definite relative clause
LowAcademic / Technical
Definition
Meaning
A defining relative clause that provides essential information to identify the noun it modifies.
A type of subordinate clause, typically introduced by a relative pronoun (who, which, that, whose, whom) or a relative adverb (when, where, why), that restricts and specifies the meaning of the noun phrase it follows. Without this clause, the meaning of the main clause would be incomplete or unclear.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Also known as a 'restrictive relative clause'. It is not separated from the main clause by commas in English. The relative pronoun 'that' is more common than 'which' in this type of clause in American English and informal British English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English more readily accepts 'which' as a restrictive relative pronoun, especially in formal writing, where American English strongly prefers 'that'. British English is also more accepting of the preposition 'with which' and other pied-piping structures in restrictive clauses.
Connotations
In British academic writing, using 'which' in a restrictive clause may be considered formally correct, whereas in American academic style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), it is often flagged as an error.
Frequency
The structure is fundamental and equally frequent in both dialects within technical linguistic and pedagogical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] + [Relative Pronoun/Adverb] + [Clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal reports or contracts to ensure precise legal definitions, e.g., 'the supplier who delivers the goods'.
Academic
Fundamental in linguistic analysis, grammar textbooks, and academic writing for constructing precise, complex arguments.
Everyday
Common in everyday speech for specifying exactly which person or thing is being talked about, e.g., 'I need the book that is on the table'.
Technical
Core term in syntax, grammar instruction, and computational linguistics for sentence parsing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is the house where I live.
- The woman who called you is my boss.
- I like the cake that you made.
- The book which I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
- We visited the town where my grandparents were born.
- Anyone that wants to come should sign up.
- The proposal that the committee submitted has been approved for funding.
- She is one of the few people in whom I can confide.
- The reason why he resigned remains unclear.
- The theory upon which his entire argument is predicated has since been discredited.
- They offered assistance to all those citizens whose homes had been damaged in the flood.
- The intricate mechanism by which the enzyme operates was detailed in the paper.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think DEFINITE = it DEFINES which one. The clause gives a definite, non-optional description to pinpoint the noun.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPECIFIER or FILTER. It acts like a sieve that filters out all possible referents except the one(s) matching the clause's description.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian does not use a comma before a defining clause, which aligns with English. The trap is in pronoun choice: Russian often omits the relative pronoun where English requires it (e.g., 'Человек, которого я видел' vs. 'The man [that] I saw').
- Translating the relative pronoun 'that' rigidly as 'который' for all cases, ignoring that it can also correspond to 'кто', 'что', or be omitted in English.
Common Mistakes
- Using commas around a definite relative clause, e.g., *'The car, which is red, is mine.' (if there are multiple cars, this would be a non-defining clause).
- Using 'which' instead of 'that' after a superlative or quantifier in American English, e.g., *'It's the best movie which I've seen.'
- Omitting the relative pronoun when it is the subject of the clause, e.g., *'The man lives next door is a doctor.' instead of 'The man who lives next door is a doctor.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences contains a definite relative clause?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, 'which' can be used, especially in formal writing. In American English, it is generally preferred to use 'that' for definite clauses, with 'which' reserved for non-defining clauses. Many American style guides consider using 'which' in a definite clause an error.
The relative pronoun can be omitted when it is the object of the verb in the relative clause, but not when it is the subject. For example, you can say 'The book (that) I read' but not '*The man lives next door' for 'The man who lives next door'.
A definite (restrictive) clause is essential for identifying the noun; it provides necessary information. A non-defining (non-restrictive) clause adds extra, non-essential information and is set off by commas. Removing a non-defining clause does not change the core meaning of the sentence.
No, it can also be introduced by a relative adverb (when, where, why). For example, 'I remember the day when we first met'.