Relative clauses 3 — defining vs non-defining
Defining clauses identify which one (no commas); non-defining clauses add extra information (commas).
A — Sample sentences
Words like headline, documentary, podcast, broadcast, censorship, and journalism.
1) Defining relative clauses — essential information
No commas. Identifies which one. Can use that for people and things.
- The documentary that won the award is about climate change.
- Journalists who report from abroad need a lot of experience.
- The headline which appeared on the tabloid shocked readers.
- The podcast that I listen to every morning covers current affairs.
2) Non-defining relative clauses — extra information
Commas around the clause. Cannot use that. who / which only.
- The BBC, which broadcasts worldwide, is a public service.
- My favourite presenter, who hosts a talk show, won an award.
- The article, which was published yesterday, became a headline.
- Social media, which grew rapidly, changed journalism forever.
3) Common mistakes
Do not mix that with commas; do not use non-defining for essential information.
- ✓ The reporter who interviewed the minister works for a broadsheet.
- ✓ The series, which has ten episodes, is a popular soap opera.
- ✗ My brother, who lives in London, is a journalist. (Only if you have one brother.)
- ✓ The game show that airs on Friday nights has high ratings.
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Defining vs non-defining
Try it: Defining or non-defining?
Choose the correct sentence.
- The journalist ___ wrote the article works for a tabloid.
(a) , who, (b) who (c) , which, - The Guardian, ___ is a broadsheet, has a strong online presence.
(a) that (b) which (c) who - The episode ___ we missed was a reality TV special.
(a) , that, (b) that (c) , who, - My colleague, ___ hosts a podcast, interviewed a famous actor.
(a) that (b) who (c) which
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 4 exercises; the other 3 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →