B2 Stage 1: Sentence
Add detail with who, which or where
Relative clauses: who, which, that and where
You can add useful detail about a person, thing or place with who, which, that, where or whose.
This guide is for B1 writers moving to B2. It is a stage 1 skill: write one sentence (8-40 words).
When to use relative clauses
When you name a person, a thing or a place and want to add a useful fact about it without starting a new sentence. It makes your sentences richer on any topic.
Relative clauses: how to do it
Use who for people, which or that for things, where for places and whose for 'belonging to'. 'My sister, who lives in Leeds, works for a bank.' 'The app that I use every day is free.' Do not add an extra word: not 'the app which I use it'. If the detail is extra information, put commas around it: 'Leeds, where I studied, is a friendly city.' If the detail tells the reader which one you mean, use no commas: 'The shops that stay open late are busy.' Never use 'that' after a comma.
Useful language for relative clauses
- a person who ...
- a thing that ...
- a place where ...
- ..., which means that ...
- a person whose ...
Example of relative clauses
The bakery near my flat, which opens at six, is popular with workers who start early.
Topic: A neighbourhood bakery
How the BetterWrite coach checks relative clauses
The BetterWrite coach checks 3 points for this skill, plus accuracy and staying on topic, and quotes your own words when one is not there yet.
Try it
Write ONE sentence about online banking. Add useful detail about a person, thing or place with who, which, that, where or whose.
Write 8-40 words (one sentence).