A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. It functions like an adjective, providing more information about the noun it refers to. Relative clauses typically begin with a relative pronoun (e.g., who, whom, whose, which, that) or a relative adverb (e.g., where, when, why).
There are two main types: defining relative clauses (essential information, no commas) and non-defining relative clauses (additional, non-essential information, set off by commas).
Why it matters for IELTS Writing
Using relative clauses effectively demonstrates a command of complex grammatical structures, which is crucial for achieving a higher score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion for both Task 1 and Task 2. Examiners look for a variety of sentence structures, and incorporating relative clauses shows your ability to connect ideas smoothly and present information clearly and concisely.
Example:
- Simple sentence: The report discusses environmental issues.
- With a relative clause: The report, which was published last month, discusses environmental issues. (Non-defining relative clause, adding extra information)
- With a defining relative clause: The policies that aim to reduce pollution are often controversial. (Defining relative clause, essential to identify which policies)
Mastering relative clauses allows you to elaborate on points, provide context, and avoid repetitive sentence structures, contributing to a more sophisticated and coherent piece of writing.
