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Relative Clauses – Quiz 1
Relative Clauses Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of relative clauses, including defining and non-defining relative clauses, their functions in sentences, and the proper use of relative pronouns. It tests skills such as identifying appropriate relative pronouns for people, inanimate objects, and possession, as well as subject-verb agreement within relative clauses.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
I strongly disagreed with the people who said the project should be cancelled.
A) Non-defining.
B) Defining.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative clauses modify nouns by providing additional information about them. The sentence "I strongly disagreed with the people who said the project should be cancelled" contains a relative clause ("who said the project should be cancelled") that defines which specific people are being referred to.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Non-defining clauses do not restrict or identify the noun they modify. They provide additional, non-essential information.
Option B:
Defining (or restrictive) clauses are essential for identifying which specific noun is being referred to and cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. This clause identifies a subset of people among those who said the project should be cancelled.
2.
A cassette recorder is something ..... you don't see very often these days
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses a relative clause to provide additional information about the cassette recorder. The correct relative pronoun "which" is used because it refers to the object of the sentence, making option B the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Where does not fit grammatically in this context as it would require a different structure.
Option B:
Which is correctly used here to introduce the relative clause modifying "cassette recorder."
3.
This is the book ..... I bought
A) Where.
B) Which.
C) Whose.
D) Why.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "This is the book ... I bought" requires a relative clause to complete it, indicating which book is being referred to. The correct answer is
B) Which
because it introduces a relative clause that specifies the book: "This is the book **which** I bought."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Where - Incorrect as it does not introduce a relative clause.
Option B:
Which - Correct, introduces a relative clause specifying the book.
Option C:
Whose - Incorrect as it is used to indicate possession and doesn't fit here.
Option D:
Why - Incorrect as it does not introduce a relative clause.
4.
She came with a friend ..... waited outside in the car.
A) Who.
B) Whose.
C) Which.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is used to refer to people and can be the subject or object of a clause. In this sentence, "Who" correctly introduces the relative clause modifying "She." The clause "who came with a friend" provides additional information about "She."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Who" is appropriate for referring to people in a subject position.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Whose" refers to possession and does not introduce the clause here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Which" is used for things or animals, not people in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
5.
Complete the following sentence with the correct relative pronoun:Manuel is the doctor ..... is getting a Master Degree in the USA.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is correct because it refers to a person (Manuel) and functions as the subject of the clause "is getting a Master Degree in the USA."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Who - Correct. It introduces a relative clause where the subject needs to be a person.
Option B:
When - Incorrect. This pronoun is used for time and does not fit grammatically or contextually here.
6.
We can use relative clauses to join two English sentences, or to give more information about something.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative clauses are indeed used to join two English sentences, providing additional information about a noun mentioned in the sentence. This usage enhances clarity and coherence by integrating related pieces of information more smoothly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
True. Relative clauses serve both purposes: joining sentences and adding details.
Option B:
False. The statement accurately describes the function of relative clauses without contradiction.
7.
He talked to the woman ..... was waiting at the bus station.
A) Whose.
B) Where.
C) Who.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is correct because the clause "... was waiting at the bus station" describes a person, and "who" introduces a relative clause referring to a human subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whose indicates possession. Incorrect here as no possessive relationship is implied.
Option B:
Where refers to location. Incorrect because the sentence requires a pronoun, not a preposition.
Option C:
Who correctly introduces a relative clause referring to a person. Correct answer.
Option D:
Which is used for non-human things or animals. Incorrect here as "who" refers to the woman, a human subject.
8.
My father is going to visit Mr. Cuong, ..... lives in Ha Noi Capital
A) Whose.
B) Who.
C) Which.
D) What.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is used to refer to people and can be the subject or object of a clause. In this sentence, we are referring to Mr. Cuong as a person who lives in Ha Noi Capital. Therefore, "who" is the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whose indicates possession and does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option B:
Who is correctly used to refer to a person who lives in Ha Noi Capital.
Option C:
Which refers to things or animals, not people, so it is incorrect here.
Option D:
What does not function as a relative pronoun and would make the sentence incomplete.
9.
What's the name of the woman ..... lives in the house?
A) Whose.
B) Who.
C) Whom.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is used to refer to a person who is the subject of the relative clause. In this sentence, "who" correctly introduces the relative clause modifying "the woman," indicating that she is the one performing the action or living in the house.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whose - Incorrect as it refers to possession rather than the subject of the clause.
Option B:
Who - Correct, referring to a person who is the subject of the relative clause.
Option C:
Whom - Incorrect as it refers to the object of a verb or preposition, not the subject here.
Option D:
Which - Incorrect as it is used for things, not people in this context.
10.
The glass of milk ..... you are drinking hasn't been washed.
A) Whom.
B) Who.
C) Which.
D) Whose.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "which" is used to refer to things, not people. In this sentence, the glass of milk is a thing, so "which" is appropriate. The clause "which hasn't been washed" provides additional information about the glass of milk.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whom - Incorrect as it refers to people.
Option B:
Who - Incorrect as it also refers to people.
Option C:
Which - Correct as it refers to things and provides additional information.
Option D:
Whose - Incorrect as it indicates possession, not the thing itself.
11.
The woman ..... is sitting at the desk is Mr Winter's secretary.
A) Whose.
B) Where.
C) When.
D) Who.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is used to refer to a person, and in this sentence, it correctly introduces the clause that provides additional information about the woman. The phrase "is sitting at the desk" modifies "the woman," explaining who specifically we are referring to among all women.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whose - Incorrect as it would be used for possession, not identification.
Option B:
Where - Incorrect as it refers to a place, not a person.
Option C:
When - Incorrect as it refers to time, not a person.
Option D:
Who - Correct as it introduces the relative clause identifying the woman.
12.
That is the hospital ..... I was born.
A) Which.
B) Where.
C) Who.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "That is the hospital where I was born." uses a relative clause to provide additional information about the hospital. The word "where" introduces this clause and functions as an adverb, indicating the location where the action (being born) took place.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Which is used for non-defining relative clauses or to refer to objects.
Option B:
Where is correct as it introduces a relative clause indicating location.
Option C:
Who is used for people, not places.
Option D:
Not applicable since "where" correctly identifies the type of relative clause.
13.
There was a guy on my ward ..... operation was cancelled.
A) That.
B) When.
C) Whose.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "Whose" is correctly used in the sentence to introduce a non-restrictive relative clause modifying "guy". It indicates possession, suggesting that the operation was cancelled for the guy on your ward. The correct form of the sentence would be: "There was a guy on my ward whose operation was cancelled."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
That does not introduce a relative clause and is incorrect.
Option B:
When introduces a time clause, which is not applicable here. Incorrect.
Option C:
Whose correctly introduces the relative clause modifying "guy". Correct.
Option D:
Which typically refers to things or non-human entities and can introduce both restrictive and non-restrictive clauses, but in this context, it is not as precise as "Whose". Incorrect.
14.
Which is NOT correct.Dana's daughter is six years old. She likes ponies.
A) The girl whose six years old and likes ponies is Dana's daughter.
B) Dana's daughter, which is six years old, likes ponies.
C) Dana's daughter, who likes ponies, is six years old.
D) Dana's daughter, who is six years old, likes ponies.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses a non-restrictive relative clause to provide additional information about Dana's daughter, which is not the main focus of the sentence. The phrase "which is six years old" modifies "Dana's daughter," but since this information is supplementary, using "which" instead of "who" (or "that") is appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option uses a possessive pronoun and a restrictive relative clause ("whose"), which incorrectly suggests that the six-year-old girl is the subject of the sentence. The main focus should be on Dana's daughter, not the age.
Option C:
This option places "who likes ponies" before the main information about her age, making it sound as if liking ponies defines who she is, which is incorrect.
Option D:
While this option correctly uses a restrictive relative clause ("who"), it incorrectly places the age after the verb "likes," which changes the sentence structure and meaning.
15.
Some people were arrested. They have now been released.
A) The people that they were arrested have now been released.
B) The people what were arrested have now been released.
C) The people who were arrested have been released.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the relative pronoun "who" to introduce a defining relative clause, which directly refers back to the people mentioned in the subject of the sentence. This construction is grammatically accurate and maintains clarity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to redundancy; "that they were arrested" is unnecessary.
Option B:
Incorrect for the same reason as Option A; "what" should be "who" in this context.
Option C:
Correct usage of a relative clause with "who."
Option D:
Not applicable since Option C is correct.
16.
Which piece of information is NOT necessary? Ferraris, which are made in Italy, are very expensive.
A) Which are made in Italy.
B) Are very expensive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because the phrase "Which are made in Italy" is a relative clause that provides additional information about Ferraris but is not necessary for the sentence to convey its main idea. Removing this clause does not change the core meaning of the statement, which focuses on the expensive nature of Ferraris.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This relative clause adds detail about Ferrari's origin but is not essential for conveying that they are very expensive.
Option B:
This phrase directly states a fact about the cost of Ferraris and is necessary to maintain the sentence’s meaning.
17.
Only one of the people ..... work in the company is qualified
A) Which.
B) Where.
C) Who.
D) What.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is correct because it refers to a person (people) and introduces the defining relative clause that specifies which people are being referred to in the sentence. In this context, "Who work in the company" correctly identifies the specific individuals within the company who meet the qualification criteria.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Which is typically used for things or animals, not people.
Option B:
Where introduces a relative clause about location, which does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option C:
Who is appropriate as it refers to people and fits grammatically in this sentence.
Option D:
What is used for asking about things or content, not for referring to people in a relative clause.
18.
Last summer ..... I was at a summer camp, I broke my arm.
A) WHERE.
B) WHEN.
C) WHICH.
D) WHO.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) WHEN.
The sentence "Last summer..... I was at a summer camp, I broke my arm." uses the word "last" to indicate a specific time in the past. In relative clauses, "when" can be used to introduce a subordinate clause that refers to a point or period of time. Here, "last summer" is equivalent to saying "when it was last summer," which fits the function of "when."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
WHERE - Incorrect as the sentence does not refer to location.
Option B:
WHEN - Correct as "last" indicates a specific time in the past, fitting the function of "when."
Option C:
WHICH - Incorrect as it is used for choice or definition, not timing.
Option D:
WHO - Incorrect as the sentence does not refer to people but an event.
19.
Here's the book ..... you left at my house.
A) That.
B) Who.
C) Where.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Here's the book ... you left at my house." uses a relative clause to provide additional information about the book. The correct answer is
A) That.
because it introduces the relative pronoun "that" which can refer back to the noun "book" and modify it with more specific information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "that" as a relative pronoun to introduce the clause modifying "the book."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Who" refers to people, not objects like books.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Where" is a preposition and cannot be used in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided by Option A.
20.
Toni is the Maths teacher ..... is from Alicante.
A) Who.
B) Which.
C) Whose.
D) Where.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative clauses are used to provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. In this sentence, "Toni is the Maths teacher who is from Alicante," the relative clause "who is from Alicante" provides more information about Toni (the subject of the main clause).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Who" introduces a relative clause to describe the noun "Toni."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Which" is used for non-essential information about things, not people.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Whose" is used to show possession and does not introduce a relative clause here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Where" would be used if the location was the main focus of the information, which it is not in this case.
21.
The country ..... they come from is Thailand.
A) Where.
B) Who.
C) Which.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The country ..... they come from is Thailand." uses a relative clause to provide additional information about the noun "country". The word "where" can introduce such a clause, as in "The country where they come from is Thailand." This fits grammatically and contextually.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Where" introduces a relative clause that modifies "the country".
Option B:
Incorrect. "Who" refers to people, not places.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Which" can introduce a restrictive or non-restrictive clause but does not fit the context as well as "where".
Option D:
Incorrect. One of the options is correct.
22.
Complete the sentences using who / whom / whose / where / which.This school is only for children ..... first language is not English.
A) Who.
B) Where.
C) Whose.
D) Which.
E) Whom.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Whose.
The relative pronoun "whose" is used to indicate possession, which fits the context of this sentence. We are looking for a child whose first language is not English, so "whose" correctly introduces the clause that specifies the child's primary language.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Who - Incorrect as it refers to the subject of the main clause and does not indicate possession.
Option B:
Where - Incorrect as it is used to introduce a place, which is not relevant here.
Option C:
Whose - Correct as it indicates possession, fitting the context of the sentence.
Option D:
Which - Incorrect as it refers to things or animals and does not indicate possession in this context.
Option E:
Whom - Incorrect as it is used for the object of a verb or preposition, which is not applicable here.
23.
In which sentence do you find a dependent clause?
A) To win votes, the politician shook many hands.
B) The politician, shaking people's hands, asked them for their vote.
C) The politician, who wanted people's votes, shook many hands.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative clauses modify nouns by providing additional information about them. In option C, "who wanted people's votes" is a relative clause modifying "the politician." It provides extra detail about the politician’s intention.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No dependent clause present.
Option B:
No dependent clause present.
Option C:
Contains a relative clause modifying "the politician."
Option D:
Incorrect, as option C is correct.
24.
This is the most beautiful waterfall ..... we have ever seen!
A) That.
B) What.
C) Who.
D) When.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "that" is used to introduce a defining relative clause, which provides essential information about the noun it modifies. In this sentence, "That" correctly introduces the relative clause "is the most beautiful waterfall we have ever seen," providing necessary details about the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "That" is used to introduce a defining relative clause that provides essential information.
Option B:
Incorrect. "What" is typically used for content clauses, not relative clauses.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Who" refers to people, not objects like waterfalls.
Option D:
Incorrect. "When" refers to time and does not fit the context of describing a waterfall.
25.
When can't we drop the relative pronoun?
A) When the relative pronoun is the object of the sentence.
B) When the relative pronoun is the subject of the sentence.
C) When the relative pronoun is 'who'.
D) When the relative pronoun is 'which'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When the relative pronoun is the subject of the sentence, it cannot be dropped because doing so would change the meaning or structure of the clause. For example, in "The book which I read was interesting," if we drop "which" and say "The book I read was interesting," the sentence implies that the speaker read multiple books, making "I read" the subject of a new clause rather than part of the relative clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The relative pronoun can be the object and still be dropped.
Option B:
Correct. When the relative pronoun is the subject, it cannot be dropped without altering the sentence's meaning or structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Who" typically refers to people and can often be dropped when it is the object of a verb in the relative clause.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Which" can usually be dropped if it is the object of a verb or preposition in the relative clause.
26.
The pronoun "whose" is used with .....
A) People.
B) Place.
C) Time.
D) Possession.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Whose" is used to indicate possession, showing that a noun owns something else or belongs to someone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
People - Incorrect; "whose" does not specifically refer to people.
Option B:
Place - Incorrect; "whose" is not used for places.
Option C:
Time - Incorrect; "whose" is not used for time.
Option D:
Possession - Correct; "whose" indicates possession or ownership.
27.
When can we omit the relative pronouns who and that?
A) In defining clauses, when who and that don't come right before the verb.
B) In non-defining clauses, when who and that don't come right before the verb.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In defining clauses, relative pronouns like "who" and "that" can be omitted when they do not precede the verb in the clause. This is because the defining clause is essential to identify the noun it modifies, so its structure remains clear even without these pronouns.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Relative pronouns like "who" and "that" can be omitted in defining clauses when they do not precede the verb.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option refers to non-defining clauses, where relative pronouns are often omitted regardless of their position before the verb.
28.
The boy band made a profit of $ 100, 000 from their hit song, ..... went to charity organizations.
A) Half of which.
B) That.
C) Much.
D) Whose many.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Half of which.
This option correctly uses a relative clause to connect the profit made by the boy band with the action of going to charity organizations. The phrase "Half of which" refers back to the $100, 000 profit and indicates that half of this amount was donated.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses a relative clause to link the profit with the charitable action.
Option B:
Does not provide a clear connection between the profit and the charity action, making it grammatically incorrect in this context.
Option C:
Is too vague and does not specify what "much" refers to or how much was donated.
Option D:
Introduces an unnecessary element ("whose many") that makes the sentence confusing and incorrect.
29.
Choose true if the following sentence is correct and false if you think it is not correct:My mother, who is an excellent cook, is thinking of opening a restaurant.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My mother, who is an excellent cook, is thinking of opening a restaurant" correctly uses a relative clause to provide additional information about the subject ("my mother"). The relative clause "who is an excellent cook" modifies and describes my mother.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence follows proper grammatical structure using a relative clause.
Option B:
Incorrect. There are no grammatical errors in the given sentence regarding the use of the relative clause.
30.
Roses, for ..... all women have a liking, smell very nice.
A) That.
B) Whom.
C) Why.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Roses, for
which
. all women have a liking, smell very nice." uses a relative clause to provide additional information about roses. The word "which" introduces the clause and refers back to roses, explaining that they are liked by all women.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
That does not introduce a relative clause.
Option B:
Whom is used for people as objects but doesn't fit here.
Option C:
Why introduces an interrogative clause, not a relative one.
Option D:
Which correctly introduces the relative clause about roses being liked by all women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are relative clauses?
Relative clauses are additional clauses that provide more information about a noun in the sentence. They start with relative pronouns like "who," "which," or "that" and can modify both human and non-human nouns.
How do relative clauses differ from other types of clauses?
Relative clauses are distinct because they depend on a noun to make sense, providing additional details about it. Unlike main clauses, which can stand alone as complete sentences, relative clauses add information within the context of another clause.
Can relative clauses be used with things?
Yes, relative clauses can describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts. For example, "The book that I borrowed is on the shelf" uses a relative clause to provide more information about the book.
How are relative clauses with human antecedents different?
Relative clauses with human antecedents often use personal pronouns like "who," "whom," or "whose." For instance, "The man who lives next door is a teacher" uses such a clause to describe the man.
What role do possessive pronouns play in relative clauses?
Possessive pronouns like "whose" can be used in relative clauses to indicate ownership. For example, "The car whose keys I lost is red" uses a relative clause with a possessive pronoun to specify which car is being referred to.