Start with a real moment.
At work, “Please open the file” may not identify the right file. “Please open the file that I sent yesterday” does. A relative clause lets you attach a description directly to a noun, so your reader does not have to guess which person or thing you mean.
See how the sentence works.
Noun + relative pronoun + clause
Read the sentence as one idea, then notice the job each part does.
Understand the choices.
A defining relative clause identifies the noun. Use who for people and which for things; that can often replace either in defining clauses. “The person who handles bookings is away.” Do not separate this essential identifying information with commas.
A non-defining clause adds extra information about something already identified: “Maya, who handles bookings, is away.” Use commas around the extra information. Do not use that in an ordinary non-defining relative clause.
You can omit an object relative pronoun in a defining clause: “The file I sent is attached.” You cannot normally omit a subject relative pronoun: “The file that contains the figures is attached.” Check whether another subject comes after the relative pronoun.
Useful sentences, in context.
The colleague who sits beside me speaks Korean.
Who is the subject of sits.
The café we visited has closed.
We is the subject; the object pronoun is omitted.
My laptop, which I bought last year, still works well.
The commas mark additional information.
A small change makes a difference.
AvoidThe woman who she called me is here.
UseThe woman who called me is here.
Who already acts as the subject of called; adding she duplicates that role.
A MOMENT TO PRACTISE
Your turn.
Choose an answer, then check the explanation. There is no timer and nothing to sign up for.
TAKE IT INTO YOUR DAY
Make it yours.
Describe a person, a place and an object without naming them. Add a relative clause that helps a friend identify each one.
Further reading · British Council LearnEnglish
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