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A Complete Guide to Simple Relative Clauses (who, which, that) for IELTS Speaking and Writing Band 6
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July 18, 2025
IELTS Grammar: Simple Relative Clauses (who, which, that)
Band 6 Essential Guide for Speaking & Writing
1
Understand What a Relative Clause Is:
A relative clause gives extra information about a noun in your sentence. It usually answers questions like which person? or which thing? Using them lets you combine sentences and add detail—key for Band 6 IELTS grammar.
A relative clause gives extra information about a noun in your sentence. It usually answers questions like which person? or which thing? Using them lets you combine sentences and add detail—key for Band 6 IELTS grammar.
2
Know Your Pronouns:
Use who for people, which for things and animals, and that for both (especially in informal or spoken English). Never use "which" for people. Remember: “who” and “that” are used for people, “which” and “that” for things.
Use who for people, which for things and animals, and that for both (especially in informal or spoken English). Never use "which" for people. Remember: “who” and “that” are used for people, “which” and “that” for things.
3
Use Defining Clauses for Essential Information:
In IELTS Band 6, focus on defining (restrictive) relative clauses—those that tell us exactly which person or thing you mean. These clauses do not need commas. Example: "The man who called you is my uncle."
In IELTS Band 6, focus on defining (restrictive) relative clauses—those that tell us exactly which person or thing you mean. These clauses do not need commas. Example: "The man who called you is my uncle."
4
Subject vs. Object Clauses:
If the noun does the action, you cannot omit the pronoun. If it receives the action, you can sometimes omit it in informal English, but keep it for IELTS writing! “The book that I borrowed was new.”
If the noun does the action, you cannot omit the pronoun. If it receives the action, you can sometimes omit it in informal English, but keep it for IELTS writing! “The book that I borrowed was new.”
5
Use Relative Clauses to Combine Sentences:
Combining two short sentences with a relative clause will immediately increase your grammar complexity and boost your IELTS band. "I have a friend. He lives in Spain." ⇒ "I have a friend who lives in Spain."
Combining two short sentences with a relative clause will immediately increase your grammar complexity and boost your IELTS band. "I have a friend. He lives in Spain." ⇒ "I have a friend who lives in Spain."
6
Practice with Real IELTS Topics:
Try making sentences about your family, friends, job, or a place using “who”, “which”, or “that”. The more you practice, the more natural and accurate your speaking and writing will become!
Try making sentences about your family, friends, job, or a place using “who”, “which”, or “that”. The more you practice, the more natural and accurate your speaking and writing will become!
Example:
Main clause: “This is the book.”
Relative clause: “that I borrowed.”
Combined: “This is the book that I borrowed.”
Why It Matters: Relative clauses add detail, connect ideas, and help you sound more natural in English. For Band 6, this is a must-have skill!
Main clause: “This is the book.”
Relative clause: “that I borrowed.”
Combined: “This is the book that I borrowed.”
Why It Matters: Relative clauses add detail, connect ideas, and help you sound more natural in English. For Band 6, this is a must-have skill!
Practice Exercise 1: Relative Clause Gap-Fills
Fill in the blanks with who, which, or that to complete each sentence. Press Check Answers for instant feedback and explanations!
Tutorial 2: Key Rules & Patterns for Simple Relative Clauses
📎Defining (Restrictive) Relative Clauses
Give essential information about the noun – so you know exactly who or what is meant. No commas!
The man who called you is my uncle.
The song that you like is playing now.
The song that you like is playing now.
✂️Omitting the Relative Pronoun (Object Position)
When the pronoun is the object of the clause, you can often leave it out—especially in informal English.
But keep it in writing for clarity!
But keep it in writing for clarity!
The book (that) I borrowed was new.
The person (who) you met is my friend.
The person (who) you met is my friend.
If it’s the subject, you cannot omit it:
✘ The man lives next door is a doctor.
✔ The man who lives next door is a doctor.
✘ The man lives next door is a doctor.
✔ The man who lives next door is a doctor.
🔄When to Use Which vs. That
Which is for things (often more formal). That is for things (and sometimes people), especially in speech or informal writing.
This is the movie that I love.
This is the movie which I love.
This is the movie which I love.
🧑🤝🧑Who vs. That for People
Who is always correct for people.
That is common in speech but who is preferred for formal writing.
That is common in speech but who is preferred for formal writing.
The girl who won the prize is my friend.
The girl that won the prize is my friend. (spoken English)
The girl that won the prize is my friend. (spoken English)
🚫Never Use Which for People
Using which for people is always incorrect.
✘ The man which called you is my uncle.
✔ The man who called you is my uncle.
✔ The man who called you is my uncle.
⛔No Comma in Defining Clauses
If the clause tells you which person or thing, do not use a comma.
My friend who lives in Paris is a doctor. (You have more than one friend.)
Non-defining clause (needs commas):
My friend, who lives in Paris, is a doctor. (Only one friend, extra info.)
My friend, who lives in Paris, is a doctor. (Only one friend, extra info.)
⚙️Subject & Object in Relative Clauses
Subject: The noun does the action.
Object: The noun receives the action.
Object: The noun receives the action.
Subject: The person who/that called me was polite.
Object: The person who/that I called was polite.
Object: The person who/that I called was polite.
📍Relative Clauses with Prepositions
In spoken/informal English, the preposition comes at the end.
This is the house that I live in.
In formal English, put the preposition before the pronoun (less common at Band 6):
This is the house in which I live.
This is the house in which I live.
Practice Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Combine the two sentences into one by using a relative clause (who, which, or that). Write your answer in the box. Press Check Answers for instant feedback!
Tutorial 3: 20+ Real-Life & IELTS Usage Situations
See how simple relative clauses help you in real IELTS speaking & writing tasks. Tap each sample to highlight the relative clause and see the context!
Describing People (Speaking P1)
My friend who lives in Spain is coming to visit me this summer.
Adds detail about your friend; shows ability to describe people fluently.
Talking About Jobs (Writing T1)
She’s a teacher who helps children with special needs.
Explains her job; expands basic information.
Describing Objects (Speaking P2)
This is the book that I borrowed from the library.
Adds context about the object you’re describing.
Talking About Places (Writing T2)
That’s the restaurant which I like the most in my city.
Shows preference and adds detail about a place.
Describing Family Members (Speaking P1)
My sister, who is 20, is studying at university.
Gives extra detail about your sister—natural in IELTS answers.
Talking About Events (Speaking P2)
The party that I went to last week was a lot of fun.
Shows you can sequence and describe events naturally.
Describing Hobbies (Writing T2)
I like games which are exciting and challenging.
Clarifies what type of games you enjoy; boosts specificity.
Talking About School Subjects (Speaking P1)
Math is a subject that I find very difficult.
Connects personal opinion and school topic.
Describing Friends (Speaking P1)
I have a friend who can speak French fluently.
Adds specific skill about your friend; relevant for language topics.
Talking About Travel (Writing T2)
This is the country which I visited last year during my holidays.
Combines travel with relative clause; ideal for IELTS Writing.
Describing Food (Speaking P2)
Pizza, which is my favorite food, is Italian.
Demonstrates non-defining clause (advanced Band 6+).
Explaining Experiences (Writing T2)
I met a person who knows my uncle at the conference.
Shows your ability to combine multiple ideas clearly.
Talking About Opportunities (Speaking P3)
I want a job that pays well and is interesting.
Shows future goals, clarity in career statements.
Describing Films (Speaking P2)
That is the film which won an award last year.
Gives extra info, makes film descriptions more advanced.
Talking About Teachers (Writing T2)
I had a teacher who was very kind and helpful.
Makes your answer more personal and detailed.
Describing Homes (Speaking P1)
I live in a house that has a big garden.
Connects home description to Band 6 complexity.
Talking About Pets (Speaking P1)
We have a dog which loves to play in the park.
Great for animal topics, especially pets!
Talking About Technology (Speaking P2)
This is a phone that can take amazing photos.
Modern topic; shows descriptive skills.
Describing Experiences (Writing T2)
Last year, I visited a city which is famous for its museums.
Adds cultural detail and travel experience.
Talking About Aspirations (Speaking P3)
I want to find a university that offers good engineering programs.
Shows you can specify your goals naturally.
Model Paragraph (Writing T2)
One of the main reasons why I enjoy my neighborhood is the park that is located near my house. The park, which has a beautiful lake, is a great place for families. Many people who live in the area spend their weekends there.
Notice how combining three relative clauses gives the paragraph a high Band 6+ flow and detail.
Model Paragraph (Speaking P2)
I’d like to talk about my friend John, who is one of the most creative people I know. He always comes up with ideas that surprise everyone. He has a job which allows him to use his imagination every day.
Shows range, fluency, and full Band 6 control in IELTS Speaking Part 2.
Practice Exercise 3: Error Correction Challenge
Each sentence has a mistake with a relative clause. Rewrite it correctly. Tap Check Answers for instant feedback and detailed explanations!
Tutorial 4: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Below are the most frequent mistakes Band 6 IELTS candidates make with relative clauses. Tap a mistake to reveal the correct version and a quick explanation.
🚫Mistake 1: Using which for People
✘ The woman which works here is my mother.
✔ The woman who works here is my mother.
Tip: Use who for people, which for things/animals.
Tip: Use who for people, which for things/animals.
🔁Mistake 2: Unnecessary Repetition
✘ This is the book that I borrowed it from the library.
✔ This is the book that I borrowed from the library.
Tip: Don’t repeat the noun or pronoun after the relative clause!
Tip: Don’t repeat the noun or pronoun after the relative clause!
❓Mistake 3: Omitting the Relative Pronoun (when not allowed)
✘ The girl lives next door is my friend.
✔ The girl who lives next door is my friend.
Tip: Never omit the relative pronoun if it is the subject of the clause.
Tip: Never omit the relative pronoun if it is the subject of the clause.
,Mistake 4: Wrong Use of Commas
✘ My brother, who studies at university is very smart.
✔ My brother who studies at university is very smart.
Tip: No commas for defining (essential) clauses. Use commas only for extra (non-essential) info.
Tip: No commas for defining (essential) clauses. Use commas only for extra (non-essential) info.
🛑Mistake 5: Using that in Non-Defining Clauses
✘ My house, that has a red roof, is old.
✔ My house, which has a red roof, is old.
Tip: Use which in non-defining (comma) clauses—never that.
Tip: Use which in non-defining (comma) clauses—never that.
⚖️Mistake 6: Wrong Subject-Verb Agreement
✘ I have friends who likes pizza.
✔ I have friends who like pizza.
Tip: Make sure the verb agrees with the noun before the relative clause.
Tip: Make sure the verb agrees with the noun before the relative clause.
📝Mistake 7: Omission of Relative Pronoun in Formal Writing
✘ This is the film I watched last night. (Informal: OK)
✔ This is the film that/which I watched last night.
Tip: For formal IELTS writing, always include the relative pronoun if possible.
Tip: For formal IELTS writing, always include the relative pronoun if possible.
Advanced Practice: Challenge Yourself!
Test your mastery of relative clauses with these 5 advanced questions. Try each question, then tap Check Answers for detailed feedback and explanations!
Tutorial 5: Strategies, Tips & IELTS Practice
Master simple relative clauses for IELTS Band 6! Here are top strategies, common patterns, and real tasks to push your grammar up a band.
🔗
Strategy 1: Combine Simple Sentences
Turn two basic sentences into one complex sentence using a relative clause.
I have a sister. She studies at university.
→ I have a sister who studies at university.
→ I have a sister who studies at university.
Great for showing complexity in IELTS Speaking Part 1!
♻️
Strategy 2: Replace Repetition with a Clause
When you notice a noun repeated in two sentences, use a relative clause to link them and remove the repetition.
I bought a car. The car is very fast.
→ I bought a car that is very fast.
→ I bought a car that is very fast.
Less repetition = higher band!
👀
Strategy 3: Check Your Pronouns
Use who for people, which for things/animals, that for both (in speech).
This is the man who helped me.
This is the cake which I made.
This is the cake which I made.
"That" is a safe default in speech. In writing, "who" (people) & "which" (things) are safest for Band 6+.
🧠
Strategy 4: Practice with IELTS Topics
Make sentences about family, friends, places, jobs, and experiences using relative clauses. Try to use at least one in every answer.
I visited a city which is famous for its food.
Think of real IELTS topics and write your own sentences below!
Self-Assessment: Band 6+ Checklist
Review this checklist to make sure you’re ready to use simple relative clauses naturally and accurately in IELTS Speaking and Writing.
I use who for people and which for things/animals.
I use that for both people (in speech) and things.
I don’t use which for people or that in non-defining clauses.
I don’t repeat the noun or object after the relative clause.
I check for correct subject-verb agreement in my relative clauses.
I can combine two simple sentences into one using a relative clause.
I use at least one relative clause in every IELTS Speaking/Writing answer.
I understand the difference between defining and non-defining clauses.
I include the relative pronoun in formal writing (unless omission is correct).
I feel confident using relative clauses in real IELTS tasks.
Review & Extension: Model IELTS Answers
Study the following Band 6+ sample answers. Tap or hover to highlight the relative clauses in context.
📘 Topic: Describe a person you admire
I’d like to talk about my uncle, who is a doctor and who has helped many people in our community. He’s someone that I look up to because of his dedication and kindness.
💡Notice how “who” and “that” help add detail without repeating the subject.
🌍 Topic: Describe a place you like
There’s a small café in my neighborhood which I visit every weekend. It has a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff who always remember my order. The walls are decorated with photos that show the city’s history.
💡Mix of “which,” “who,” and “that” = higher complexity!
🎓 Topic: Describe a subject you enjoyed at school
I enjoyed history, which taught me how past events shape our world. We had a teacher who made every lesson feel like a story. He was someone that truly loved what he did.
💡Each sentence shows relative clauses in a different structure.
Final Exercise: Mastery Check
Let’s test everything you’ve learned! Choose the correct answers below. Then check your responses for explanations and tips.
1. Choose the correct sentence:
2. Which sentence uses a relative clause correctly?
3. Select the sentence with a defining relative clause:
4. Choose the best use of “that”:
5. What’s wrong with this sentence: “The man which helped me was kind.”
Final Challenge: Random Quiz (10 of 30)
You've reached the end! Test everything you've learned by answering 10 random questions out of 30. Click “Retake” to get a fresh set!
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