Non-defining relative clauses

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Professor Robert Hare published a checklist in 1980, which became the global standard in forensic psychology. Dr Karen Mitchell, who spent three decades working as a corporate consultant, noticed the same predatory personality recurring.

Grammar Reference · Non-defining relative clauses

Who — people

Use who for people. Dr Mitchell, who spent 30 years in consulting, built a new framework. Always use commas.

Which — things

Use which for things. His checklist, which became the global standard, was built on prison data. Never use that.

Whose — possession

Use whose for possession. Mitchell, whose research took five years, published in 2024. Commas required.

Common error

A checklist that covers 20 traits... ✗ (non-defining) → A checklist, which covers 20 traits,... ✓

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Non-defining relative clauses

1.Professor Hare published a checklist. It became the global standard.

2.Dr Mitchell spent decades in consulting. She noticed predatory behaviour in workplaces.

3.Mitchell completed her PhD in 2024. Its findings challenged clinical definitions.

4.The third cluster focuses on deception. It includes maintaining a facade of normality.

5.The HR manager described a specific individual. She constantly feared he would ruin her career.

6.Mitchell interviewed professionals from many fields. Their experiences showed striking similarities.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.Professor Hare, that developed the checklist, is still the recognised expert.

2.Mitchell's PhD, that took five years, was published in 2024.

3.The HR manager, who fear was constant, described the individual in detail.

4.Hare, who's checklist is the global standard, studied prison populations.

5.The fourth cluster, which it describes emotional absence, is particularly striking.

6.The charity worker, that was certain the man would ruin him, described the situation in detail.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

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