How To Use A Relative Clause

Use relative clauses to provide extra information. This information can either define something (defining clause), or provide unnecessary, but interesting, added information (non-defining clause).

Relative clauses can be introduced by:

• a relative pronoun: who (whom), which, that, whose
• no relative pronoun, Ø.
• where, why and when instead of a relative pronoun

You need to consider the following when deciding which relative pronoun to use:

• Is the subject or object or possessive of a relative clause?
• Does it refers to a person or an object?
• Is the relative clause a defining or non-defining relative clause?

NOTE: Relative clauses are often used in both spoken and written English. There is a tendency to use non-defining relative clauses mostly in written, rather than in spoken, English.

Using Relative Clauses

Introduction to Relative Clauses

Deciding Whether A Relative Clause is a Defining Relative Clause or Non-Defining Relative Clause

Defining Relative Clauses: Relative Pronouns

Non-Defining Relative Clauses: Relative Pronouns

Where, Why and When instead of Relative Pronouns - The Use of Prepositions in Relative Clauses