English Grammar – Advanced

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Grammar Focus

Relative Clauses: who, which, that, whom (Defining & Non-Defining)

Relative clauses add more information about a noun. They begin with relative pronouns like who, which, that, or whom. These clauses can help combine ideas, describe people or things more precisely, and make your speech and writing sound more fluent.

🔹 Relative Pronouns:

• who → for people (as the subject of the clause)
• whom → for people (as the object; formal)
• which → for animals and things
• that → for people or things in defining clauses (never in non-defining clauses)

🔹 Two Types of Relative Clauses:

✅ 1. Defining (Restrictive) Clauses

These give essential information that identifies which person or thing you’re talking about. Without this clause, the sentence could lose its meaning.
Do NOT use commas.
You can use: who, whom, that, or which (although “that” is more common in speaking).

Examples:

• The student who won the scholarship studies engineering.
• The laptop that I borrowed from the library is fast.
• The man whom I met yesterday is my cousin.
• The novel which inspired the film won several awards.

✅ 2. Non-Defining (Non-Restrictive) Clauses

These add extra information that is not essential. You’re already clear about the person or thing, but the clause gives more detail.

Do NOT use “that” in non-defining clauses. Only who, whom, or which are acceptable.

Examples:

• My sister, who lives in Germany, is a violinist. (I only have one sister, and everyone knows that fact.)
• This painting, which was created in 1920, is very valuable.
• Professor Lee, whom I admire, is retiring next year.

🔹 Summary of Differences:

🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

Being able to use and understand both defining and non-defining relative clauses improves how clearly and naturally you describe people, things, and ideas in conversations.

🔹 Common Speaking Situations:

• Introducing someone in detail:
  • “This is my aunt who works at NASA.” (Defining)
  • “My aunt, who works at NASA, is visiting.” (Non-defining)
• Giving clear descriptions:
  • “I want the shoes that are on sale.”
  • “These shoes, which I bought yesterday, are very comfortable.”
• Explaining or adding comments:
  • “We stayed at a hotel, which had a great view.”
  • “She called a friend whom she hadn’t seen in years.”

🔹 Listening Tips:

• Native speakers often use relative clauses in stories, instructions, and small talk.
• Intonation or pauses help signal non-defining clauses.
  • “My friend, [pause] who just moved here, loves hiking.”

🔹 Speaking Tips:

• Use defining clauses when you want to identify someone/something:
  • “The man that helped me was very kind.”
• Use non-defining clauses to add details:
  • “My neighbor, who helped me, also brought dinner.”

Mastering these patterns will help you sound more fluent and professional in academic, workplace, and casual settings.

Now, practice your language skills with this interactive game.

Talk About People and Things You Know

These questions help you use relative clauses in real situations. Try to connect two ideas in your answers. Use “who,” “that,” “which,” or “whom” when you describe people or things.

Describe People You Know
Can you describe a teacher who helped you a lot?
➤ For example: “I had a teacher who always encouraged me.”

Talk About a Gift
What’s something that someone gave you that you really liked?
➤ “My sister gave me a watch that I wear every day.”

Describe a Place
What is a place which you enjoy visiting? Why?
➤ “There’s a park that/which has beautiful flowers.”

Describe a Job
Can you describe a person who has an interesting job?
➤ “I know a man who trains guide dogs.”

Talk About a Family Member
Do you have a family member whom you admire? Why?
➤ “My grandmother, whom I respect a lot, raised five children.”

Favorite Movie or Book
Can you tell me about a movie or book that made you think?
➤ “I watched a documentary that changed my opinion.”

Describe a Tool or Object
What is something that you use every day?
➤ “This is the app that helps me learn English.”

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