Defining Relative Clauses

A defining (restrictive) relative clause identifies which specific person, thing, or place is meant. It is essential to the meaning — removing it would make the sentence unclear. No commas are used.

Relative Pronouns

Who

For people as subject: The employee who handles accounts will be promoted.

Whom

For people as object (formal): The candidate whom we interviewed was excellent.

Whose

For possession: The manager whose team won the award received a bonus.

Which

For things/animals: The report which was submitted late was rejected.

That

For people or things (informal alternative to who/which): The system that crashed has been repaired.

Contact clause

Object relative pronouns can be omitted: The candidate (that/whom) we hired is outstanding.

Example Sentences

The employee who handles the accounts will be promoted.

The proposal that was submitted last week has been approved.

The manager whose team exceeded targets received a bonus.

Is this the report that you mentioned in the meeting?

The candidate whom we interviewed yesterday was impressive.

The software which was installed last month is running smoothly.

The client that placed the largest order will receive a discount.

The project manager whose department delivered on time was praised.

This is the system that processes all incoming payments.

The department which handles complaints is on the third floor.

Common Mistakes

The company which I work for it is expanding.

The company which I work for is expanding.

Do not repeat the pronoun after the relative clause ('for it' → just 'for').

The employee that works here, is very capable.

The employee that works here is very capable.

No commas in defining relative clauses.

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