What are Defining Relative Clauses?
Defining relative clauses (also called restrictive clauses) are groups of words that provide essential information about a noun to identify which specific person, thing or group is being talked about. Without this information, the sentence would be unclear or would have a different meaning.
A defining relative clause is a subordinate clause that identifies or restricts the noun it modifies and cannot be omitted without losing meaning. It uses relative pronouns like who, which, or that and is not separated by commas.
- •Identifies the noun
- •No commas around clause
- •Cannot be removed
- •Answers 'which one?'
- •Adds extra detail
- •Commas around clause
- •Can be removed
- •Just adds info
Step-by-step worked examples
Complete: The student who __ always gets top marks in English.
who = relative pronoun linking to 'student' The clause identifies WHICH student Answer: who studies hard / who attends every class
Combine into one sentence with a defining relative clause: I have a book. It was written by Shakespeare.
Identify the noun to be restricted: 'book' Use 'that' or 'which': I have a book that was written by Shakespeare. Or: I have a book which was written by Shakespeare.
Identify the defining relative clause: The town where I grew up has changed dramatically.
Relative pronoun: 'where' The clause restricts which town: 'where I grew up' Without it: 'The town has changed' (loses meaning)
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which is a defining relative clause?
Q2.Why can't you remove a defining clause?
Q3.Complete: The book __ you lent me was brilliant.
Q4.Defining relative clauses use…
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Common mistakes
Using commas around defining clauses. — Correct: Defining clauses have no commas — they're essential.
Using 'which' for people. — Correct: Use 'who' for people, 'which' for things.
Removing the defining clause doesn't change meaning. — Correct: It does — the sentence becomes unclear.
Using 'whom' always for objects. — Correct: Use 'whom' only when it's the object of the verb (He is the man whom I trust).
FAQ
What is a defining relative clause?
A clause that identifies or restricts a noun — essential to meaning, no commas, using who/which/that/where/when.
How does a defining clause differ from non-defining?
Defining identifies the noun (no commas, can't remove). Non-defining adds extra info (commas, can remove).
What relative pronouns work in defining clauses?
who/whom, which, that, where, when — chosen based on the noun (person, thing, place, time).
Can you use 'that' in every defining clause?
Almost — 'that' works for people and things, but 'where' and 'when' are better for places and times.