Non-defining relative clauses
Definition
A non-defining relative clause adds extra information about a person or thing that is already identified. The clause is separated by commas and can usually be removed without changing which person or thing is meant.
Examples
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My uncle, who lives in Nairobi, is visiting next week.
The uncle is already identified; the clause adds his location.
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The old library, which opened in 1912, is being restored.
The opening date is additional information about a known building.
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Lina, whose brother is a chef, recommended the restaurant.
Whose adds information about possession or relationship.
Non-defining vs. defining relative clauses
The employees who work remotely will join online.
The clause identifies a particular group of employees.
The employees, who work remotely, will join online.
The clause presents remote work as extra information about all the employees already identified.
A defining clause restricts the noun's meaning and has no commas. A non-defining clause adds optional information and is separated by commas.
Which can refer to a whole preceding clause
In a non-defining clause, which can comment on the entire situation described before it, not only on one noun.
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The flight was cancelled, which caused a long delay.
Which refers to the cancellation as a whole.
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Mara passed every exam, which surprised no one.
The clause comments on the complete preceding fact.
Common mistakes
My car, that is twelve years old, still runs well.
My car, which is twelve years old, still runs well.
That is not normally used in non-defining relative clauses.
Rosa, I met at university, now lives in Lima.
Rosa, who I met at university, now lives in Lima.
The relative pronoun cannot normally be omitted from a non-defining clause.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly adds extra information about a person?
A non-defining clause about a person uses who and is separated by commas.Which sentence correctly uses which to comment on a whole situation?
Which annoyed several customers comments on the entire fact that the shop closed early.Which sentence has the required punctuation and relative pronoun?
The extra clause uses which and is enclosed by commas.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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