Relative Clauses

What Relative Clauses Do

Relative clauses allow you to add information about a noun within the same sentence rather than writing a separate sentence. This creates more sophisticated, compact, and academic-sounding prose — exactly what IELTS examiners reward.

Two Types of Relative Clauses

Defining relative clause: Identifies which specific thing you mean. No commas. "People who exercise regularly live longer." "The policy that was introduced last year has been ineffective."

Non-defining relative clause: Adds extra information about something already identified. Commas required. "Regular exercise, which is recommended by all major health organizations, significantly reduces the risk of chronic disease." "The government, which has faced criticism for its inaction, has finally proposed new legislation."

Relative Pronouns

Who — for people: "Students who study abroad often develop greater cultural awareness." Which — for things: "Social media, which connects billions of people globally, has transformed communication." That — for people or things in defining clauses: "The measures that are most effective involve both individual and governmental action." Whose — for possession: "Communities whose residents rely on agriculture are disproportionately affected by climate change." Where — for places: "Urban areas, where population density is highest, face the greatest challenges."

How to Add Them to Your Essays

Take two simple sentences and combine them: "Social media connects billions of people. It has transformed communication." ? "Social media, which connects billions of people globally, has fundamentally transformed the way humans communicate."

Common Mistakes

Using "which" for people — "Students which study abroad" is wrong. Use "who."

Forgetting commas in non-defining clauses — the commas are grammatically required, not optional.

Avoiding relative clauses entirely — your writing will read as a list of simple sentences.