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What it is
Clauses that add information about a noun. Defining clauses identify which one you mean; non-defining clauses add an extra detail between commas.
Form
| Type | Pattern | Model sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Defining | noun + who/which/that + verb (no commas) | The colleague who trained me has left. |
| Non-defining | noun, + who/which + verb, … | My manager, who trained me, has left. |
| Object clause | noun (+ that/which) + subject + verb | The book (that) I ordered hasn't arrived. |
| Possessive | noun + whose + noun | The student whose essay won is here. |
| Place / time | noun + where/when + clause | The town where I grew up has changed. |
Use it when
- You need to say which person or thing you mean → defining.
- You add background information the sentence would survive without → non-defining.
- You combine two short sentences into one longer, more natural one.
Examples
- Anyone who wants a ticket should sign up today.
- The report, which runs to 90 pages, was published on Monday.
- That's the café where we first met.
- She's the only person whose advice I trust.
Watch out
My sister, that lives in Lyon, is a nurse.
My sister, who lives in Lyon, is a nurse.
'that' is not used in non-defining clauses.
The film which I saw it was great.
The film which I saw was great.
Don't repeat the object pronoun.
Remember
Commas = extra information. No commas = essential information.
Quick check
- 1.The house ___ roof was damaged is for sale.
- 2.Venice, ___ is sinking slowly, attracts millions.