Blog about English
Using relative clauses to add extra, non-essential information.
Practice: build the sentences →A non-defining relative clause adds extra information about a person, thing, or situation that is already sufficiently identified.
The information is additional rather than necessary for identifying the noun. For example, My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.
Мой брат, который живёт в Лондоне, навещает нас.
The non-defining clause "who lives in London" adds extra information about my brother.
The book, which I bought yesterday, is very interesting.
Книга, которую я купил вчера, очень интересная.
The clause "which I bought yesterday" is additional; the book is already identified.
Our teacher, who is from Canada, speaks three languages.
Наш учитель, который из Канады, говорит на трёх языках.
The clause "who is from Canada" provides extra information about the teacher.
The house, which was built in 1920, has been renovated.
Дом, который был построен в 1920 году, был отремонтирован.
The clause "which was built in 1920" is non-essential.
Anna, who works at the hospital, is my cousin.
Анна, которая работает в больнице, моя двоюродная сестра.
The clause "who works at the hospital" is additional information.
A non-defining relative clause is separated from the main clause by commas.
For example, My sister, who lives in Paris, is a doctor.
My sister, who lives in Paris, is a doctor.
Моя сестра, которая живёт в Париже, врач.
Commas separate the non-defining clause "who lives in Paris".
The car, which is red, belongs to my father.
Машина, которая красная, принадлежит моему отцу.
The clause "which is red" is enclosed in commas.
John, who is my best friend, is coming to dinner.
Джон, который мой лучший друг, приходит на ужин.
The non-defining clause "who is my best friend" is set off by commas.
The book, which I read last week, was fascinating.
Книга, которую я прочитал на прошлой неделе, была увлекательной.
Commas surround the clause "which I read last week".
Our house, which we bought last year, needs repairs.
Наш дом, который мы купили в прошлом году, нуждается в ремонте.
The clause "which we bought last year" is between commas.
A defining relative clause identifies which person or thing is meant, while a non-defining clause provides additional information about an already identified noun.
Compare The students who passed the exam received certificates with The students, who passed the exam, received certificates.
The students who passed the exam received certificates.
Студенты, которые сдали экзамен, получили сертификаты.
This is a defining clause "who passed the exam"; it identifies which students.
The students, who passed the exam, received certificates.
Студенты, которые сдали экзамен, получили сертификаты.
This is a non-defining clause "who passed the exam"; it adds extra info about all students.
The books which are on the shelf are mine.
Книги, которые на полке, мои.
Defining clause "which are on the shelf" identifies which books.
The books, which are on the shelf, are mine.
Книги, которые на полке, мои.
Non-defining clause "which are on the shelf" adds extra info about all books.
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.
Мой брат, который живёт в Лондоне, навещает нас.
Non-defining; the information "who lives in London" is additional. Compare with "My brother who lives in London..." which would be defining.
Who is commonly used for people in non-defining relative clauses.
For example, My uncle, who lives nearby, visits us often.
My uncle, who lives nearby, visits us often.
Мой дядя, который живёт рядом, часто нас навещает.
Who introduces the non-defining clause "who lives nearby".
Sarah, who is a teacher, loves reading.
Сара, которая учительница, любит читать.
The clause "who is a teacher" is non-defining.
The doctor, who treated me, was very kind.
Врач, который меня лечил, был очень добрым.
Who introduces the clause "who treated me".
Our neighbours, who moved in last month, are friendly.
Наши соседи, которые переехали в прошлом месяце, дружелюбные.
The clause "who moved in last month" is non-defining.
Mr. Smith, who is from Australia, works in our office.
Мистер Смит, который из Австралии, работает в нашем офисе.
Who introduces the clause "who is from Australia".
Which is commonly used for things in non-defining relative clauses.
For example, The house, which was built in 1920, has recently been renovated.
The house, which was built in 1920, has recently been renovated.
Дом, который был построен в 1920 году, недавно был отремонтирован.
Which introduces the non-defining clause "which was built in 1920".
My car, which is five years old, still works well.
Моя машина, которой пять лет, всё ещё хорошо работает.
The clause "which is five years old" is non-defining.
The film, which we watched last night, was boring.
Фильм, который мы смотрели вчера вечером, был скучным.
Which introduces the clause "which we watched last night".
The cake, which she made, was delicious.
Торт, который она сделала, был вкусным.
The clause "which she made" adds extra info.
This book, which I borrowed from the library, is due tomorrow.
Эта книга, которую я взял в библиотеке, должна быть возвращена завтра.
Which introduces the clause "which I borrowed from the library".
That is not normally used to introduce non-defining relative clauses.
Use who or which instead. For example, My car, which is five years old, still works well.
My car, which is five years old, still works well.
Моя машина, которой пять лет, всё ещё хорошо работает.
Use which, not that, in the non-defining clause "which is five years old".
My sister, who lives in Paris, is a doctor.
Моя сестра, которая живёт в Париже, врач.
Use who, not that, in the non-defining clause "who lives in Paris".
The house, which we bought last year, needs repairs.
Дом, который мы купили в прошлом году, нуждается в ремонте.
The non-defining clause "which we bought last year" uses which, not that.
John, who is my best friend, is coming to dinner.
Джон, который мой лучший друг, приходит на ужин.
Use who, not that, in the non-defining clause "who is my best friend".
The book, which I read last week, was fascinating.
Книга, которую я прочитал на прошлой неделе, была увлекательной.
The non-defining clause "which I read last week" requires which, not that.
Whom can be used as the object of a non-defining relative clause referring to a person, especially in formal English.
For example, Mr Brown, whom I met yesterday, will lead the meeting.
Mr Brown, whom I met yesterday, will lead the meeting.
Мистер Браун, которого я встретил вчера, будет вести собрание.
Whom introduces the non-defining clause "whom I met yesterday".
The professor, whom we interviewed, is an expert in linguistics.
Профессор, у которого мы брали интервью, эксперт по лингвистике.
The clause "whom we interviewed" is non-defining and formal.
My lawyer, whom you recommended, is very helpful.
Мой юрист, которого ты рекомендовал, очень полезен.
Whom introduces the clause "whom you recommended".
The candidate, whom the committee selected, will start next week.
Кандидат, которого выбрал комитет, начнёт на следующей неделе.
The clause "whom the committee selected" is non-defining.
Her father, whom she adored, passed away last year.
Её отец, которого она обожала, скончался в прошлом году.
Whom introduces the clause "whom she adored".
Whose can introduce a non-defining relative clause expressing possession.
For example, Jane, whose brother lives abroad, is moving next month.
Jane, whose brother lives abroad, is moving next month.
Джейн, чей брат живёт за границей, переезжает в следующем месяце.
Whose introduces the non-defining clause "whose brother lives abroad".
The company, whose offices are in London, is hiring new employees.
Компания, чьи офисы находятся в Лондоне, нанимает новых сотрудников.
The clause "whose offices are in London" is non-defining.
My neighbour, whose dog barks all night, is very inconsiderate.
Мой сосед, чья собака лает всю ночь, очень невнимателен.
Whose introduces the clause "whose dog barks all night".
The artist, whose paintings are famous, lives in Paris.
Художник, чьи картины знамениты, живёт в Париже.
The clause "whose paintings are famous" adds extra info.
This tree, whose branches are very old, needs pruning.
Это дерево, чьи ветви очень старые, нуждается в обрезке.
Whose can refer to things in a non-defining clause such as "whose branches are very old".
A relative pronoun in a non-defining relative clause is normally required, even when it functions as the object.
For example, My teacher, whom I met yesterday, was very helpful. The pronoun is not normally omitted.
My teacher, whom I met yesterday, was very helpful.
Мой учитель, которого я встретил вчера, был очень полезен.
The pronoun "whom" cannot be omitted in this non-defining clause.
The book, which I bought, is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
The pronoun "which" is required; you cannot say "The book, I bought, is...".
Sarah, who I like, is my friend.
Сара, которая мне нравится, моя подруга.
The pronoun "who" cannot be omitted in this non-defining clause.
The car, which he drives, is very old.
Машина, которую он водит, очень старая.
The pronoun "which" is necessary.
Mr. Jones, whom you met, is my boss.
Мистер Джонс, которого ты встретил, мой начальник.
The pronoun "whom" cannot be omitted.
Proper names can be followed by non-defining relative clauses because the person or place is already identified.
For example, Anna, who lives in Rome, is visiting next week.
Anna, who lives in Rome, is visiting next week.
Анна, которая живёт в Риме, приезжает на следующей неделе.
The clause "who lives in Rome" is non-defining after the proper name Anna.
Paris, which is the capital of France, is a beautiful city.
Париж, который является столицей Франции, красивый город.
The clause "which is the capital of France" adds extra info about Paris.
Shakespeare, who wrote Hamlet, was born in Stratford.
Шекспир, который написал «Гамлета», родился в Стратфорде.
The clause "who wrote Hamlet" is non-defining after the proper name Shakespeare.
The Amazon, which is the largest rainforest, is under threat.
Амазонка, которая является крупнейшим тропическим лесом, под угрозой.
The clause "which is the largest rainforest" is non-defining after the proper name The Amazon.
Einstein, who developed the theory of relativity, changed physics.
Эйнштейн, который разработал теорию относительности, изменил физику.
The clause "who developed the theory of relativity" is non-defining after the proper name Einstein.
Nouns referring to unique or already identifiable entities can be followed by non-defining relative clauses.
For example, The sun, which is a star, provides Earth with energy.
The sun, which is a star, provides Earth with energy.
Солнце, которое является звездой, обеспечивает Землю энергией.
The clause "which is a star" is non-defining after the unique noun the sun.
The moon, which orbits the Earth, is visible tonight.
Луна, которая вращается вокруг Земли, видна сегодня вечером.
The clause "which orbits the Earth" is non-defining.
The Earth, which is our home, needs protection.
Земля, которая является нашим домом, нуждается в защите.
The clause "which is our home" is non-defining after the unique noun the Earth.
The president, who was elected last year, gave a speech.
Президент, который был избран в прошлом году, выступил с речью.
The clause "who was elected last year" is non-defining because the president is unique in context.
The internet, which has changed our lives, is essential today.
Интернет, который изменил нашу жизнь, сегодня необходим.
The clause "which has changed our lives" is non-defining after the unique noun the internet.
Possessive noun phrases can be followed by non-defining relative clauses when the noun is already clearly identified.
For example, My old car, which I bought in 2018, is still reliable.
My old car, which I bought in 2018, is still reliable.
Моя старая машина, которую я купил в 2018 году, всё ещё надёжна.
The clause "which I bought in 2018" is non-defining after the possessive phrase my old car.
His new house, which he built last year, is very modern.
Его новый дом, который он построил в прошлом году, очень современный.
The clause "which he built last year" is non-defining.
Her latest book, which was published in May, is a bestseller.
Её последняя книга, которая была опубликована в мае, бестселлер.
The clause "which was published in May" is non-defining after the possessive phrase her latest book.
Our family business, which was founded in 1980, is still growing.
Наш семейный бизнес, который был основан в 1980 году, всё ещё растёт.
The clause "which was founded in 1980" is non-defining.
Their old dog, which they adopted from a shelter, is very friendly.
Их старая собака, которую они взяли из приюта, очень дружелюбная.
The clause "which they adopted from a shelter" is non-defining.
Which can refer not to a single noun but to the situation or event described by the preceding clause.
For example, He missed the train, which meant that he was late for work.
He missed the train, which meant that he was late for work.
Он опоздал на поезд, что означало, что он опоздал на работу.
Which refers to the whole clause "He missed the train".
She passed the exam, which surprised everyone.
Она сдала экзамен, что удивило всех.
Which refers to the whole clause "She passed the exam".
The company lost money, which led to layoffs.
Компания потеряла деньги, что привело к увольнениям.
Which refers to the whole clause "The company lost money".
It rained all day, which ruined our picnic.
Весь день шёл дождь, что испортило наш пикник.
Which refers to the whole clause "It rained all day".
He forgot his keys, which was very inconvenient.
Он забыл ключи, что было очень неудобно.
Which refers to the whole clause "He forgot his keys".
A non-defining which-clause can comment on or evaluate an entire preceding statement.
For example, She passed the exam, which surprised everyone.
She passed the exam, which surprised everyone.
Она сдала экзамен, что удивило всех.
Which comments on the entire previous situation.
He arrived late, which annoyed his boss.
Он пришёл поздно, что разозлило его начальника.
Which evaluates the entire preceding statement.
The team won the championship, which delighted the fans.
Команда выиграла чемпионат, что восхитило болельщиков.
Which comments on the whole situation.
The meeting was cancelled, which was a relief.
Собрание отменили, что было облегчением.
Which refers to the entire previous situation.
She spoke fluent French, which impressed the interviewers.
Она свободно говорила по-французски, что впечатлило интервьюеров.
Which evaluates the entire preceding statement.
Which is used for things in non-defining clauses, while that is generally restricted to defining relative clauses.
For example, The car, which I bought recently, is already having problems.
The car, which I bought recently, is already having problems.
Машина, которую я купил недавно, уже имеет проблемы.
Use which, not that, in this non-defining clause "which I bought recently".
My computer, which is only a year old, crashed yesterday.
Мой компьютер, которому всего год, вчера сломался.
The non-defining clause "which is only a year old" requires which.
The movie, which we saw last night, was excellent.
Фильм, который мы смотрели вчера вечером, был отличным.
Use which, not that, in the non-defining clause "which we saw last night".
Her dress, which she bought in Paris, is beautiful.
Её платье, которое она купила в Париже, красивое.
The non-defining clause "which she bought in Paris" uses which.
The tree, which is over 100 years old, needs care.
Дерево, которому более 100 лет, нуждается в уходе.
Use which, not that, in the non-defining clause "which is over 100 years old".
Prepositions can appear before the relative pronoun in formal English or at the end of the clause in less formal English.
For example, The person to whom I spoke was helpful and The person who I spoke to was helpful.
The person to whom I spoke was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
Formal: preposition "to" before "whom" in the non-defining clause "to whom I spoke".
The person who I spoke to was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
Less formal: preposition "to" at the end of the clause "who I spoke to".
The company for which she works is expanding.
Компания, на которую она работает, расширяется.
Formal: "for which" in the non-defining clause.
The company which she works for is expanding.
Компания, на которую она работает, расширяется.
Less formal: "for" at the end of the clause "which she works for".
The friend with whom I traveled is a photographer.
Друг, с которым я путешествовал, фотограф.
Formal: "with whom" in the non-defining clause.
A preposition can be placed directly before whom or which in formal English.
For example, The company for which she works is expanding.
The company for which she works is expanding.
Компания, на которую она работает, расширяется.
The preposition "for" is placed directly before "which" in this formal non-defining clause.
The person to whom I spoke was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
The preposition "to" precedes "whom" in this formal clause.
The colleague with whom I collaborated is on vacation.
Коллега, с которым я сотрудничал, в отпуске.
The preposition "with" is placed before "whom".
The book in which I found the information is rare.
Книга, в которой я нашёл информацию, редкая.
The preposition "in" precedes "which".
The candidate for whom I voted won the election.
Кандидат, за которого я голосовал, победил на выборах.
The preposition "for" is before "whom".
Where can introduce a non-defining relative clause referring to a place.
For example, Oxford, where she studied, is a historic university city.
Oxford, where she studied, is a historic university city.
Оксфорд, где она училась, исторический университетский город.
Where introduces the non-defining clause "where she studied".
The restaurant, where we had dinner, was excellent.
Ресторан, где мы ужинали, был отличным.
The clause "where we had dinner" is non-defining.
My hometown, where I grew up, has changed a lot.
Мой родной город, где я вырос, сильно изменился.
Where introduces the clause "where I grew up".
The office, where I work, is in the city centre.
Офис, где я работаю, находится в центре города.
The clause "where I work" is non-defining.
Paris, where we spent our honeymoon, is romantic.
Париж, где мы провели медовый месяц, романтичен.
Where introduces the clause "where we spent our honeymoon".
When can introduce a non-defining relative clause referring to a time or period.
For example, 2020, when many businesses moved online, changed working habits.
2020, when many businesses moved online, changed working habits.
2020 год, когда многие компании перешли в онлайн, изменил рабочие привычки.
When introduces the non-defining clause "when many businesses moved online".
My birthday, when I turn 30, is next week.
Мой день рождения, когда мне исполнится 30, на следующей неделе.
The clause "when I turn 30" is non-defining.
The summer, when we traveled to Italy, was unforgettable.
Лето, когда мы путешествовали по Италии, было незабываемым.
When introduces the clause "when we traveled to Italy".
The 1990s, when the internet became popular, saw many changes.
1990-е годы, когда интернет стал популярным, увидели много изменений.
The clause "when the internet became popular" is non-defining.
That evening, when we first met, was magical.
Тот вечер, когда мы впервые встретились, был волшебным.
When introduces the clause "when we first met".
Whose can refer to possession in a non-defining clause involving people, organizations, and some things.
For example, The company, whose offices are in London, is hiring new employees.
The company, whose offices are in London, is hiring new employees.
Компания, чьи офисы находятся в Лондоне, нанимает новых сотрудников.
Whose introduces the non-defining clause "whose offices are in London".
The author, whose books are bestsellers, is giving a talk.
Автор, чьи книги являются бестселлерами, выступает с лекцией.
The clause "whose books are bestsellers" is non-defining.
The city, whose history spans centuries, attracts many tourists.
Город, чья история насчитывает века, привлекает многих туристов.
Whose introduces the clause "whose history spans centuries".
My neighbour, whose garden is beautiful, won a prize.
Мой сосед, чей сад красив, выиграл приз.
The clause "whose garden is beautiful" is non-defining.
The organization, whose mission is to help children, needs donations.
Организация, чья миссия — помогать детям, нуждается в пожертвованиях.
Whose introduces the clause "whose mission is to help children".
Non-defining relative clauses allow additional information to be inserted without changing the main identification of the noun.
They are especially useful for adding background facts, descriptions, explanations, and comments.
The study, which was conducted over five years, produced significant results.
Исследование, которое проводилось в течение пяти лет, дало значительные результаты.
The clause "which was conducted over five years" adds background without changing the main noun.
My grandfather, who fought in the war, rarely spoke about it.
Мой дед, который воевал на войне, редко говорил об этом.
The clause "who fought in the war" provides extra information.
The painting, which is worth millions, was stolen.
Картина, которая стоит миллионы, была украдена.
The clause "which is worth millions" adds descriptive detail.
The CEO, who founded the company, resigned yesterday.
Генеральный директор, который основал компанию, вчера ушёл в отставку.
The clause "who founded the company" adds background.
The river, which flows through the city, is polluted.
Река, которая протекает через город, загрязнена.
The clause "which flows through the city" adds descriptive information.
Non-defining relative clauses are common in formal and academic writing for adding concise background information.
For example, The study, which was conducted over five years, produced significant results.
The study, which was conducted over five years, produced significant results.
Исследование, которое проводилось в течение пяти лет, дало значительные результаты.
Non-defining clause "which was conducted over five years" adds concise background.
The report, which was published last month, highlights key issues.
Отчёт, который был опубликован в прошлом месяце, освещает ключевые проблемы.
The clause "which was published last month" is typical of formal writing.
The theory, which was proposed by Einstein, revolutionized physics.
Теория, которая была предложена Эйнштейном, произвела революцию в физике.
The clause "which was proposed by Einstein" adds formal background.
The data, which were collected from multiple sources, support the conclusion.
Данные, которые были собраны из множества источников, подтверждают вывод.
The clause "which were collected from multiple sources" is formal.
The legislation, which was passed in 2019, has been controversial.
Законодательство, которое было принято в 2019 году, было спорным.
The clause "which was passed in 2019" adds formal detail.
Non-defining relative clauses are also common in conversation, especially when adding explanatory or descriptive information.
For example, My brother, who lives in Canada, is coming to visit us.
My brother, who lives in Canada, is coming to visit us.
Мой брат, который живёт в Канаде, приезжает нас навестить.
The clause "who lives in Canada" adds explanatory info in conversation.
This book, which I borrowed from the library, is due tomorrow.
Эта книга, которую я взял в библиотеке, должна быть возвращена завтра.
The clause "which I borrowed from the library" is common in conversation.
My sister, who is a doctor, works at the hospital.
Моя сестра, которая врач, работает в больнице.
The clause "who is a doctor" adds descriptive info in conversation.
The movie, which we saw last night, was really good.
Фильм, который мы смотрели вчера вечером, был действительно хорошим.
The clause "which we saw last night" is typical in conversation.
Our neighbours, who moved in last month, are very friendly.
Наши соседи, которые переехали в прошлом месяце, очень дружелюбные.
The clause "who moved in last month" adds explanatory detail.
Commas should clearly mark the beginning and end of a non-defining relative clause.
Incorrect punctuation can change whether information appears essential or additional.
My sister, who lives in Paris, is a doctor.
Моя сестра, которая живёт в Париже, врач.
Commas clearly mark the non-defining clause "who lives in Paris".
The students, who passed the exam, received certificates.
Студенты, которые сдали экзамен, получили сертификаты.
Commas show that the clause "who passed the exam" is additional, not identifying.
The car, which is red, belongs to my father.
Машина, которая красная, принадлежит моему отцу.
The commas around "which is red" indicate a non-defining clause.
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.
Мой брат, который живёт в Лондоне, навещает нас.
Correct punctuation uses commas to set off the non-defining clause "who lives in London".
The book, which I read last week, was fascinating.
Книга, которую я прочитал на прошлой неделе, была увлекательной.
Commas mark the beginning and end of the non-defining clause "which I read last week".
Use commas, appropriate relative pronouns, and correct clause structure in non-defining relative clauses.
Common mistakes include using that, omitting the relative pronoun, omitting commas, and treating additional information as if it were essential identifying information.
My car, which is five years old, still works well.
Моя машина, которой пять лет, всё ещё хорошо работает.
Use which, not that, in this non-defining clause; also use commas.
My teacher, whom I met yesterday, was very helpful.
Мой учитель, которого я встретил вчера, был очень полезен.
Do not omit the pronoun "whom" in this non-defining clause.
My sister, who lives in Paris, is a doctor.
Моя сестра, которая живёт в Париже, врач.
Use commas to separate the non-defining clause "who lives in Paris".
The students, who passed the exam, received certificates.
Студенты, которые сдали экзамен, получили сертификаты.
The commas show the information is additional, not essential.
The book, which I bought yesterday, is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил вчера, на столе.
Use which and commas; do not use that or omit commas.