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Non Defining Relative Clauses Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)

This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of non-defining relative clauses, including their identification, function, and usage in sentences. It covers skills such as recognizing essential vs. non-essential information, appropriate punctuation (especially commas), and the correct use of relative pronouns.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. These expressing-opinion verbs are normally used to set off a neutral opinion

Explanations: Non-defining relative clauses are used to provide additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, often setting off a neutral opinion or description. Expressing-opinion verbs in such clauses typically convey a balanced view rather than strong positive or negative emotions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Recommend, feel, think" are commonly used to express opinions neutrally and provide additional information without strong emotion.
Option B: "Appreciate, recommend, dislike" includes a positive ("appreciate") and negative ("dislike") opinion, which is not neutral enough for non-defining relative clauses.
Option C: "Appreciate, respect, prefer" are more formal and often used to express strong opinions, making them less suitable for neutral descriptions in non-defining relative clauses.
Option D: "Dislike, hate" are clearly negative and not appropriate for setting off a neutral opinion in non-defining relative clauses.

2. Make the two sentences into one. The train goes to Manchester. It leaves at midday.

Explanations: Option B correctly uses a non-defining relative clause to combine the two sentences. The phrase "that goes to Manchester" is not essential to the main meaning of the sentence, but provides additional information about which train is being referred to. This fits the definition and use of a non-defining relative clause.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it uses "and" instead of a relative clause.
Option B: Correct for using a non-defining relative clause to combine the sentences.
Option C: Incorrect as it only states when the train leaves without mentioning its destination.
Option D: Incorrect as it is incomplete and does not form a complete sentence.

3. That's the shop ..... I bought my wedding ring.

Explanations: The sentence "That's the shop Where I bought my wedding ring." uses a non-defining relative clause, which provides additional information about the shop but is not essential to its identity. The word "where" introduces this clause and specifies the location where the action of buying the wedding ring took place.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. No punctuation mark fits here.
Option B: Incorrect. "That" is not used to introduce a non-defining relative clause.
Option C: Incorrect. "Which" introduces defining relative clauses, which are essential to the identity of the noun they modify.
Option D: Correct. "Where" introduces a non-defining relative clause providing additional information about the shop.

4. Street artists, ..... are not much respected here, can be very talented.

Explanations: The sentence requires a relative pronoun to introduce a non-defining relative clause, which provides additional information about the subject "street artists" but is not essential to its meaning. The correct choice here is who , as it refers to people (street artists) and adds descriptive information without altering the core identity of the subject.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Which - Incorrect, used for things not people in non-defining clauses.
Option B: Where - Incorrect, location is not being described here.
Option C: That - Incorrect, used for defining clauses or to introduce lists.
Option D: Whose - Incorrect, indicates possession which is not the case here.
Option E: Who - Correct, introduces a non-defining relative clause about people.

5. Which relative pronoun can be used to replace WHO, WHOM or WHICH in a defining relative clause?

Explanations: "Who," "whom," and "which" are typically used in defining relative clauses to refer to people (who, whom) or things (which). The correct answer is C) That. In non-defining relative clauses, "that" can be used to introduce additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example: "My friend, who lives in New York, is visiting us this weekend." Here, "who" could also be replaced by "that," but it would sound less natural.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect for non-defining relative clauses.
Option B: Incorrect; "whose" is used to indicate possession, not in defining or non-defining relative clauses.
Option C: Correct; "that" can be used in both defining and non-defining relative clauses for people or things.
Option D: Incorrect for non-defining relative clauses.

6. That's the house ..... I was born.

Explanations: The sentence "That's the house ... I was born." uses a non-defining relative clause to provide additional information about the house. The correct answer is A) Where. This is because the phrase "where I was born" does not define or limit which specific house is being referred to; it merely adds extra detail.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Where I was born" is a non-defining relative clause providing additional information.
Option B: Incorrect. "When" would imply a defining relative clause, which is not the case here.
Option C: Incorrect. "Which" typically introduces a defining relative clause that narrows down the identity of the noun.
Option D: Incorrect. "That" in this context would be used to introduce a defining relative clause, not a non-defining one.

7. There are three pictures on the wall.

Explanations: Option B is correct because it uses a non-defining relative clause, which provides additional information about the picture without essential identification. The comma before "which" in Option B indicates that this clause can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option incorrectly uses a defining relative clause because it identifies which specific picture is being referred to, making the clause essential for understanding the sentence.
Option B: This option correctly uses a non-defining relative clause, providing additional information about the picture without essential identification.

8. My friend, ..... project about environmental protection won the competition, goes to an eco-school.

Explanations: The sentence "My friend, whose project about environmental protection won the competition, goes to an eco-school." uses a non-defining relative clause. The clause "whose project about environmental protection won the competition" provides additional information but is not essential for understanding the main subject (my friend). It describes my friend's achievement without limiting the reference to any specific person.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Where - Incorrect, as 'where' refers to a location which does not fit the context.
Option B: Who - Incorrect, as 'who' would be used for defining clauses, not non-defining ones.
Option C: Whose - Correct, as it introduces a non-defining relative clause providing additional information about my friend's project.
Option D: Which - Incorrect, as 'which' is used for choices or alternatives in defining clauses.

9. The teacher whom I respect very much is Miss Rana.

Explanations: A non-defining relative clause provides additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It can be removed without changing the basic structure or meaning of the sentence. In "The teacher whom I respect very much is Miss Rana," the clause "whom I respect very much" gives extra information about the teacher but could be omitted: "The teacher is Miss Rana." This makes it a non-defining relative clause.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Non-defining Relative Clause. Incorrect, as the clause provides additional information not essential to the core meaning of the sentence.
Option B: Defining Relative Clause. Correct, because it defines or specifies which teacher is being referred to by providing crucial identifying information that cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. However, in this case, it's actually a non-defining clause as explained above.

10. We need to find an empty building ..... we can hide for a couple of days.

Explanations: The sentence "We need to find an empty building..... we can hide for a couple of days." is incomplete and requires a relative clause to provide additional information about the building. The correct answer, B) Where , introduces a non-defining relative clause that specifies the location or purpose of the building. - **Option A: -** This option does not add any meaningful information. - **Option B: Where** correctly forms a non-defining relative clause, e.g., "We need to find an empty building where we can hide for a couple of days." - **Option C: That** is typically used in defining clauses and would change the meaning of the sentence. - **Option D: Which** could be used but is less common than "where" in this context, making "Where" more appropriate. A non-defining relative clause provides additional, non-essential information about a noun. In this case, it specifies the purpose or condition for choosing the building.

Option Analysis:

Option A: No meaningful addition.
Option B: Correct; introduces a non-defining relative clause specifying the purpose of the building.
Option C: Typically used in defining clauses, changing the sentence structure and meaning.
Option D: Possible but less common than "where" for this context.

11. "My students, who are very nice, love learning English" is an example of a:

Explanations: A non-defining relative clause provides additional, non-essential information about a noun and is set off by commas. In the sentence "My students, who are very nice, love learning English," the clause "who are very nice" gives extra information but can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The clause "who are very nice" is non-defining as it provides additional, non-essential information.
Option B: Incorrect. If the clause were defining, removing it would change the meaning of the sentence, which is not the case here.

12. We don't need this clause to understand this sentence.

Explanations: A non-defining relative clause provides additional, non-essential information about a noun and is usually set off by commas. It can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Defining relative clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence and do not use commas.
Option B: Correct. The clause "We don't need this clause to understand this sentence" is additional information that can be removed without changing the core meaning, indicating it's a non-defining relative clause.
Option C: This term is not used in English grammar and does not apply here.
Option D: Standard relative clauses are essential to the sentence structure and do not use commas.

13. Jerry received a bad mark on his essay, ..... was only one page long.

Explanations: "Which" is used to introduce a non-defining relative clause, providing additional information that does not restrict the identity of Jerry in this context. The clause "was only one page long" gives extra detail about the essay but doesn't specify which essay; it could be any of his essays.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "That" is typically used for defining relative clauses, not non-defining ones.
Option B: "What" is a word that introduces questions or statements about identity and cannot be used to introduce a non-defining clause.
Option C: "Which" correctly introduces the non-defining relative clause, providing additional information without restricting Jerry's essay.
Option D: Not applicable as "which" is correct in this context.

14. Her car, ..... was very old, broke down after just five miles.

Explanations: "Which" is used to introduce a non-defining relative clause, which provides additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. In this case, "Her car, which was very old, broke down after just five miles," the clause "which was very old" gives extra information about the car but does not define it.

Option Analysis:

Option A: What is used to introduce a defining relative clause and cannot be used here.
Option B: That typically introduces a defining clause, which is not what we need in this sentence.
Option C: Whose introduces a possessive relationship and does not fit the context of providing additional information about the car's age.
Option D: Which correctly introduces a non-defining relative clause, making it the right choice for this sentence.

15. Steve, ..... is my sister's boyfriend, is very sweet.

Explanations: The sentence "Steve, Who is my sister's boyfriend, is very sweet." uses a non-defining relative clause to provide additional information about Steve without essential identification. The word "who" introduces this clause and functions as the subject of the verb "is."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Who" introduces a non-defining relative clause providing additional, non-essential information.
Option B: Incorrect. "Which" is used for things, not people in this context.
Option C: Incorrect. "That" would be used for defining clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Option D: Incorrect. All options have valid reasons for being considered; hence, none is not applicable here.

16. On Fridays, my friends and I always go to Al-Aqsa mosque, which is a holy place for Muslims.

Explanations: A non-defining relative clause provides additional information that is not essential to the core meaning of the sentence. It can be removed without changing the fundamental meaning of the sentence. In your example, "which is a holy place for Muslims" adds extra information about Al-Aqsa mosque but does not change its identity as the location you and your friends visit on Fridays.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The clause "which is a holy place for Muslims" provides non-essential information.
Option B: Incorrect. Defining relative clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence and cannot be removed without changing its core meaning, which is not the case here.

17. There are several houses in the street.

Explanations: Option B uses a non-defining relative clause, which provides additional information about the house but is not essential to its identity. The clause "which is at the end of the street" gives extra detail without defining or limiting the subject (the house). This structure is grammatically correct and appropriate for such descriptive purposes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it uses a defining relative clause, which would require "the house that" to be grammatically correct. Defining clauses are essential to the identity of the noun they modify.
Option B: Correct for using a non-defining relative clause with "which," providing additional information without altering the core meaning or necessity of the subject.

18. I bought this cheescake yesterday. It tastes delicious.

Explanations: Option C is correct because it uses a non-defining relative clause, which provides additional information about the cheesecake without essentializing it. The relative pronoun "I" in this context acts as an adjective phrase modifying "the cheesecake," offering supplementary details.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Using "that" introduces a defining clause, which changes the meaning by making the information about when it was bought integral to identifying the cheesecake.
Option B: Correct but less concise than Option C. It uses "which," also indicating a non-defining relative clause, though more wordy.
Option C: Correct and most concise. Uses "I" in a non-defining relative clause to add information without essentializing it.
Option D: Incorrect. Using "who" is grammatically wrong for referring to an object (the cheesecake) rather than a person.

19. We visited the house ..... my father grew up.

Explanations: The sentence "We visited the house where my father grew up." uses a non-defining relative clause, which provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. The word "where" introduces this type of clause and correctly modifies "the house."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Who - Incorrect as it would be used for a person, not a place.
Option B: Which - Incorrect as it is typically used to choose between items in a list or set.
Option C: Where - Correct as it introduces the non-defining relative clause modifying "the house."
Option D: None of above - Incorrect as "where" is the correct choice.

20. ..... some people only know their native language, the other people are trying hard to study foreign language.

Explanations: "While" is used to show that two actions are happening at the same time, which fits well with the context of people knowing only their native language and others studying foreign languages simultaneously.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Although" introduces a contrast but doesn't indicate simultaneous actions.
Option B: "While" correctly shows parallel actions happening at the same time, making it the right choice.
Option C: "However" indicates a contrast or a change in direction, which is not appropriate here.
Option D: "Nevertheless" also introduces a contrast and doesn't fit the context of simultaneous actions.
Option E: "On the other hand" suggests an alternative but does not indicate simultaneous actions.

21. This is my mum ..... is an animal psychologist.

Explanations: The correct answer is C) , who. This option correctly uses a non-defining relative clause to provide additional information about the subject "mum" without essentializing it. The comma before "who" sets off this extra detail, making it clear that the clause can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it uses a simple comma which is not appropriate for non-defining relative clauses.
Option B: Incorrect as "Who" alone does not include the necessary punctuation to indicate a non-defining clause.
Option C: Correct, using ", who" to properly introduce a non-defining relative clause.
Option D: Incorrect as it suggests none of the options are correct, but option C is valid.

22. Non-defining clauses can be found .....

Explanations: Non-defining relative clauses provide additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and can be removed without changing the core message. These clauses can appear in various positions within a sentence, including both the middle and the end.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Non-defining relative clauses are not limited to the middle of a sentence.
Option B: Incorrect. Non-defining relative clauses can also be found in the middle of a sentence, not just at the end.
Option C: Correct. Non-defining relative clauses can be located both in the middle and at the end of a sentence.
Option D: Incorrect. Non-defining relative clauses are not restricted to appearing only at the end of a sentence.

23. What's the name of the city ..... you can see the Ponte Vecchio?

Explanations: The question asks about the name of a city where you can see the Ponte Vecchio. The correct answer is D) Where. This is because "Where" introduces a non-defining relative clause that provides additional information about the location without essential identification. For example, "Florence, where you can see the Ponte Vecchio," uses "where" to add descriptive detail.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as "Which" typically introduces a defining relative clause.
Option B: Incorrect as "That" is used for essential information, not additional details.
Option C: Incorrect as "Who" refers to people, not places.
Option D: Correct as "Where" introduces a non-defining relative clause providing additional location information.
Option E: Incorrect as "Whose" is used for possession, not location.

24. Rewrite these sentences. Emma is often bored at home.Emmas husband goes away a lot.

Explanations: Option B is correct because it uses a non-defining relative clause to provide additional information about Emma's husband without altering the main clause. The phrase "whose husband goes away a lot" gives extra detail but is not essential for understanding the sentence, making it a non-defining relative clause.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it incorrectly combines two clauses that should be separate.
Option B: Correct use of a non-defining relative clause to provide additional information about Emma's husband.
Option C: Incorrect and confusing, mixing the subject with an unrelated clause.
Option D: Not applicable as Option B is correct.

25. Complete the sentence. Indicate whether a comma (, ) is needed. The weather was fantastic ..... was unusual for that time of year.

Explanations: The correct answer is C) , which. This comma and the relative pronoun "which" are used to introduce a non-defining relative clause that provides additional, non-essential information about the weather. The phrase "was unusual for that time of year" does not define or limit the meaning of "the weather," but rather gives extra details.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as "which" is needed to introduce a non-defining relative clause.
Option B: Incorrect, no comma is required before the non-defining relative clause.
Option C: Correct. The comma and "which" are appropriate for this non-defining relative clause.
Option D: Incorrect as option C is valid.

26. That is the man ..... helped me when I fell down in the street.

Explanations: The sentence "That is the man ... helped me when I fell down in the street" contains a non-defining relative clause. In such clauses, we use "that," "which," or no relative pronoun at all to introduce additional information that is not essential to the main meaning of the sentence. Here, "helped me when I fell down in the street" provides extra detail about the man but is not necessary for understanding who the man is. Therefore, option A) That is correct.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Non-defining relative clauses use "that," "which," or no relative pronoun.
Option B: Incorrect. "Which" typically introduces a defining clause, not an additional detail.
Option C: Incorrect. "What" is used to ask about the identity of something and does not introduce clauses.
Option D: Incorrect. The sentence fits the criteria for a non-defining relative clause using "that."

27. Where is the apple that I told you to not to eat

Explanations: Non-defining relative clauses provide additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are set off by commas and can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence. In "Where is the apple that I told you to not to eat," the clause "that I told you to not to eat" is non-defining as it merely provides extra information about which apple is being referred to.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Defining relative clauses are essential and do not use commas.
Option B: Correct. The clause "that I told you to not to eat" is non-defining, providing additional information about the apple.

28. Complete the sentences with the most appropriate options:a/an/the, or no article (-). 'Where is Jane?' 'In ..... kitchen cooking ..... lunch.

Explanations: The correct answer is D) The; -. In this sentence, "the kitchen" is specific because it refers to a particular kitchen where Jane is located. Therefore, we use the definite article "the." However, since lunch is not specified as a particular meal but rather a general activity of cooking, no article is used.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because it uses both articles which are unnecessary and incorrect.
Option B: Incorrect because using "the" for lunch would be redundant and wrong.
Option C: Incorrect because it omits the necessary article for specifying a particular kitchen.
Option D: Correct as explained above.

29. My neighbour Simon ..... who is very intelligent ..... teaches Physics. (comma or no comma for ..... ?)

Explanations: In this sentence, "who is very intelligent" provides additional information about Simon but does not define him as a particular person. This type of clause is known as a non-defining relative clause and should be separated from the main clause with commas.

Option Analysis:

Option A: No paragraph.
Option B: Comma. (Correct)

30. My laptop, which is a present from my parents, is very useful.

Explanations: A non-defining relative clause provides additional, non-essential information about a noun and is set off by commas. In the sentence "My laptop, which is a present from my parents, is very useful," the clause "which is a present from my parents" gives extra information but can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The clause "which is a present from my parents" is non-defining as it provides additional, non-essential information.
Option B: Incorrect. This would indicate that the clause defines or essentializes the noun, which is not the case here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are non-defining relative clauses?

Non-defining relative clauses provide additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They can be removed without changing the core message, and they are usually set off by commas.

How do non-defining relative clauses differ from defining ones?

Defining relative clauses define or identify the noun they modify, and are essential to the meaning of the sentence. Non-defining relative clauses, on the other hand, add extra information that is not crucial for understanding the main idea.

Can non-defining relative clauses be used in any type of sentence?

Yes, non-defining relative clauses can be used in various types of sentences to provide additional details. They are commonly found in both simple and complex sentences.

Are there any rules for using commas with non-defining relative clauses?

Yes, non-defining relative clauses are typically set off by commas. Commas help to separate the additional information from the main clause of the sentence, making it easier to read and understand.

How do non-defining relative clauses affect the meaning of a sentence?

Non-defining relative clauses add extra details that enhance the description or provide additional information about a noun, but they do not change the fundamental meaning of the sentence. They can be removed without altering its core message.

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