Relative Clauses: Defining and Non-Defining

This page provides a comprehensive overview of relative clauses in English, focusing on the distinction between defining and non-defining relative clauses. It also introduces the various relative pronouns used in these structures.

Defining Relative Clauses

Defining relative clauses, also known as cláusulas relativas en inglés, provide essential information to identify the subject being referred to in the sentence.

Definition: Defining relative clauses are subordinate clauses that give indispensable information to identify who or what we are referring to.

Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses, in contrast, offer additional information about the subject that is not necessary for identification.

Definition: Non-defining relative clauses are subordinate clauses that provide extra information about the person or thing we are referring to. This information is not essential for identifying the subject of the sentence and is separated by commas.

Highlight: In non-defining relative clauses, "that" cannot be used in place of "who", "which", "when", "where", and "whose".

Relative Pronouns

The page presents a table of relative pronouns and their uses:

1. Who / That: Used for people
2. Which / That: Used for things
3. Whose: Used for possessions
4. Where: Used for places
5. When: Used for time
6. That: Used for both people and things

Example: For each relative pronoun, the page provides an example sentence:

• "The lawyer who / that is handling the case is very good."
• "The sweater which / that I'm wearing is handmade."
• "That's the woman whose photos are on display at the Dyson Gallery."
• "The theatre where we performed was very old."
• "Do you remember the night when the accident happened?"

Highlight: The page concludes with an example of a non-defining relative clause: "Anne, who is a history expert, got a doctorate in 2011." It also demonstrates an incorrect usage: "Anne, that is a history expert, got a doctorate in 2011." [This is not correct]

This comprehensive overview provides students with a solid foundation for understanding and using relative clauses in English, covering both defining and non-defining relative clauses and the appropriate use of relative pronouns.