definite relative pronoun
HighAll registers, from formal to informal, though individual pronouns vary in formality.
Definition
Meaning
A pronoun that introduces a relative clause and refers to a specific noun or pronoun already mentioned (the antecedent).
A subset of relative pronouns ('who', 'whom', 'whose', 'which', 'that') that connects a dependent clause to a main clause by referring back to a clearly defined antecedent, thus providing essential or non-essential information about it. Their definiteness lies in their coreferential link to a specific, identifiable noun phrase.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term 'definite' distinguishes these from indefinite relative pronouns (e.g., 'whoever', 'whichever'). The choice among them depends on the animacy of the antecedent (who/whom/that for persons, which/that for things), grammatical function in the clause (who/subject, whom/object), and whether the clause is restrictive (defining) or non-restrictive (non-defining).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English more readily accepts 'which' in restrictive clauses referring to things, especially after demonstratives (e.g., 'that which'). American English strongly prefers 'that' in restrictive clauses and reserves 'which' primarily for non-restrictive clauses. The pronoun 'whom' is in steeper decline in casual American speech than in British.
Connotations
In AmE, using 'which' in a restrictive clause can be perceived as a stylistic or formal error ('which-hunting'). In both, using 'who' for things (e.g., a company) can imply personification.
Frequency
'That' is significantly more frequent in American English, especially in speech. 'Whom' is rare in casual speech in both varieties but persists in formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP antecedent] + [relative pronoun] + [clause][antecedent], + [relative pronoun] + [clause],[preposition] + [which/whom] + [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He who laughs last laughs longest.”
- “All that glitters is not gold.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Essential for precise descriptions in reports and contracts: 'The clause which governs termination is on page 7.'
Academic
Critical for constructing complex arguments and defining terms: 'The theory that he proposed revolutionized the field.'
Everyday
Used constantly in descriptions and storytelling: 'The person who called left a message.'
Technical
Used in definitions and specifications: 'The parameter that controls voltage is highlighted.'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The woman who lives there is my aunt.
- I like the cake that you made.
- The book which is on the table belongs to me.
- That's the man whose car was stolen.
- The company for which he works is expanding.
- She is someone whom I admire greatly.
- The extent to which he succeeded, a result that few predicted, surprised everyone.
- The policy, the implications of which are far-reaching, was hastily adopted.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEFINITE relatives you KNOW: WHO, WHOM, WHOSE, WHICH, and THAT. They point BACK to a specific noun you've just met.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRAMMATICAL GLUE (binding a description to its subject); ANAPHORIC HOOK (hooking back to a previous idea).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'what' as a relative pronoun (e.g., 'the book what I read' -> 'the book that I read').
- Russian often omits the pronoun where English requires it (e.g., 'Человек, __ я видел' -> 'The person who I saw').
- The choice between 'who' and 'which' does not directly correlate with Russian 'который'; remember the person/thing rule.
- Be careful with case: English uses word order/prepositions, not pronoun inflection like 'которого/которому'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'what' instead of 'that/which' (The thing what I need).
- Using 'which' for people (The man which called).
- Incorrect case in formal contexts (The woman who I saw -> whom, in formal writing).
- Dangling relative clause (e.g., 'Walking down the street, the house that was for sale...').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the definite relative pronoun used incorrectly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, only when it is the object of the relative clause in a restrictive clause (e.g., 'The man (that) I saw' is fine, but 'The man who is outside' cannot omit 'who').
In American English and modern British English, 'that' is preferred in restrictive clauses (essential information), while 'which' is used in non-restrictive clauses (extra information, set off by commas).
No, but it is formal. It is still required in writing after a preposition ('to whom') and is preferred in formal contexts as the object pronoun. In everyday speech, 'who' is commonly used.
Yes, 'whose' is the standard possessive relative pronoun for both people and things when 'of which' sounds awkward (e.g., 'a company whose profits are rising').