Relative clauses with 'who' and 'which' help you add extra information about a person or thing without starting a new sentence. This lesson will guide you on when the information is essential and how to connect it smoothly.
Examples
Example 1
IncorrectThe teacher who gave feedback was very specific.
BetterThe teacher who gave feedback was very specific.
'Who' is used to specify the teacher, making the sentence clearer.
Example 2
IncorrectThe book which you gave me it was interesting.
BetterThe book which you gave me was interesting.
Remove the extra subject 'it' to maintain correct relative clause structure.
How It Works
Meaning
Relative clauses with who and which provide additional information about a noun, enhancing the sentence without starting a new one. Use who for people and which for things. This structure is crucial at the B2 level for creating detailed and connected sentences.
Use it when
- Describing a person or thing in more detail.
- Connecting two related ideas smoothly in writing.
- Providing essential information about a noun in formal writing.
- Clarifying which specific person or thing you are referring to.
See it
Quick rules
- Use who for people and which for things.
- Do not repeat the subject within the relative clause.
- Omit commas if the clause is essential to identify the noun.
- Ensure the clause directly follows the noun it describes.
- If the clause can be removed without changing the core meaning, use commas.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
omitting or duplicating elements in relative clause structure
WeakThe course provides materials are easy to review at home.
StrongThe course provides materials which are easy to review at home.
Fix: Attach the clause with 'which' to the noun and avoid repeating the subject.
Common problem 2
repeating the subject inside the relative clause
WeakThe student who she won the prize thanked her teacher.
StrongThe student who won the prize thanked her teacher.
Fix: Use the relative pronoun or the subject noun once, not twice.
Common problem 3
using commas in a clause that identifies the noun
WeakStudents, who arrive early, usually get the front seats.
StrongStudents who arrive early usually get the front seats.
Fix: Remove commas when the clause is necessary to identify the noun.
Practice Lab
Practice
First notice the right form. Then build it yourself. Then fix it in a full sentence.
Score: 0/3
Read for meaning first. If the meaning changes, the grammar usually has to change too.
1. Quick pick
Choose the stronger sentence for using 'who' or 'which'.
2. Build it
Put this sentence in the correct order using 'which'.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Final sort
Mark each sentence as correct or needing a fix.
The manager who leads the team is very experienced.
The manager which leads the team is very experienced.
The book which you lent me was fascinating.
The book who you lent me was fascinating.
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Mastering relative clauses with 'who' and 'which' allows you to add detail and clarity in your writing and speaking, enhancing your communication skills without confusing the reader or listener.
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