Non-defining Relative Clauses

A non-defining (non-restrictive) relative clause adds extra information about something already clearly identified. It is not essential to the meaning and can be removed without changing the main point. Always set off with commas. Never use 'that' — use who (people) or which (things).

Rules

Who — for people

Ms. Nguyen, who has led the project for two years, will present the findings.

Which — for things

The merger, which was announced last month, will take effect in April.

Whose — possession

Our CEO, whose vision transformed the company, will retire this year.

Never 'that'

Non-defining clauses NEVER use 'that' — only who / which / whose.

Example Sentences

Ms. Nguyen, who has led the project for two years, will present the findings.

The merger, which was announced last month, takes effect in April.

Our CEO, whose strategy doubled revenue, is retiring at year-end.

The conference centre, which holds 500 people, is fully booked.

Mr. Kim, who manages the HR department, will announce the changes.

The new policy, which affects all staff, was issued this morning.

Our flagship product, which launched in 2021, won three awards.

The board, whose members include industry veterans, approved the plan.

The annual report, which covers fiscal year 2024, is now available.

The new system, which replaced the legacy platform, is now live.

Common Mistakes

The merger, that was announced last month, will...

The merger, which was announced last month, will...

Non-defining clauses never use 'that' — use 'which' for things.

Mr. Kim who manages HR will announce the changes.

Mr. Kim, who manages HR, will announce the changes.

Non-defining clauses must be set off with commas on both sides.

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