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Using relative clauses to identify or define a person or thing.
Practice: build the sentences →A defining relative clause identifies which person or thing is meant by adding essential information about the noun.
The relative clause is necessary to identify the intended person or thing. For example, The student who sits by the window is absent identifies a particular student.
The student who sits by the window is absent.
Студент, который сидит у окна, отсутствует.
The clause "who sits by the window" identifies which student is meant.
The book that I bought yesterday is interesting.
Книга, которую я купил вчера, интересная.
The clause "that I bought yesterday" identifies which book is meant.
The woman who called yesterday left a message.
Женщина, которая звонила вчера, оставила сообщение.
The clause "who called yesterday" identifies which woman is meant.
The car which is parked outside belongs to my neighbour.
Машина, которая припаркована снаружи, принадлежит моему соседу.
The clause "which is parked outside" identifies which car is meant.
The people who live next door are friendly.
Люди, которые живут по соседству, дружелюбные.
The clause "who live next door" identifies which people are meant.
Information in a defining relative clause is treated as essential to identifying the noun it modifies.
For example, The book that I bought yesterday identifies a particular book by adding identifying information.
The book that I bought yesterday is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил вчера, на столе.
The relative clause "that I bought yesterday" gives essential identifying information.
The student who sits by the window is absent.
Студент, который сидит у окна, отсутствует.
The clause "who sits by the window" identifies the particular student.
The house which has a red door is mine.
Дом, у которого красная дверь, мой.
The clause "which has a red door" identifies the house.
The man who called you is my uncle.
Мужчина, который тебе звонил, мой дядя.
The clause "who called you" identifies the man.
The film that we watched last night was boring.
Фильм, который мы смотрели вчера вечером, был скучным.
The clause "that we watched last night" identifies the film.
Defining relative clauses are normally not separated from the main clause by commas.
For example, The people who live next door are friendly. The commas would incorrectly suggest that the relative clause is non-defining.
The people who live next door are friendly.
Люди, которые живут по соседству, дружелюбные.
No commas are used because the clause "who live next door" is defining.
The car which I bought last year is reliable.
Машина, которую я купил в прошлом году, надёжная.
No commas separate the defining relative clause "which I bought last year".
The woman who called yesterday left a message.
Женщина, которая звонила вчера, оставила сообщение.
The clause "who called yesterday" is essential, so there are no commas.
The book that you recommended was excellent.
Книга, которую ты рекомендовал, была отличной.
No commas are used with the defining clause "that you recommended".
The students who passed the test received certificates.
Студенты, которые сдали тест, получили сертификаты.
The clause "who passed the test" identifies which students, so no commas are used.
Who is commonly used for people in defining relative clauses.
For example, The woman who called yesterday left a message.
The woman who called yesterday left a message.
Женщина, которая звонила вчера, оставила сообщение.
Who introduces the clause "who called yesterday" and refers to the person woman.
The man who lives next door is a doctor.
Мужчина, который живёт по соседству, врач.
Who introduces the clause "who lives next door" about a person.
The girl who won the prize is my sister.
Девочка, которая выиграла приз, моя сестра.
Who introduces the clause "who won the prize" and refers to the girl.
The teacher who helped me was very kind.
Учитель, который мне помог, был очень добрым.
Who introduces the clause "who helped me" and refers to the teacher.
The people who work here are friendly.
Люди, которые здесь работают, дружелюбные.
Who introduces the clause "who work here" and refers to people.
Which is used for things and animals in defining relative clauses.
For example, The car which I bought last year is very reliable.
The car which I bought last year is very reliable.
Машина, которую я купил в прошлом году, очень надёжная.
Which introduces the clause "which I bought last year" and refers to the car.
The book which is on the table is mine.
Книга, которая на столе, моя.
Which introduces the clause "which is on the table" and refers to the book.
The dog which lives next door is friendly.
Собака, которая живёт по соседству, дружелюбная.
Which introduces the clause "which lives next door" and can refer to an animal.
The film which we watched was excellent.
Фильм, который мы смотрели, был отличным.
Which introduces the clause "which we watched" and refers to the film.
The house which has a red door is mine.
Дом, у которого красная дверь, мой.
Which introduces the clause "which has a red door" and refers to the house.
That can be used in defining relative clauses for people or things in many common contexts.
For example, The person that I spoke to was helpful and The book that you recommended was excellent.
The person that I spoke to was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
That introduces the clause "that I spoke to" and can refer to a person in a defining clause.
The book that you recommended was excellent.
Книга, которую ты рекомендовал, была отличной.
That introduces the clause "that you recommended" and can refer to a thing.
The car that is parked outside is mine.
Машина, которая припаркована снаружи, моя.
That introduces the clause "that is parked outside" and refers to the car.
The woman that called yesterday left a message.
Женщина, которая звонила вчера, оставила сообщение.
That introduces the clause "that called yesterday" and can refer to a person.
The film that we watched was boring.
Фильм, который мы смотрели, был скучным.
That introduces the clause "that we watched" and refers to the film.
When who is the subject of a relative clause, it is followed directly by the verb.
For example, The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
Женщина, которая живёт по соседству, врач.
In the clause "who lives next door", who is the subject of lives.
The man who called you is my uncle.
Мужчина, который тебе звонил, мой дядя.
In the clause "who called you", who is the subject of called.
The girl who won the prize is my sister.
Девочка, которая выиграла приз, моя сестра.
In the clause "who won the prize", who is the subject of won.
The teacher who helped me was very kind.
Учитель, который мне помог, был очень добрым.
In the clause "who helped me", who is the subject of helped.
The people who work here are friendly.
Люди, которые здесь работают, дружелюбные.
In the clause "who work here", who is the subject of work.
When who refers to the object of a relative clause, another subject can appear after who.
For example, The man who I met yesterday was very friendly.
The man who I met yesterday was very friendly.
Мужчина, которого я встретил вчера, был очень дружелюбным.
In the clause "who I met yesterday", who is the object of met; I is the subject.
The woman who you called is my aunt.
Женщина, которой ты звонил, моя тётя.
In the clause "who you called", who is the object of called.
The student who the teacher praised was happy.
Студент, которого учитель похвалил, был счастлив.
In the clause "who the teacher praised", who is the object of praised.
The doctor who we saw yesterday was helpful.
Врач, которого мы видели вчера, был полезен.
In the clause "who we saw yesterday", who is the object of saw.
The person who they invited is my friend.
Человек, которого они пригласили, мой друг.
In the clause "who they invited", who is the object of invited.
When which is the subject of a relative clause, it is followed directly by the verb.
For example, The car which caused the accident was damaged.
The car which caused the accident was damaged.
Машина, которая вызвала аварию, была повреждена.
In the clause "which caused the accident", which is the subject of caused.
The book which is on the table is mine.
Книга, которая на столе, моя.
In the clause "which is on the table", which is the subject of is.
The dog which lives next door is friendly.
Собака, которая живёт по соседству, дружелюбная.
In the clause "which lives next door", which is the subject of lives.
The train which arrives at six is usually crowded.
Поезд, который прибывает в шесть, обычно переполнен.
In the clause "which arrives at six", which is the subject of arrives.
The house which has a red door is mine.
Дом, у которого красная дверь, мой.
In the clause "which has a red door", which is the subject of has.
When which is the object of a relative clause, another subject normally follows it.
For example, The book which I bought is on the table.
The book which I bought is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
In the clause "which I bought", which is the object of bought.
The car which she drives is very old.
Машина, которую она водит, очень старая.
In the clause "which she drives", which is the object of drives.
The film which we watched was excellent.
Фильм, который мы смотрели, был отличным.
In the clause "which we watched", which is the object of watched.
The song which he sang was beautiful.
Песня, которую он спел, была красивой.
In the clause "which he sang", which is the object of sang.
The house which they bought is large.
Дом, который они купили, большой.
In the clause "which they bought", which is the object of bought.
That can function as the subject of a defining relative clause referring to a person or thing.
For example, The train that arrives at six is usually crowded.
The train that arrives at six is usually crowded.
Поезд, который прибывает в шесть, обычно переполнен.
In the clause "that arrives at six", that is the subject of arrives.
The car that caused the accident was damaged.
Машина, которая вызвала аварию, была повреждена.
In the clause "that caused the accident", that is the subject of caused.
The book that is on the table is mine.
Книга, которая на столе, моя.
In the clause "that is on the table", that is the subject of is.
The dog that lives next door is friendly.
Собака, которая живёт по соседству, дружелюбная.
In the clause "that lives next door", that is the subject of lives.
The person that called you is my uncle.
Человек, который тебе звонил, мой дядя.
In the clause "that called you", that is the subject of called.
That can function as the object of a defining relative clause referring to a person or thing.
For example, The film that we watched was excellent.
The film that we watched was excellent.
Фильм, который мы смотрели, был отличным.
In the clause "that we watched", that is the object of watched.
The book that I bought is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
In the clause "that I bought", that is the object of bought.
The car that she drives is very old.
Машина, которую она водит, очень старая.
In the clause "that she drives", that is the object of drives.
The song that he sang was beautiful.
Песня, которую он спел, была красивой.
In the clause "that he sang", that is the object of sang.
The house that they bought is large.
Дом, который они купили, большой.
In the clause "that they bought", that is the object of bought.
Whose introduces possession in a relative clause and can refer to people, animals, and sometimes things.
For example, The woman whose car was stolen called the police.
The woman whose car was stolen called the police.
Женщина, чью машину украли, позвонила в полицию.
In the clause "whose car was stolen", whose shows possession; the car belongs to the woman.
The man whose son plays football is my neighbour.
Мужчина, чей сын играет в футбол, мой сосед.
In the clause "whose son plays football", whose shows possession; the son belongs to the man.
The girl whose bag is on the chair is my sister.
Девочка, чья сумка на стуле, моя сестра.
In the clause "whose bag is on the chair", whose shows possession; the bag belongs to the girl.
The house whose roof is red is very old.
Дом, чья крыша красная, очень старый.
In the clause "whose roof is red", whose can sometimes refer to things.
The dog whose tail is short is mine.
Собака, чей хвост короткий, моя.
In the clause "whose tail is short", whose can refer to animals.
Whom can be used as the object of a relative clause referring to a person, especially in formal English.
For example, The man whom I met yesterday was very helpful.
The man whom I met yesterday was very helpful.
Мужчина, которого я встретил вчера, был очень полезен.
In the clause "whom I met yesterday", whom is the object of met; it is formal.
The woman whom you called is my aunt.
Женщина, которой ты звонил, моя тётя.
In the clause "whom you called", whom is the object of called.
The doctor whom we saw yesterday was helpful.
Врач, которого мы видели вчера, был полезен.
In the clause "whom we saw yesterday", whom is the object of saw.
The student whom the teacher praised was happy.
Студент, которого учитель похвалил, был счастлив.
In the clause "whom the teacher praised", whom is the object of praised.
The person whom they invited is my friend.
Человек, которого они пригласили, мой друг.
In the clause "whom they invited", whom is the object of invited.
A relative pronoun functioning as the object can often be omitted in a defining relative clause.
For example, The book that I bought and The book I bought are both standard.
The book I bought is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
The relative pronoun is omitted; the clause is "I bought".
The car she drives is very old.
Машина, которую она водит, очень старая.
The relative pronoun is omitted; the clause is "she drives".
The film we watched was excellent.
Фильм, который мы смотрели, был отличным.
The relative pronoun is omitted; the clause is "we watched".
The song he sang was beautiful.
Песня, которую он спел, была красивой.
The relative pronoun is omitted; the clause is "he sang".
The house they bought is large.
Дом, который они купили, большой.
The relative pronoun is omitted; the clause is "they bought".
In informal and neutral English, a preposition commonly appears at the end of a relative clause.
For example, The person who I spoke to was very helpful.
The person who I spoke to was very helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был очень полезен.
In the clause "who I spoke to", the preposition to appears at the end.
The woman who you talked about is my aunt.
Женщина, о которой ты говорил, моя тётя.
In the clause "who you talked about", the preposition about appears at the end.
The doctor who we waited for was late.
Врач, которого мы ждали, опоздал.
In the clause "who we waited for", the preposition for appears at the end.
The friend who I went out with is a teacher.
Друг, с которым я гулял, учитель.
In the clause "who I went out with", the preposition with appears at the end.
The house which they live in is very old.
Дом, в котором они живут, очень старый.
In the clause "which they live in", the preposition in appears at the end.
Defining relative clauses commonly occur after superlatives to identify the person or thing with the highest or lowest degree.
For example, This is the best book that I have ever read.
This is the best book that I have ever read.
Это лучшая книга, которую я когда-либо читал.
The defining relative clause "that I have ever read" follows the superlative the best.
She is the most talented singer that I know.
Она самая талантливая певица, которую я знаю.
The clause "that I know" follows the superlative the most talented.
That was the worst film that we watched last year.
Это был худший фильм, который мы смотрели в прошлом году.
The clause "that we watched last year" follows the superlative the worst.
He is the tallest person that I have ever met.
Он самый высокий человек, которого я когда-либо встречал.
The clause "that I have ever met" follows the superlative the tallest.
This is the most interesting story that she has written.
Это самая интересная история, которую она написала.
The clause "that she has written" follows the superlative the most interesting.
Defining relative clauses commonly follow expressions such as the first, the last, the next, and the only.
For example, She was the first person who arrived and He was the only student that passed.
She was the first person who arrived.
Она была первым человеком, который пришёл.
The defining relative clause "who arrived" follows the first.
He was the only student that passed.
Он был единственным студентом, который сдал.
The defining relative clause "that passed" follows the only.
This is the last time that I will help you.
Это последний раз, когда я тебе помогу.
The defining relative clause "that I will help you" follows the last.
The next person who speaks will be chosen.
Следующий человек, который заговорит, будет выбран.
The defining relative clause "who speaks" follows the next.
She was the first woman who won the prize.
Она была первой женщиной, которая выиграла приз.
The defining relative clause "who won the prize" follows the first.
Defining relative clauses can follow indefinite nouns and noun phrases to identify the relevant person or thing.
For example, I need someone who can help me and Find a book that explains the topic clearly.
I need someone who can help me.
Мне нужен кто-то, кто может мне помочь.
The relative clause "who can help me" follows the indefinite pronoun someone.
Find a book that explains the topic clearly.
Найди книгу, которая ясно объясняет тему.
The relative clause "that explains the topic clearly" follows the indefinite noun phrase a book.
She wants a job that pays well.
Она хочет работу, которая хорошо оплачивается.
The relative clause "that pays well" follows the indefinite noun phrase a job.
We are looking for a person who speaks French.
Мы ищем человека, который говорит по-французски.
The relative clause "who speaks French" follows the indefinite noun phrase a person.
He needs a car that is reliable.
Ему нужна машина, которая надёжная.
The relative clause "that is reliable" follows the indefinite noun phrase a car.
Quantifying expressions such as all, some, many, and none can be followed by relative clauses.
For example, All the students who passed the test received certificates.
All the students who passed the test received certificates.
Все студенты, которые сдали тест, получили сертификаты.
The relative clause "who passed the test" follows the quantified phrase all the students.
Some of the people who came were late.
Некоторые из людей, которые пришли, опоздали.
The relative clause "who came" follows the quantified phrase some of the people.
Many of the books that she bought are rare.
Многие из книг, которые она купила, редкие.
The relative clause "that she bought" follows the quantified phrase many of the books.
None of the cars that were parked here are mine.
Ни одна из машин, которые были припаркованы здесь, не моя.
The relative clause "that were parked here" follows the quantified phrase none of the cars.
Most of the students who applied were accepted.
Большинство студентов, которые подали заявки, были приняты.
The relative clause "who applied" follows the quantified phrase most of the students.
A noun phrase can contain more than one relative clause when several pieces of identifying information are needed.
For example, The woman who lives next door and who works at the hospital is my neighbour.
The woman who lives next door and who works at the hospital is my neighbour.
Женщина, которая живёт по соседству и которая работает в больнице, моя соседка.
Two relative clauses, "who lives next door" and "who works at the hospital", modify the same noun woman.
The book that I bought and that you recommended is excellent.
Книга, которую я купил и которую ты рекомендовал, отличная.
Two relative clauses, "that I bought" and "that you recommended", modify the same noun book.
The man who called me and who left a message is my uncle.
Мужчина, который мне звонил и который оставил сообщение, мой дядя.
Two relative clauses, "who called me" and "who left a message", modify the same noun man.
The car which is parked outside and which has a red roof is mine.
Машина, которая припаркована снаружи и у которой красная крыша, моя.
Two relative clauses, "which is parked outside" and "which has a red roof", modify the same noun car.
The student who sits by the window and who studies hard is absent.
Студент, который сидит у окна и который усердно учится, отсутствует.
Two relative clauses, "who sits by the window" and "who studies hard", modify the same noun student.
A defining relative clause can modify a noun phrase containing more than one coordinated noun.
For example, The man and woman who live next door are doctors.
The man and woman who live next door are doctors.
Мужчина и женщина, которые живут по соседству, врачи.
The relative clause "who live next door" modifies the compound antecedent the man and woman.
The books and magazines that are on the table are mine.
Книги и журналы, которые на столе, мои.
The relative clause "that are on the table" modifies the compound antecedent books and magazines.
The teacher and the student who won the prize are here.
Учитель и студент, который выиграл приз, здесь.
The relative clause "who won the prize" modifies the compound antecedent teacher and student, but the meaning can depend on context.
The cars and bikes which are parked outside belong to us.
Машины и велосипеды, которые припаркованы снаружи, принадлежат нам.
The relative clause "which are parked outside" modifies the compound antecedent cars and bikes.
The cat and the dog that live in this house are friendly.
Кошка и собака, которые живут в этом доме, дружелюбные.
The relative clause "that live in this house" modifies the compound antecedent cat and dog.
The verb inside a relative clause agrees with the subject of that clause, not simply with the noun being modified.
For example, The people who live here are friendly. The relative clause subject who refers to people, so the verb is live.
The people who live here are friendly.
Люди, которые здесь живут, дружелюбные.
In the clause "who live here", the verb live agrees with who, which refers to people.
The person who lives here is friendly.
Человек, который здесь живёт, дружелюбный.
In the clause "who lives here", the verb lives agrees with who, which refers to one person.
The students who passed the test received certificates.
Студенты, которые сдали тест, получили сертификаты.
In the clause "who passed the test", the verb passed agrees with who, which refers to students.
The student who passed the test received a certificate.
Студент, который сдал тест, получил сертификат.
In the clause "who passed the test", the verb passed agrees with who, which refers to one student.
The cars which are parked outside are mine.
Машины, которые припаркованы снаружи, мои.
In the clause "which are parked outside", the verb are agrees with which, which refers to cars.
The choice between who, whom, which, and that can vary according to register and grammatical role.
That is common in defining clauses, who is very common for people, whom is more formal as an object, and which is standard for things.
The person that I spoke to was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
That is common in informal and neutral defining clauses such as "that I spoke to".
The person to whom I spoke was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
Whom after a preposition is formal, as in the clause "to whom I spoke".
The woman who called yesterday left a message.
Женщина, которая звонила вчера, оставила сообщение.
Who is very common for people, as in the clause "who called yesterday".
The book which I bought is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
Which is standard for things, as in the clause "which I bought".
The man whom I met yesterday was very helpful.
Мужчина, которого я встретил вчера, был очень полезен.
Whom is more formal as an object, as in the clause "whom I met yesterday".
Use an appropriate relative pronoun, identify whether it is the subject or object of the relative clause, and use punctuation appropriate to a defining clause.
Common mistakes include adding commas to defining clauses, using which for people in inappropriate contexts, using incorrect subject-verb agreement, and retaining a relative pronoun that has the wrong grammatical role.
The book that I bought is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
Use that for a thing; no commas are needed with "that I bought".
The woman who called yesterday left a message.
Женщина, которая звонила вчера, оставила сообщение.
Use who for a person, as in the clause "who called yesterday".
The people who live here are friendly.
Люди, которые здесь живут, дружелюбные.
In the clause "who live here", the verb live agrees with the plural subject who.
The car which caused the accident was damaged.
Машина, которая вызвала аварию, была повреждена.
Use which for a thing and do not add commas with "which caused the accident".
The student who sits by the window is absent.
Студент, который сидит у окна, отсутствует.
Use who for a person and do not omit the relative pronoun when it is the subject, as in "who sits by the window".