Contact clauses – no relative pronouns

When relative pronouns can be left out

We leave out the relative pronoun (who/which/that) if it is not the subject in the sentence.

► If there is a verb after the relative pronoun who/which/that, do not leave out the relative pronoun.

Examples with the relative pronoun who

1st part of the sentence 2nd part of the sentence
This is the boy who was at the party yesterday.
Subject Verb Rest Subject Verb Rest

who is subject in the sentence, do not leave it out.

1st part of the sentence Pronoun 2nd part of the sentence
This is the boy who I met at the party yesterday.
This is the boy can be left out I met at the party yesterday.
Subject Verb Rest   Subject Verb Rest

who is not subject in the sentence, it can be left out.

Examples with the relative pronoun which/that

1stpart of the sentence 2nd part of the sentence
This is the bike which was in the shop window.
Subject Verb Rest Subject Verb Rest

which is subject in the sentence, do not leave it out.

1st part of the sentence Pronoun 2nd part of the sentence
This is the bike which I bought yesterday.
This is the bike can be left out I bought yesterday.
Subject Verb Rest   Subject Verb Rest

which is not subject in the sentence, it can be left out.