A relative clause is a type of subordinate clause which is attached to a head noun within a noun phrase. There are two types of relative clauses – restrictive (or defining) and non-restrictive (or non-defining). A restrictive relative clause is required to identify what is being referred to.

Complete the sentences with relative clauses. Use who or which.

1. This is the woman (work with my sister.)

2. What is the name of the man (he just came in)?

As the relative pronoun refers back to a noun or pronoun (called its antecedent), it must be of the same number and person as its antecedent. Note that the verb shows the number and person of the relative pronoun. For example, a relative pronoun referring back to a singular noun or pronoun must be followed by a singular verb.

Some relative clauses identify nouns. They tell us which noun or pronoun is meant. These kinds of clauses are called identifying, defining or restrictive relative clauses.

A relative clause is a kind of subordinate clause which is attached to a head noun within a noun phrase.

There are two kinds of relative clauses: restrictive or defining relative clauses and non-restrictive or non-defining relative clauses.