If you have several neighbours, the neighbour who waters our plants identifies the relevant one. The relative clause narrows the reference rather than adding a separate comment.

The idea

Place the defining clause after its noun. Use who for people, which for things, or that for either in these clauses. Do not separate it with commas. The relative word can be the clause's subject or object.

Examples

  • The neighbour who waters our plants is away.
  • I need a bag that fits under the seat.
  • The café which opens at six is near the bridge.
  • The coat that you lent me is still in my car.
  • People who work at night often sleep during the day.
  • Here is the receipt that you asked for.

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Watch out

Do not repeat its role: a bag that fits, not a bag that it fits; the coat that you lent me, not the coat that you lent me it. Defining which is valid English, although some style guides prefer that.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. The person ___ fixed the lock has left. (who / which)

    Show answer or example answer

    who

    Who refers to a person here; which does not. That would also be possible in this defining clause.

  2. Choose the correct option. I need a bag that ___ under the seat. (fits / it fits)

    Show answer or example answer

    fits

    That is already the subject of fits. Adding it repeats the subject unnecessarily.

  3. Choose the correct option. The coat ___ you lent me is in my car. (that / what)

    Show answer or example answer

    that

    That links the clause to the coat. Standard English does not use what after this expressed noun in the same way.

Use it today

Describe two similar objects so a friend can select the right one. Add one identifying clause to each and check that you have not added a second subject or object for the same role.