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Relative Clauses
Two types
There are two types of relative clause: defining relative clauses, which specify which noun we are speaking about, and non-defining relative clauses, which add extra, non-essential, information to a noun. Defining relative clauses almost always sit immediately after the noun they describe. Non-defining relative clauses are introduced and followed by a comma (if they don't end the sentence).
Defining: The pen which I used is on the table. (I mean 'the one I used and no other')
Non-defining: My brother, who is a doctor, lives in France. (The conversation is about where my brother lives)
The following information concerns defining relative clauses only.
When and where
'When' and 'where' are relative adverbs, but function like relative pronouns. 'When' is used to specify a certain time. 'Where' is used to specify a certain place. Both 'when' and 'where' can always be replaced by 'which' and a preposition. This might be done for style or reasons of formality. The preposition being used depends on the context at the time.
I was born during a time when the economy was strong.
I was born during a time at which the economy was strong.
She opened the cupboard where she kept her best glasses.
She opened the cupboard in which she kept her best glasses.
Formality and the preposition
Many relative clauses can contain a preposition, such as 'at', 'on', 'in', etc. This preposition can be in one of two positions. Either immediately before the relative clause, or at the end of the relative clause. The difference relates to formality. If the preposition appears at the end of the relative clause, this is less formal and very common in spoken English. If the preposition appears before the relative clause, this is more formal and more common in written English.
She never met the baby (who) she would give her life for.
She never met the baby for whom she would give her life.
I've just reread the book (which) I first learned English from.
I've just reread the book from which I first learned English.
Whom
'Whom' is the more formal, object only, form of 'who', the relative pronoun for people. These days, many people use 'who' for both subject and object relatives, especially when speaking. However, it's more commonly found in writing. If 'whom' is used in combination with a preposition, put the preposition in the formal position.
The boy from whom I found out about the accident gave me his phone number. (Formal)
The boy (who) I found out about the accident from gave me his phone number. (Informal)
What
'What' is an unusual relative pronoun. It does not refer to a noun that comes before it, or need a noun to follow it. It means 'the thing which' or 'the things which'. Because of this, it is a noun (the thing) and relative pronoun (which) combined. It is less common as a relative pronoun, but still used.
I don't know what I want for dinner.
I don't know the thing which I want for dinner.
I hope you're going to give me what I need.
I hope you're going to give me the things which I need.
To do
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