Grammar / A2 Grammar lessons and exercises \ Defining relative clauses: Who, which, that, where
Defining Relative Clauses: Who, Which, That, Where
📌 What Are Defining Relative Clauses?
We use defining relative clauses to specify which person, thing, or place we are talking about. Without them, the sentence may be unclear or incomplete.
👤 Who → for people
Use who to refer to people (as subject or object).
- He met the police officer who saved his life.
- That’s the student who I told you about.
- The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
🧰 Which → for things and animals
Use which to refer to things or animals.
- He put on the suit which he wore for special occasions.
- I need the charger which you bought yesterday.
- The dog which follows me home is very friendly.
📍 Where → for places
Use where to refer to places.
- This is the hotel where we spent our honeymoon.
- That’s the café where I met my best friend.
- The park where we played as children is still there.
🔁 That → for people OR things
You can use that instead of who or which. It’s very common, especially in spoken English.
- He’s the neighbour that helped us move out. (→ who)
- Change the cable that connects the computer. (→ which)
- The book that you recommended was amazing.
💡 Tip:
While “that” works for both, many prefer “who” for people and “which/that” for things in writing.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never use what or add pronouns like he/she/they in relative clauses.
❌ That’s the student what I told you about.
✅ That’s the student that/who I told you about.
❌ That’s the man he tried to steal my wallet.
✅ That’s the man that/who tried to steal my wallet.
❌ This is the house that it belongs to my aunt.
✅ This is the house that belongs to my aunt.
🆚 Quick Reference: Who, Which, That, Where
