Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
The idea
Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Structure & examples
Our library, which opened in May, is very popular.
My aunt, who lives nearby, teaches art.
Notice the pattern
Non-defining clauses add information rather than identify the noun. Enclose an inserted clause in commas. The relative pronoun cannot be omitted, and that is not used in this pattern. Whose introduces possession and where introduces information about a place.
My sister, who lives nearby, visits often.
The hotel, which opened recently, is busy.
Important notes & common mistakes
Do not use that in a non-defining relative clause.
Before you practice
First choose a form from the options. Then produce it yourself using the word or structure in the instruction. Finally, build complete sentences. Check the explanation after each answer and revisit any mistakes in your review list.
Your progress
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Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.
Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Our neighbour, ___ teaches music, is moving.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: who
Completed sentence: Our neighbour, who teaches music, is moving. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
The bus, ___ was late, was crowded.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: which
Completed sentence: The bus, which was late, was crowded. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Kyoto, ___ we stayed, was beautiful.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: where
Completed sentence: Kyoto, where we stayed, was beautiful. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
My cousin, ___ dog won a prize, was delighted.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: whose
Completed sentence: My cousin, whose dog won a prize, was delighted. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Question 1 of 50% complete
Our library, ___ opened in May, is very popular.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: which
Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: who
Completed sentence: Our neighbour, who teaches music, is moving. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: which
Completed sentence: The bus, which was late, was crowded. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: where
Completed sentence: Kyoto, where we stayed, was beautiful. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: whose
Completed sentence: My cousin, whose dog won a prize, was delighted. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: who
Completed sentence: Use who: Mia, who lives upstairs, is a nurse. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: which
Completed sentence: Use which: My bike, which I bought last year, needs a repair. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: where
Completed sentence: Use where: Bath, where my aunt lives, is a historic city. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: whose
Completed sentence: Use whose: Leo, whose sister is a pilot, loves planes. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: which
Completed sentence: Use which: The concert, which lasted two hours, was excellent. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: My aunt, who lives nearby, teaches art
Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that. Do not use that in a non-defining relative clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: My sister, who lives nearby, visits often
My sister, who lives nearby, visits often. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that. Do not use that in a non-defining relative clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: The hotel, which opened recently, is busy
The hotel, which opened recently, is busy. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that. Do not use that in a non-defining relative clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: Lyon, where we stayed, was lovely
Lyon, where we stayed, was lovely. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that. Do not use that in a non-defining relative clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: Anna, whose car broke down, arrived late
Anna, whose car broke down, arrived late. Use commas for extra information in non-defining clauses. Use who or which, not that. Do not use that in a non-defining relative clause.
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