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Defining Relative Clause

The relative clause that gives essential information to define or identify the person or thing we are
talking about is called the defining relative clause. It consists of a relative pronoun (who, whom,
which, whoever, whomever, whichever or that), a verb and a subject or object of a verb. Commas
are not used to separate a defining relative clause from the rest of the sentence.
Read the sentences given below.
• The dish that I ordered was delicious.

• The reason why I came here today is not important.

Here, all the highlighted groups of words are defining relative clauses.
Non-defining Relative Clause

The relative clause that provides non-essential, but interesting information is called the non-
defining relative clause. Just like a defining relative clause, a non-defining relative clause also
consists of a relative pronoun, a verb and a subject or object of a verb. Commas are always used to
separate a non-defining relative clause from the rest of the sentence.

Read the sentences given below.

• Steve’s mother, who lives in Scotland, has three grandchildren.
• The heavy rain, which was unusual for the time of year, destroyed most of the plants in
my garden.
Here, all the highlighted groups of words are non-defining relative clauses.

Remember

¾ If a relative pronoun is followed by a verb, it is a subject pronoun and if followed by a noun
or a pronoun, it is an object pronoun.

¾ If a relative pronoun is a relative clause, it functions as a subject pronoun, and can be
replaced with a participle.
Read the sentences given below.

• Did you notice the bird which is perched on our windowsill?

• Did you notice the bird perched on our windowsill?

Test Yourself

V. Underline the relative clauses in the sentences given below and write whether they are
defining or non-defining in the space provided

1. Elephants, which are also known as pachyderms, are known for
their family bonding. _______________

2. My father, who is an army General, is presently posted at the
Indo hypen Pak Border. _______________

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