## Relative Clause Rules
Relative clauses allow you to embed complex supporting descriptions without writing repetitive simple sentences.
### Defining vs Non-Defining:
1. **Defining Relative Clauses (No Commas)**: Essential information that identifies which specific noun is meant. Use *who / that / which*:
- *Students **who study abroad** gain valuable cultural literacy.* (Only students who study abroad, not all students).
2. **Non-Defining Relative Clauses (Enclosed in Commas)**: Extra non-essential information about an already identified noun. Use *which / who*, NEVER *that*:
- *London, **which is the capital of the UK**, has an extensive underground network.*
5 Common IELTS Mistakes & Side-by-Side Corrections:
Common Candidate Mistake:
"London, that is a major financial hub, attracts global investors."
Band 8+ Correct Form:
"London, which is a major financial hub, attracts global investors."
Why: Never use 'that' in non-defining relative clauses enclosed by commas; use 'which'.
Common Candidate Mistake:
"The researcher whom conducted the experiment published findings."
Band 8+ Correct Form:
"The researcher who conducted the experiment published findings."
Why: 'who' functions as the subject of 'conducted'. ('Whom' functions only as the object).
Common Candidate Mistake:
"Cars which they produce high emissions should be taxed heavily."
Band 8+ Correct Form:
"Cars which produce high emissions should be taxed heavily."
Why: Do not include the redundant subject pronoun 'they' inside the relative clause.
Common Candidate Mistake:
"The city where I visited last summer was picturesque."
Band 8+ Correct Form:
"The city which I visited last summer was picturesque."
Why: 'visit' is a transitive verb requiring the relative pronoun 'which' (or 'that'), not the adverb 'where'.
Common Candidate Mistake:
"Students whose parents are wealthy they have advantages."
Band 8+ Correct Form:
"Students whose parents are wealthy have advantages."
Why: Eliminate the redundant pronoun 'they' following the relative clause.
Interactive 5-Question Strategy Quiz
0 / 10 Answered
1
Select the sentence with correct non-defining relative clause pronoun and commas:
2
Choose the correct defining relative clause (no commas):
3
Fill in the blank: 'The laboratory ___ the breakthrough was discovered received a research grant.'
4
Select the sentence using 'whose' correctly:
5
Which sentence avoids a pronoun duplication error?
6
Choose the correct relative clause with 'whom':
7
Fill in the blank: 'The year 1863 was the period ___ the Metropolitan Railway opened.'
8
Select the sentence with correct preposition + relative pronoun:
9
Which relative pronoun is used for things in defining clauses without commas?
10
Choose the correct sentence regarding urban planning:
Apply This Grammar in Writing / Speaking
Practice "Relative Clauses: Defining vs Non-Defining Punctuation & Pronouns" in Targeted Tests