这个新的组合句里，who 做了两份工作：它连接了两个部分，同时它也是动词 was wearing 的主语。因为它扮演的是主语的角色，所以它是必不可少的。你不能直接说 I saw a guy was wearing a Pikachu onesie.这听起来像你在卡顿。这条规则是 B1 阶段的一个里程碑，因为一旦你掌握了它，你的英语听起来就不再是一堆简单的陈述，而是像真正的对话了。这就是“我有个手机。它很好用”和“我有个
that 很好用的手机”之间的区别。前者是小朋友水平，后者则是准备去参加 Zoom 面试的水平。How This Grammar Works
that 让我的手机死机的 app 很烦人。”在这里，that 是动词 crashed 的主语。如果你把 that 删掉，句子就变成了 The app crashed my phone is annoying.现在你有两个动词（
crashed 和 is）在争抢同一个名词（the app）。这会让听者感到困惑。他们不知道是 app 让手机死机了，还是 app 很烦人（或者两者都是！）。通过保留 that，你清晰地标记了描述的开始。它就像一个路标，在说：“嘿！我正要给你提供关于这个名词的更多信息呢！”它能让你的思路保持清晰，当你试着向技术支持解释为什么你的屏幕卡死在一个猫咪表情包上时，这可是非常有用的。
Formation Pattern
who，物用 which，两者都行用 that）。
who/which/that] + [Verb] + [Extra Info]。
The girl (who) (lives) (next door) (is a DJ).
When To Use It
who 带来了额外披萨的男生”，每个人都会瞬间明白（而且可能还会表示赞同）。在亚马逊写评论时可以用它：“昨天送到的 that 耳机坏了。”在吐槽 Netflix 时也可以用它：“那个 which 每个人都在讨论的剧其实很无聊。”这就是为了体现“具体性”而存在的语法。没有它，世界就只是一堆模糊的名词。在更正式的场合它也很有用，比如 LinkedIn 个人简介或求职申请：“我是一名 who 专注于 Python 的开发人员。”它让你听起来很专业、有能力，像是一个真正知道主语在哪儿的人。
Common Mistakes
I have a friend lives in Tokyo.这样的话。对于母语者来说，这听起来就像两个句子撞在了一起。你 必须 说
I have a friend who lives in Tokyo. 另一个错误是用了错误的代词，比如对着你奶奶用 which。除非你奶奶是个机器人（这虽然很酷，但不太可能），否则请坚持用 who。第三个错误是在关系代词后面又加了一个多余的代词。不要说 The car that it is parked outside is mine. 你已经有 that 充当主语了！再加个 it 就像同时戴了两顶帽子。一顶就够了，戴两顶只会让你看起来用力过猛。Contrast With Similar Patterns
The book (that) I read was great. 在这个例子中，I 是主语，而 that（书）是宾语。因为动词 read 已经有一个主语（I）了，所以代词 that 只是没有它也能活的额外信息。但在我们的 B1 规则中，代词 *就是* 主语。The book that is on the table is great. 在这里，that 是 is 的主语。你不能删掉它。一个帮你记住的小窍门：看看代词后面跟着什么。如果紧跟着的是个 动词（who is、that crashed、which works），你必须保留这个代词。如果紧跟着的是个 名词 或 代词（that I read、who you met），你大概可以删掉它。它就像个保安——如果动词是孤身一人，代词就得留下保护它。如果动词已经有主语了，代词就可以休息去了。Quick FAQ
我可以用 that 来指代人吗？
在非正式英语里是可以的！
The guy that lives here 完全没问题。不过 who 更常用，听起来也稍微好一点。
which 只能用于事物吗？
没错。不要对人用 which，除非你想表现得很刻薄，或者你是在聊一个幽灵。
如果我忘了用代词会怎么样？
人们通常能听懂你的意思，但你听起来会像在说“蹩脚”英语。它会打断对话的流畅度。
这也适用于过去时吗？
当然。
The movie that started at 8:00 和 The movie that starts at 8:00 一样严格。
这条规则是正式还是非正式的？
两者都是！它是这门语言的一条基本法则。无论你是给朋友发短信还是写毕业论文，都要把那个主语代词留在原位。
Choosing the Correct Subject Relative Pronoun
| Antecedent (The Noun) | Relative Pronoun | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
People (Formal)
|
Who
|
Subject
|
The man who knows...
|
|
People (Informal)
|
That
|
Subject
|
The girl that lives...
|
|
Things/Animals
|
Which
|
Subject
|
The cat which barks...
|
|
Things/Animals
|
That
|
Subject
|
The car that broke...
|
|
Possession
|
Whose
|
Subject/Determiner
|
The boy whose dog...
|
Meanings
A relative pronoun connects a main clause to a relative clause. When that pronoun is the subject of the relative clause, it provides essential information about the noun it follows.
Identifying People
Using 'who' or 'that' to specify exactly which person we are talking about.
“The woman who won the lottery is my aunt.”
“Students that study hard usually pass.”
Identifying Things
Using 'which' or 'that' to specify exactly which object or concept we are discussing.
“The car which crashed was red.”
“I bought a phone that has a great camera.”
Defining Essential Information
Providing information that is necessary to understand which specific noun is being referred to.
“I don't like movies that have sad endings.”
“Where is the key which opens this door?”
Reference Table
| 关系代词 | 指代对象 | 在从句中的角色 | 可以省略吗？ |
|---|---|---|---|
|
`who`
|
人
|
主语
|
不可以
|
|
`which`
|
物、动物
|
主语
|
不可以
|
|
`that`
|
人、物
|
主语
|
不可以
|
|
`who`
|
人
|
宾语
|
可以
|
|
`which`
|
物、动物
|
宾语
|
可以
|
|
`that`
|
人、物
|
宾语
|
可以
|
正式程度
There is a gentleman who is inquiring after you. (Workplace/Street)
There is a man who is looking for you. (Workplace/Street)
There's a guy that's looking for you. (Workplace/Street)
Some dude's lookin' for ya. (Workplace/Street)
关系代词（主语角色）
Who
- 人 Person, student, colleague
- 例子 The student WHO studies hard.
Which
- 物 Book, idea, car
- 动物 Dog, cat, bird
- 例子 The car WHICH broke down.
That
- 人/物均可 App, phone, friend
- 例子 The app THAT helps me.
主语 vs 宾语关系代词
我能省掉这个关系代词吗？
关系代词后面紧跟着动词吗？
用法指南：Who, Which, That
指代人（主语）
- • `who` (常用，正式)
- • `that` (常用，口语)
指代物/动物（主语）
- • `which` (常用，正式)
- • `that` (常用，口语)
何时不能省（主语）
- • 代词 + 动词结构
- • 限制性从句为了表达清晰
按水平分级的例句
The boy who is happy.
The boy who is happy.
The car that is red.
The car that is red.
A teacher who is nice.
A teacher who is nice.
A book that is big.
A book that is big.
I know a girl who speaks English.
I know a girl who speaks English.
This is the phone that works well.
This is the phone that works well.
The man who lives here is old.
The man who lives here is old.
I like movies that are funny.
I like movies that are funny.
The company which produces these cars is Japanese.
The company which produces these cars is Japanese.
People who want to join the club must pay a fee.
People who want to join the club must pay a fee.
Is there a restaurant that serves vegetarian food?
Is there a restaurant that serves vegetarian food?
The software which was installed yesterday is crashing.
The software which was installed yesterday is crashing.
The candidates who were interviewed yesterday were all excellent.
The candidates who were interviewed yesterday were all excellent.
The law, which was passed last year, has caused many problems.
The law, which was passed last year, has caused many problems.
Anyone who believes that story is very gullible.
Anyone who believes that story is very gullible.
The evidence that was presented in court was convincing.
The evidence that was presented in court was convincing.
The factors which contribute to climate change are multifaceted.
The factors which contribute to climate change are multifaceted.
It was my brother who eventually convinced me to move.
It was my brother who eventually convinced me to move.
The individual who is found responsible will be prosecuted.
The individual who is found responsible will be prosecuted.
The theories that underpin this research are quite complex.
The theories that underpin this research are quite complex.
The nuances that characterize his later work are often overlooked.
The nuances that characterize his later work are often overlooked.
He is a man who, despite his flaws, remains deeply respected.
He is a man who, despite his flaws, remains deeply respected.
The mechanisms which facilitate this biological process are still being studied.
The mechanisms which facilitate this biological process are still being studied.
Such are the challenges that await any newcomer to the field.
Such are the challenges that await any newcomer to the field.
容易混淆
Learners often use 'whom' as a subject because it sounds more formal.
Learners don't know when to use commas.
Using 'what' as a relative pronoun.
常见错误
I have a friend lives in London.
I have a friend who lives in London.
The car is red is mine.
The car that is red is mine.
A person which works here.
A person who works here.
The man who he lives here.
The man who lives here.
The book who I bought.
The book that I bought.
Is this the bus goes to the city?
Is this the bus that goes to the city?
The people lives in this house.
The people who live in this house.
The man I met him was nice.
The man who I met was nice.
Everything what happened was my fault.
Everything that happened was my fault.
The lady who she called you is my boss.
The lady who called you is my boss.
The person whom called you is waiting.
The person who called you is waiting.
句型
I know a person who ___.
The ___ that ___ is ___.
Is there anything which ___?
Anyone who ___ must ___.
Real World Usage
The girl that lives next door is having a party.
I am a person who takes initiative.
I want to return the item which arrived damaged.
Take the bus that goes to the museum.
A traveler who loves coffee.
The party who signs this contract...
找找“主谓对儿”
The girl who sang was great.
别用 which 指代人
who 专门给人类（和宠物）用，而 which 只负责物品和概念。The teacher who helped me is kind.
用 He/She/It 来测试
The dog that barked is mine.
That 的语境选择
that 很万能，但在正式场合或写作中，用 who 指代人会显得更自然、更优雅一点哦。The person who called you is here.
别加多余的代词
The boy who ran away was fast.
Smart Tips
Stop! You need a relative pronoun. Don't jump straight to the verb.
Use 'who' for people and 'which' for things. Avoid 'that' to sound more academic.
Try to replace the pronoun with 'He' or 'It'. If the sentence works, it's a subject!
Contract 'that is' to 'that's' and 'who is' to 'who's'. It sounds much more natural.
发音
Contraction of 'that is'
In spoken English, 'that' and 'is' are almost always contracted to 'that's'.
Weak form of 'who'
The 'h' in 'who' is often very soft, and the vowel becomes a schwa-like sound in fast speech.
Relative Clause Rise-Fall
The man who LIVES here (slight rise) is NICE (fall).
The rise on the relative clause indicates it is descriptive information.
记住它
记忆技巧
S.O.S. — Subject Or Stay! If the pronoun is the Subject, it must Stay.
视觉联想
Imagine a bridge connecting two islands. If the bridge (the pronoun) is missing, the cars (the verbs) fall into the water because they have no road (subject) to drive on.
Rhyme
If a verb comes next in line, keep the pronoun every time!
Story
A king (the noun) has a messenger (the relative pronoun) who carries a message (the verb). If the king sends the message without the messenger, the message never arrives. The messenger is the subject of the journey.
Word Web
挑战
Look around the room. Describe 5 things using 'that' or 'which' followed by a verb (e.g., 'The lamp that sits on the desk'). Ensure you don't drop the pronoun!
文化笔记
British speakers are slightly more likely to use 'which' in defining relative clauses than American speakers, though 'that' is still dominant in speech.
American English strictly prefers 'that' for defining clauses and 'which' for non-defining clauses (with commas).
In some rural dialects, 'as' was historically used as a relative pronoun, though this is now very rare and considered non-standard.
Relative pronouns in English evolved from interrogative pronouns (who/which) and demonstrative pronouns (that) in Old English.
对话开场白
Tell me about a person who inspires you.
What kind of movies do you like?
Describe a piece of technology that you can't live without.
What are the qualities of a leader who succeeds?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
Painter 是人，所以用 who。它也是 lives 的主语。which 不能省，因为它做主语。选项中的 that 也可以，因为在限制性从句中可以替换。Which 是 broke down 的主语，不能省。其他选项要么漏了代词，要么多加了主语。The car which broke down is mine 中，which 充当了从句的主语，语法完美。Score: /4
练习题
8 exercisesThe man ___ lives next door is a doctor.
Find and fix the mistake:
The car is parked outside is mine.
I have a computer ___ works very fast.
Combine them using a relative pronoun.
'The book that is on the table is mine.'
Identify the 'Object' relative clause.
A: Which phone should I buy? B: Buy the one ___ has the best battery.
1. A pilot... 2. A key... 3. A student...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe new phone ___ has a great camera is very expensive.
The doctor she helped me was very kind.
将这些单词排列成句：
将这些单词排列成句：
合并这两个句子：'There's a new restaurant. It serves amazing sushi.'
将名词与正确的代词连线：
哪句话是正确的？
The company ___ manufactures these parts is based in Germany.
I met a person was very kind.
合并句子：'She has a brother. He lives in Canada.'
The documentary ___ explores space travel is fascinating.
哪句话在语法上是正确的？
Score: /12
常见问题 (8)
No. In standard English, if the relative pronoun is the subject of the clause, it must be included. Dropping it makes the sentence ungrammatical.
'Who' is more formal and preferred in writing. 'That' is very common in spoken, informal English. Both are grammatically correct.
In 'The book I read,' 'I' is the subject. In 'The book that is red,' 'that' is the subject. You can only drop the pronoun if it's NOT the subject.
Yes, 'which' is used for objects, animals, and ideas. Never use 'which' for people.
This is a 'double subject' error. 'The man who he lives here' is wrong. 'Who' already does the job of 'he'.
Not for these 'defining' clauses. These clauses are essential to know which noun you are talking about, so no commas are used.
'Whose' is a possessive relative pronoun. It is followed by a noun, and together they can be the subject: 'The boy whose dog barked.'
In American English, 'that' is much more common for defining clauses. In British English, 'which' is used more often than in the US, but 'that' is still very frequent.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
que
English requires 'who' for people, whereas Spanish uses 'que' for both.
qui / que
In French, 'qui' is the subject pronoun regardless of whether it's a person or a thing.
der / die / das
German relative pronouns are much more complex due to case endings (nominative, accusative, etc.).
None (Pre-nominal modification)
Japanese has no words like 'who' or 'which' to connect clauses.
al-ladhi (الذي)
Arabic often requires a 'resumptive pronoun' later in the sentence, which English forbids.
de (的)
The word order is reversed compared to English.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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