Non-Defining Relative Pronouns & Clauses
Extra information · commasThe Rules
- Non-defining relative clauses give extra information about a person, place, time, position, or thing.
- The information is not necessary to understand the sentence — if removed, the sentence is still complete.
- Form: Noun, relative pronoun + subject + verb, … (always use commas).
- who = people · whose = possession · which = things and places · where = places · when = time.
- Always use commas — and never use that as the relative pronoun in non-defining clauses.
Key Examples
- Mr Jamal, who really enjoys his job, is a history teacher.
- This car, which is very expensive, has a very unique style.
- My sister, whose name is Mariam, is 13 years old.
- In Qatar, where he was born, Salem has become famous.
- In February, when we celebrate National Day, the streets are full of flags.
- Ahmed bin Salman Al-Ustath, who was a master shipbuilder, built 20 dhows in the 1940s.
Practice — click the blank to reveal
Mr Jamal, who enjoys his job, is a history teacher.
This car, which very expensive, has a very unique style.
My sister, whose is Mariam, is 13 years old.
In Qatar, where was born, Salem has become famous.
Remember: commas around the clause, and never that!