Identifying relative clause

An identifying relative clause, also known as a defining or restrictive relative clause, is a relative clause that qualifies a noun, and tells us exactly which person or thing is being referred to - in other words, it defines that person or thing. Without them the sentences make little sense or have a rather different meaning. No commas are used.

Examples

 * He likes people who are interested in sport.


 * Students who do homework get the best results.


 * A corkscrew is something which/that you use to open a bottle of wine.


 * The computer which/that we bought was very expensive.


 * The man who/that is coming will install the new programs.

You can use that

 * Do you know anyone who/that plays rugby or cricket?


 * Judith works for a company which/that makes computer software.

You can leave out that/who/which when it is the object

 * We went to see the film (that/which) Caroline liked so much.


 * This morning I met a friend (that/who) I hadn’t seen for ages.