Defining Relative Clauses – Who, Which, That, Where

Defining relative clauses are used to identify or specify which person, thing, or place we are referring to. They are essential for the meaning of the sentence, and without them, the sentence would not provide enough information.

Usage of Relative Pronouns

In defining relative clauses, we use specific pronouns depending on what we are talking about:

• Who – for people
• Which – for things or animals
• That – for people, things, or animals (optional, can replace "who" or "which")
• Where – for places

Examples

Correct Examples

This is the teacher who inspires all the students.

The book which I borrowed is on the table.

We visited the park where they filmed the movie.

She adopted the cat that was abandoned.

Incorrect Examples

This is the teacher what inspires all the students.

The book that it I borrowed is on the table.

We visited the park which they filmed the movie.

She adopted the cat which it was abandoned.

Common Mistakes

Be careful not to misuse other words or structures in place of the correct relative pronouns:

• This is the person what helped me. → This is the person who helped me.
• That’s the shop which it sells organic food. → That’s the shop which sells organic food.

Key Points to Remember

• Use who for people and which for things or animals.
• That can replace who or which, but it is optional.
• Avoid adding extra words like "that it" or "which it" after the relative pronoun.
• Use where for places, not which.