9.

Defining and non-defining

relative clauses
When do we use defining and non-
defining relative clauses?
We use defining and non-defining relative clauses to be specific
about people, things and places. Defining relative clauses give
essential information and non-defining relative clauses give
additional information.
This grape juice is made from the grapes which grow in
our garden.
My cousin Jasmine, whose job is in the fashion industry,
helped me choose this dress.
My aunt, who owns a grocery shop, gave me some
apples.
Look! This is the guitar that I bought yesterday.
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 Read the text. How many defining and non-defining
relative clauses can you find?

The day that I remember best from last year is St

Andrew’s Day. I spent it in Scotland. It was in
November, which is usually quite cold, but it was a
lovely sunny day. There were musicians who paraded in
the streets, whose instruments included traditional
Scottish bagpipes. Then we all did some dances which
are popular in Scotland. It was a lot of fun.

There are two

threenon-defining
defining relative
relative
clauses.
clauses.
Look!

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How do we make relative clauses?
Relative clauses
Defining relative
clauses
Non-defining
relative clauses
Whose is the possessive form of who.
Tom’s the boy. We’re celebrating his birthday.
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We don’t use We can use that
commas in instead of which or
defining relative who in defining
That’s the hotel where our prom will be held.
clauses. relative clauses.
Tom’s the boy whose birthday we’re celebrating.
I’d like to find some shoes which/that go with this dress. When that, which, who or
where is the object of a
These are the boys who/that helped me. defining relative clause, you
can leave it out.
I’m wearing the prom dress (that) I bought last month.
Lee, who is my best friend, is a really good dancer. We use commas in
non-defining relative
Liam, whose sister is in my class, is a DJ. clauses.
This jacket, which my
that my mum
mum gave
gave me,
me, is is
mymy favourite.
favourite.
We can’t use that instead
of which or who in
non-defining relative
clauses.
Wider World 2e 4
 Practice Time
Complete the sentences with who, which, whose or where. Which could
also be completed with that? Which don’t need a word in the gap?

where
1. This is the house __________________ we were living when I was ten.

which / that / - I bought my mum for Mother’s Day.

2. Look at the ring __________________

whose
3. My brother, __________________ wedding was last Saturday, is now in Bali with his wife.

who / that / - I met at Evie’s party.

4. They’re the people __________________

where
5. This is the field __________________ they’ll let off the fireworks after the show.

who
6. Amanda, __________________ made my costume, is an Art teacher at the local college.

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