June 15, 2011

Provide more description via relative pronouns and clauses

Here's a tip that could help you supply additional information about a topic.

Use relative pronouns and clauses.


This could be handy when it comes to your IELTS speaking test.

Relative pronouns are used to present details about a certain subject matter. Common relative pronouns are "who," "which," and "that."

"Who" is used for people.
Example:

The lawyer, who cross-examined the witness, is a senior partner of a prestigious law firm.

On the other hand, "which" and "that" are used for things.
Examples:

The red car that I detailed this morning belongs to my father.

My favorite step in the detailing regimen is the machine polishing stage, which I usually do for around 5 hours.

Notice how the relative pronouns/clauses were able to supply us with additional information on the nouns they were modifying.

Please remember though that you could use the relative pronoun "that," when the information is important for the understanding of the main clause. Otherwise, just use "which." Read more about this in Laura Hale Brockway's blog post "'That' vs. 'Which': Easy tips for determining when to use each word"

To sum it up, we recommend that you add information and description to your statements. One good way to do this is through the use of relative pronouns and clauses. Not only would you be able to show your skill in handling complex sentences, but you would also be able to make your language vivid and rich.