Relative Clauses — That and Defining Details

Hook

“The restaurant that we visited last night was amazing.” “That” can replace both “who” and “which” in everyday speech — when can you use it?

Notice

“The restaurant that we visited was amazing.” — “The man that helped me was very kind.” — “This is the house that I grew up in.”

Rule

That can replace both who (for people) and which (for things) in defining relative clauses — clauses that give essential information to identify exactly who or what you mean. Native speakers use “that” very often in everyday conversation for both people and things.

Practice

  1. The book ______ I’m reading is really good. Answer: that (or which)
  2. The woman ______ works at the bank is my aunt. Answer: that (or who)
  3. Is this the restaurant ______ you recommended? Answer: that (or which)
  4. He’s the person ______ fixed my computer. Answer: that (or who)
  5. Rewrite using “that”: “This is the car which I want to buy.” Answer: This is the car that I want to buy.

Connect

Test your relative clause skills with our Grammar Quiz.

Try our Grammar Quiz →

This lesson supports: I can use simple descriptive language to describe people and places.

Azizul Hakim
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