Defining Relative Clauses: who, which, that, where

• We use relative clauses to give extra information about a person, thing, or place without starting a new sentence. We choose the relative pronoun depending on the noun it describes.
• Pronoun
• Use
• Example
• who
• for people
• The dispatcher who works in Dallas handles the freight.
• which / that
• for things
• The trailer which is in Chicago carries pallets.
• where
• for places
• The warehouse where Sarah works is in Atlanta.
• Remember
• Use 'who' for people.
• Use 'which' or 'that' for things and animals.
• Use 'where' for places.
• Do not use commas in defining relative clauses.
• Examples
• David is the broker who calls the shipper in Boston.
• This is the load that pays two thousand dollars.
• The dock where the driver waits is busy.
• Common mistakes
• The broker which calls me is busy.
• The broker who calls me is busy.
• The warehouse who has the cargo is in Miami.
• The warehouse which has the cargo is in Miami.

Complete the sentences

• The agent (who) ____ works in Phoenix talks to the shipper.
• This is the warehouse (where) ____ the truck loads the freight.
• The pallet (which) ____ is heavy goes to Seattle.
• Mark is the dispatcher (who) ____ manages the local driver.
• The facility (where) ____ the trailer stops is in Denver.
• The broker (that) ____ posts the load is online.

Sources: photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels