Providing Extra Information
Defining and Non-defining Relative Clauses
Relative pronouns are used to connect two clauses in order to either define or provide additional information about a subject or an object.
who - persons
which - things
where - places
when - times
that - both persons and things
whose - possessive
Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses provide information which is essential to completely understand the sentence.
Example:
This is the investment which was chosen by the majority of our clients.
Capital assets are necessary to start a business.
The government office which tracks fluctuations in the futures market is across the hall from a small financial newspaper.
Defining relative clauses identify persons or things that otherwise would not be automatically understood.
Relative Pronouns in Defining Relative Clauses
| Person | Thing | Subject | who, that | which, that | Object | that, who, whom | that, which | Possessive | whose | whose, of which |
Non-defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses provide information which is not essential, but adds additional information.
Example:
John, who has traded futures on the exchange, was chosen as PTA president.
Sharon, the loan officer, will review your income statement in the morning.
The blender, which has many features, is on sale today.
Note:
Correct punctuation is essential in non-defining clauses. A comma is placed both before and after the non-defining clause.
Relative Pronouns in Non-Defining Relative Clauses
| Person | Thing | Subject | who | which | Object | who, whom | which | Possessive | whose | whose, of which |
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