Introduction
Relative clauses add details without starting a new sentence. This English grammar tutorial focuses on practical tips. It teaches how to pick the right relative pronouns and avoid punctuation mistakes.
This guide is designed for learners. Each section offers a simple rule, a quick test, and a clear example. There’s also a full practice set with answers to check your progress.
Beginners will learn to spot and use basic relative pronouns. More advanced learners will refine their comma use and tone in writing. They will also understand when to use which for a whole idea.

In Brazil, Portuguese habits can influence English learning. Many learners overuse that, add unnecessary commas, or create long sentences. This tutorial keeps it simple with short sentences and clear connectors.
Success means choosing the right relative pronouns, using commas correctly, and knowing when to omit the pronoun. The goal is to use relative clauses naturally in speaking and writing.
Relative clauses are closely connected to the system of English pronouns because they often use relative pronouns such as who, which, and that. If you would like to understand how these forms fit into the broader structure of pronouns in English, explore English Pronouns: Complete Guide from Basic to Advanced, where each type of pronoun is explained with examples and practical guidance.
Key takeaways
- Relative clauses add information and help sentences flow.
- Relative pronouns guide the reader to the right person or thing.
- Who which that choices affect clarity and tone.
- Commas can change clause meaning, so punctuation matters.
- Some relative pronouns can be omitted, but only in specific positions.
- Learner-friendly grammar works best with short rules and quick checks.
What Relative Clauses Are and Why They Matter in English
Relative clauses add details without disrupting the flow. They describe a person, thing, or place within the same sentence. This makes sentences clearer because the main idea and detail are together.
They make English sound more natural in emails, study notes, and daily messages in Brazil. Instead of repeating nouns, they point back to them, keeping sentences flowing.
How relative clauses add extra information
The basic pattern is noun + relative pronoun + clause. This structure adds extra details right after the noun it describes.
For example, “The colleague sits near the window. The colleague speaks quietly.” Combining them makes the sentence clearer: “The colleague who sits near the window speaks quietly.” This reduces repetition and makes reading smoother.
Some clauses identify the noun, while others just add a detail. This choice affects the meaning and punctuation.
Understanding how pronouns function in sentences can make relative clauses easier to recognise and use. If you want to review the difference between subject and object forms such as I and me, the article Subject and Object Pronouns: I or Me? Common Mistakes Explained provides clear explanations and examples.
Common situations where learners use them
Learners often use relative clauses when they need to be specific. This is common in class, at work, and in customer support chats. Clear details save time.
- Describing people at work or study: “The colleague who sits near the window can help with the report.”
- Identifying objects or places: “The book that you recommended is out of stock.”
- Adding extra information in formal writing: CV profiles, reports, essays, and academic summaries.
- Everyday situations: directions, recommendations, and describing a problem to a service team.
In these situations, the meaning of relative clauses is crucial. They guide the listener to focus on the main noun first, then the detail.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Many learners struggle with punctuation and meaning. The most common issue is confusing defining vs non-defining clauses. This can lead to losing essential details or adding unnecessary commas.
| Common learner errors | Why it harms sentence clarity | Simple editing habit |
|---|---|---|
| Adding commas in a defining clause | The reader may think the detail is optional, which can change the message | Ask: “Do I need this detail to know which one?” If yes, avoid commas |
| Mixing up who and which | It creates a mismatch between the noun type and the pronoun | Circle the noun first: person → who; thing/animal → which |
| Overlong sentences with many clauses | The main verb gets buried and the reader loses the thread | Use one relative clause per sentence at lower levels; split the rest |
A quick fix is to identify the noun being described. Then, choose the pronoun and check if the detail is essential or extra. This simple routine reduces errors and keeps the meaning clear.
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses add detail without making sentences too long. They come right after the noun they describe. This makes reading easier and faster.
Relative pronouns and their job in a sentence
A relative clause is a part of a sentence that gives more information. It starts with relative pronouns like who, which, and that. This guide explains them in simple terms.
The pronoun in the clause has a specific role. It can be the subject or the object. Knowing this helps us understand the sentence better.
| Relative pronoun | Best for | Role in the clause | Example to copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| who | people | often the subject; can be the object in modern use | The teacher who explains the rule speaks slowly. |
| which | things and animals | subject or object, depending on meaning | The app which saves your notes is useful. |
| that | people, things, animals (common in defining clauses) | subject or object; often used in tighter sentence structure | The film that I watched last night was long. |
For more information, check out this guide on relative clauses. It has more examples and details.
How relative clauses connect ideas smoothly
Relative clauses link ideas without repeating words. They point back to the noun, making it easier to follow. This makes learning about who, which, and that more meaningful.
Look at this example: “I bought a laptop. The laptop runs quietly.” The second option is smoother: “I bought a laptop that runs quietly.” This makes writing clearer and more organised.
When building more detailed sentences with relative clauses, it is also important to understand how different types of pronouns work in English. For example, possessive forms such as my, your, his, and mine help show ownership and relationships between people or things in a sentence. If you would like to review how these structures work and when to use them correctly, explore the article Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives: My or Mine Explained Clearly, which explains the rules with clear examples and practical guidance.
Quick self-check: is it a relative clause?
- Does the clause describe a noun, not the whole sentence?
- Does it begin with who, which, or that (or could it in a rewrite)?
- Can it be removed, and does the main sentence still make sense?
- Is it placed immediately after the noun it describes, so meaning stays clear?
Use this checklist when editing. It helps with grammar and keeps sentences clear. This is key for easy reading.
Relative clauses are only one way to add more information about a noun in English. Another useful structure involves demonstratives like this, that, these, and those, which help identify specific people or objects in context. You can explore this topic further in This, That, These, Those? A Complete Guide with Exercises.
Defining vs Non-defining Relative Clauses: The Key Difference
Learning about defining and non-defining relative clauses is crucial. It impacts commas, tone, and the right relative pronoun in British English. For those in Brazil, mastering this skill is vital for writing emails, essays, and exams.
Simply put, it’s about identity. Does the clause tell us which one, or does it just add extra detail? This question helps us tell restrictive from non-restrictive clauses and keeps our meaning clear.
Defining (restrictive) clauses: essential information
Defining clauses give us key information. They help us know exactly which person or thing is being talked about. Without this, the sentence might feel incomplete or point to the wrong thing.
This is especially true when we’re choosing one item from many. It’s common in work, school, shopping, or when booking travel. In these cases, commas are not used because the clause is essential to the message.
Example: The ticket that includes baggage costs more. (Not all tickets include it.)
Non-defining (non-restrictive) clauses: extra information
Non-defining clauses add extra details. The noun is already known, so the clause is like an aside. These clauses are set off by commas, as the sentence still makes sense without them.
Example: Rio de Janeiro, which hosts Carnival, attracts visitors all year. The city is already clear; the clause adds context.
One useful rule for form: “that” is generally avoided in non-restrictive clauses, especially in careful writing. Learners can save time by checking punctuation first; commas usually signal a non-defining structure.
Meaning changes when you remove the clause
A quick test helps: remove the relative clause and read the sentence again. If the core identification is lost, it is defining and carries essential information. If the message stays clear, it is non-defining, and any meaning change is minor.
- Defining: Students who study regularly pass more often. → Remove it: Students pass more often. (The group changes.)
- Non-defining: Students, who study regularly, often feel calmer. → Remove it: Students often feel calmer. (The main point stays, but the nuance shifts.)
| Feature | Restrictive clauses (defining) | Non-restrictive clauses (non-defining) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Gives essential information to identify the noun | Adds extra information about an already known noun |
| Punctuation | No commas in standard use | Commas are required |
| Removal test | Removing it causes meaning change or unclear reference | Removing it keeps the reference clear |
| Typical context | Choosing one option from many (work, school, shopping, travel) | Adding background detail (places, organisations, unique references) |
Practice Section
- Choose the better option: The hotel ____ has free breakfast is fully booked. (which / that)
- Add commas only if needed: São Paulo which is Brazil’s biggest city has heavy traffic.
- Decide if the clause is defining or non-defining: People who speak slowly are easier to understand.
- Editing check: Remove the clause and label the result (clear / unclear): The emails, which arrived late, caused delays.
Commas in Relative Clauses: Rules You Can Trust
In English, commas in relative clauses are not just for looks. They help us understand the meaning. Good punctuation rules guide us to know what’s important and what’s extra. This is especially true for learners in Brazil, where using commas can differ from other languages.
When commas are required (non-defining clauses)
Use commas to add extra details. Place a comma before and after the clause, unless it’s the last word. If you remove the clause, the main point is still clear.
- Pelé, who played for Santos, is remembered worldwide.
- The Amazon, which spans several countries, shapes the climate.
- Rio de Janeiro, which many visitors photograph, has striking views.
When commas must not be used (defining clauses)
Don’t use commas in defining clauses. They tell us which one from a group. A comma would cut off important information and change what the noun refers to.
- Students who practise daily improve faster. (Not all students.)
- The films that won BAFTAs often gain wider attention. (Not all films.)
- The café that opens at 6 a.m. is popular with commuters. (One café, not any café.)
Comma mistakes that change meaning
These examples show how commas can change a sentence’s meaning. The words are similar, but the punctuation changes everything.
- Drivers who use phones cause more crashes. / Drivers, who use phones, cause more crashes.
- Teachers who mark quickly miss details. / Teachers, who mark quickly, miss details.
- People who live in São Paulo face long commutes. / People, who live in São Paulo, face long commutes.
Regular proofreading helps keep your punctuation right. Circle the noun and ask yourself one question.
- Circle the noun the clause describes.
- Ask: “Which one?” If yes, use defining clauses no commas.
- Ask: “By the way…?” If yes, use non-defining commas.
- Read aloud and listen for a natural pause.
| Reader question | Clause type | Comma pattern | Meaning check | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Which one? | Defining | defining clauses no commas | Selects one item from a group | The book that explains commas is on the desk. |
| By the way…? | Non-defining | non-defining commas | Adds extra detail about a known item | The book, which explains commas, is on the desk. |
| Can the clause be removed? | Non-defining | Comma before and after (or one at the end) | Main sentence still stands | Brasília, which was planned, has wide avenues. |
| Does removal break the message? | Defining | No comma | Without the clause, the reference becomes unclear | People who study punctuation write more clearly. |
Using “Who” Correctly for People
In a who relative clause, the focus stays on a person and the extra information attached to them. Who is the most flexible choice. It reads naturally for learners who use modern British English in emails, essays, and daily messages.
Who as the subject of the clause
Use who when it does the action in the relative clause. This is the subject role. The key idea is subject vs object inside the clause, not in the whole sentence.
Examples: “The teacher who explains clearly helps the class.” “The colleague who calls first sets the time.” “The manager who hires carefully builds a strong team.”
Quick test: if you can replace who with he, she, or they and it still works, who is the subject.
Who as the object (and when it can be omitted)
Who is the object when someone else is the subject of the clause. In these cases, the person is receiving the action: “The person (who) I met was helpful.”
In defining clauses, object forms are often dropped in everyday use. This is why many sentences keep the meaning without the pronoun. Examples: “The person (who) I called answered at once.” “The neighbour (who) we helped thanked us.” “The candidate (who) the company hired started on Monday.”
This is another clear subject vs object signal: if “I”, “we”, or “the company” is doing the verb, then who is the object and may be omitted.
Who vs whom in modern British English
Who vs whom often causes stress, but usage is simpler than it looks. In modern British English, whom is mostly formal. It is common in legal writing or very formal letters.
A controlled formal example is after a preposition: “The client to whom the email was sent replied.” In speech and most everyday writing, many speakers choose who instead: “The client who the email was sent to replied.”
For most learners, using who consistently with relative pronouns for people keeps sentences clear and natural. This is especially true when the grammar point is who vs whom.
| Choice | Inside the clause | Example | Natural use in modern British English |
|---|---|---|---|
| who | Subject (does the action) | “The guide who explains the route reduces confusion.” | Standard in speech and writing |
| who (optional) | Object (receives the action) in a defining clause | “The person (who) I met spoke Portuguese.” | Often omitted in fast, natural sentences |
| whom | Object, often after a preposition | “The colleague to whom I spoke confirmed the time.” | Formal register; less common in everyday speech |
- Check the verb in the relative clause to confirm subject vs object.
- Keep who as the default among relative pronouns for people when clarity matters.
- Use whom mainly in fixed formal patterns, especially after prepositions.
Practice Section
- Choose the correct form: “The nurse ____ helped me was calm.”
- Add or omit where natural: “The person (who) I called didn’t answer.”
- Rewrite in a more formal style using whom: “The consultant who I spoke to confirmed the report.”
- Label subject vs object in the who relative clause: “The neighbour who we helped moved house.”
Using “Which” Correctly for Things and Animals
In everyday English, which helps writers add clear detail about objects, systems, and even pets. For learners, the main choice is simple: decide whether the information identifies the item, or just adds extra detail. This is where a which relative clause becomes practical in emails, reports, and study notes.

In Brazil-focused business and study settings, this often appears with devices, files, and procedures. It also works well for things and animals when the meaning needs to stay precise and easy to scan on a phone.
Which in defining clauses
Use which in a defining clause to show exactly which item is meant. The information is essential, so the reader needs it to identify the right thing.
Examples learners can copy:
- Please attach the PDF which includes the final figures.
- I can’t open the spreadsheet which you sent this morning.
- The headset which connects by Bluetooth keeps dropping the signal.
Many speakers also use that in these sentences, but the choice is a style point saved for later. For now, focus on meaning: the which relative clause points to one specific document, message, or device.
Which in non-defining clauses with commas
Use non-defining which when the noun is already clear and the extra detail is optional. Here, commas are not decoration; they show the extra information is separate.
Short models:
- The invoice, which is saved as a PDF, is ready to send.
- My laptop, which is under warranty, needs a new charger.
- Our cat, which hates loud noises, hid during the storm.
Without commas, the sentence can sound like it is selecting one item from many. With commas, the reader understands it is just added detail, not selection.
Which referring to a whole idea or clause
Sometimes which does not point to one noun. Instead, it works as a clause reference, commenting on the whole previous idea. This pattern is common in essays, reports, and meeting notes.
Examples that show the meaning clearly:
- The team missed the deadline, which delayed the client’s review.
- The software crashed during the call, which caused confusion for the group.
- The figures were updated overnight, which made the trend easier to explain.
This “comma + which” structure signals a result or comment. The commas help the reader spot that the phrase refers back to the entire situation, not one single word.
| Pattern | Meaning | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defining with which | Identifies the exact item needed | No commas | Please review the report which covers Q4 costs. |
| non-defining which | Adds extra detail about a known item | Commas on both sides | The report, which covers Q4 costs, is in the shared folder. |
| Which as clause reference | Comments on the whole previous idea or result | Comma before which | The report was sent late, which annoyed the client. |
Practice Section
- Exercise 1: Add which to complete the sentence: “Please resend the file ____ I cannot download.”
- Exercise 2: Add commas if needed: “The printer which is in reception is out of paper.”
- Exercise 3: Choose the best type (defining or non-defining): “My phone, which I bought last week, stopped charging.”
- Exercise 4: Write one sentence where “, which …” gives a clause reference about a result at work or in class.
That vs Who: Choosing the Most Natural Option
When talking about people, whether to use that or who is often a matter of style. Both can be correct, but it can change how the text feels. This is especially true in different writing styles, from school essays to work emails in Brazil.
Many people struggle with choosing between that and who when talking about people. The key is to see if the clause clearly points to a specific person. If it does, you can use either that or who. For more on this, check out guidance on that and which and apply the same logic to people.
When “that” is common and natural for people
In everyday writing and speech, that is often the easier choice for defining clauses. It keeps the sentence flowing, especially with short, direct clauses. Many writers choose that for its smooth rhythm.
Examples (defining clauses):
- The colleague that called this morning needs the updated file.
- The student that asked about commas understood the rule.
- The customers that joined the webinar want the slides.
When “who” is clearer or more formal
Who immediately signals that you’re talking about a person. This is especially useful in long, dense, or technical sentences. It also tends to sound more formal, which is good for careful writing.
Examples (defining clauses):
- The manager who approved the budget for training expects a short report by Friday.
- The candidates who have lived abroad may find the interview questions easier.
Style tips for emails, essays, and everyday speech
In work emails, choose the option that makes the sentence clear without needing to read it twice. If the clause is long, who is often the safer choice. In essays, many teachers prefer who to keep the tone academic and avoid abruptness.
In everyday speech, both that and who are acceptable. If unsure, default to who for people and save that for short, punchy sentences. This approach keeps your writing consistent across different contexts.
| Writing context | Best default in defining clauses | Why it works | Quick example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work email (internal) | who | Reads clear and polite; reduces ambiguity in longer sentences | The analyst who checked the figures will send an update. |
| Work chat (fast messages) | that | Short, efficient rhythm; suits quick back-and-forth | The person that booked the room changed the time. |
| Academic essay | who | Consistent tone; matches formal vs informal expectations in assessment | Researchers who study discourse note pattern shifts. |
| Everyday speech | either (choose what sounds natural) | That vs who is largely stylistic; meaning stays clear in most short clauses | The friend who/that lives nearby is coming later. |
Practice Section
- Choose one: The teacher ___ explained defining clauses used two examples. (that / who)
- Choose one: The employee ___ you met yesterday works in finance. (that / who)
- Rewrite for a more formal vs informal tone by switching pronoun: The neighbour that fixed the gate was polite.
- Pick the clearer option and say why: The director that approved the plan after several meetings will speak next.
That vs Which: Clear Guidance for Everyday Writing
In Brazil, many learners face the challenge of that vs which in emails and assignments. The key is to first understand the meaning and then check the punctuation. In British English, the choice depends on whether the clause defines or describes something, with commas playing a crucial role.

When “that” works best in defining clauses
Use that when you need to point out a specific thing. It makes your writing direct and to the point.
Here are some examples:
- The charger that came with the Samsung phone is fast.
- Please open the file that the teacher uploaded in Google Classroom.
- Reply to the message that arrived before the meeting.
In British English, which can also be used in defining clauses, especially in formal writing. The goal is to be clear. Stick to one pattern and avoid commas in defining clauses.
Why “which” is typical in non-defining clauses
Non-defining clauses add extra information, not identity. They usually use which and need commas on both sides.
Here are some examples:
- The report, which was shared as a PDF, needs one more edit.
- The new app update, which arrived overnight, changed the menu layout.
- The document, which is saved in Google Drive, is ready to print.
It’s important to avoid that in non-defining clauses. This helps maintain a clear and polished tone.
How to sound natural across British English varieties
British English allows some flexibility in defining clauses. However, the rule for non-defining clauses remains: use commas.
Before sending a message or submitting work, use this checklist:
- Is the clause essential to identify the noun? If yes, it is a defining clause: use that or which, and use no commas.
- Is the clause only extra detail? If yes, it is a non-defining clause: use which and add commas.
- Check for double commas: one before and one after the non-defining clause.
- Stay consistent with your choice within the same document.
| Writing goal | Clause type | Best choice in British English usage | Commas rule | Everyday example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identify the exact item | Defining clauses | Often that; which also acceptable by house style | No commas | The spreadsheet that contains the grades is locked. |
| Add extra detail about a known item | Non-defining clauses | Which is typical | Use commas on both sides | The spreadsheet, which is in Google Drive, is locked. |
| Keep tone neutral and clear in formal writing | Defining clauses | Which may sound slightly more formal | No commas | The policy which applies to all staff is updated yearly. |
| Prevent meaning changes during editing | Defining clauses vs non-defining clauses | Decide first, then choose that vs which | Commas show “extra” information | The email that mentions the deadline is important / The email, which mentions the deadline, is important. |
Practice Section
- Choose the best option: The worksheet ____ covers relative clauses is on the class page. (that/which)
- Add commas if needed: The update which fixed the bug also changed the settings.
- Choose the clause type: The video, which is in the shared folder, is in 4K. (defining clauses or non-defining clauses)
- Rewrite to change meaning: The note that was sent today is clear. (Rewrite as a non-defining clause using which and commas.)
When You Can Leave Out the Relative Pronoun
In everyday talk, speakers often leave out the relative pronoun to shorten sentences. This makes the conversation sound more natural. It works well when the meaning is clear right away.
The rule is simple: you can delete the pronoun if it’s the object in a defining clause. But not if it’s the subject. To get it right, check who does the action in the clause.
| Role inside the relative clause | With relative pronoun | Without relative pronoun | Is it standard? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Object (pronoun receives the action) | The film that I watched yesterday was gripping. | The film I watched yesterday was gripping. | Yes, common in defining relative clauses |
| Subject (pronoun does the action) | The film that won the award is on tonight. | The film won the award is on tonight. | No, omission sounds wrong |
| Non-defining clause (extra information) | The film, which won the award, is on tonight. | The film, won the award, is on tonight. | No, omission not standard |
In Brazil, leaving out the pronoun can be tricky. It’s common in speech and texts, so listening helps. In careful writing, keeping the pronoun makes things clearer, especially in long phrases.
- Clarity first: if two nouns are close, keep the pronoun to avoid confusion.
- At A1–A2, use “who/which/that” most of the time, then get better.
- At B1–C1, practice deleting pronouns to sound more natural, especially in defining clauses.
- Avoid leaving out pronouns in non-defining clauses; they mark extra info clearly.
Practice Section
- Decide if omission is possible: “The email (that) I sent this morning needs a reply.”
- Decide if omission is possible: “The teacher who explains the rule clearly helps everyone.”
- Rewrite for a more natural spoken English style by using object pronoun deletion where correct: “The app that I use for revision tracks my progress.”
- Spot the problem and fix it: “My laptop, I bought last year, still works well.”
Practice Sentences and Mini Exercises (with Answers)
Practice Section: Use these relative clauses exercises as a quick check before writing. Work through the tasks in order; they move from simple choice to editing and rewriting.
Choose who/which/that
Exercise 1 (4 items). Choose the best option. This set supports practice who which that with clear subjects.
- 1) The teacher ____ lives near the metro speaks Portuguese. (who / which / that)
- 2) The book ____ explains phonetics is on the desk. (who / which / that)
- 3) The neighbours ____ help at weekends are very kind. (who / which / that)
- 4) The app ____ tracks study time is useful. (who / which / that)
Answer key: 1) who 2) which 3) who 4) which.
Reasoning: Use who for people and which for things; that can fit defining clauses, but it is not needed here.
Exercise 2 (4 items, with one trick). Choose the best option. One sentence allows that, but another option is clearer in careful writing.
- 1) The colleague ____ you met yesterday works in finance. (who / which / that)
- 2) The film ____ won the BAFTA was discussed in class. (who / which / that)
- 3) The chef ____ recipe went viral thanked the team. (who / which / that)
- 4) The advice ____ you gave helped a lot. (who / which / that)
Answer key: 1) that 2) that 3) whose 4) that.
Reasoning: In defining clauses, that is common; in item 1, who is often clearer because it signals a person, which is useful for mixed-level groups.
Add commas where needed
Exercise 3 (4 items). Add commas only when the clause is extra information. This commas practice also checks meaning.
- 1) Pelé who played for Santos is a global icon.
- 2) The students who arrived late missed the first question.
- 3) The Amazon River which is vast affects the region’s climate.
- 4) The laptop that I bought last month has a louder fan.
Answer key: 1) Pelé, who played for Santos, is a global icon. 2) No commas. 3) The Amazon River, which is vast, affects the region’s climate. 4) No commas.
Reasoning: Commas mark non-defining clauses; without commas, the clause usually identifies which one.
Rewrite to change defining to non-defining (and vice versa)
Exercise 4 (2 items). Rewrite each sentence as instructed. This defining vs non-defining practice may require changing the pronoun and punctuation.
- 1) Change to non-defining: The tablet that I use for reading has a matte screen.
- 2) Change to defining: Rio de Janeiro, which hosts Carnival, attracts visitors year-round.
Answer key: 1) The tablet, which I use for reading, has a matte screen. 2) The city that hosts Carnival attracts visitors year-round.
Reasoning: Non-defining clauses take commas and often prefer which; defining clauses remove commas and can use that to narrow meaning.
Conclusion
This summary is simple. First, find the noun the clause talks about. This choice affects the meaning. Then, decide if the information is key or just extra.
Next, use commas wisely. Put commas around non-defining clauses. Avoid them in defining clauses. This small detail is crucial for clear writing.
After that, match the pronoun to its role. Use who for people, which for things and animals, and which for ideas. Use that often in defining clauses, especially in everyday writing.
Finally, don’t use the pronoun if it’s an object in a defining clause and the sentence is clear. A good way to learn is to start with defining clauses without commas. Then, add commas for non-defining clauses. Finally, work on choosing the right pronouns and when to omit them. For those in Brazil learning English, focus on clear meaning, not trying to sound advanced.
Relative clauses are especially useful for improving the clarity and sophistication of your sentences in written English. By combining ideas and adding more precise information about a noun, they help create more natural and well-structured texts. If you would like to further develop your writing skills and learn how grammar structures like relative clauses work in real communication, explore the article English Writing: A Complete Guide with Rules, Examples and Practice Activities, which offers practical guidance, examples, and exercises to strengthen your written English.
FAQ
What are relative clauses in English?
Relative clauses are parts of a sentence that give extra information about a noun. They usually begin with relative pronouns such as who, which, or that.
When do we use who, which, and that?
Use who for people, which for animals or things, and that for people or things in defining clauses.
What is the difference between defining and non-defining relative clauses?
Defining relative clauses give essential information about the noun, while non-defining clauses add extra information and are separated by commas.
Can we omit the relative pronoun in a sentence?
Yes. In some defining relative clauses, the relative pronoun can be omitted when it functions as the object of the clause.
Example:
The book (that) I bought yesterday is interesting.
Why are relative clauses important in English?
Relative clauses help combine ideas into more natural and detailed sentences, making communication clearer and more sophisticated.
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