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Relative Pronouns – Quiz 1
Relative Pronouns Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and usage of relative pronouns in defining clauses, including their functions, subject-verb agreement, possession, and indirect object identification. It covers various contexts such as locations, people, time, and noun clauses.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
That is the cat ..... stole the fish.
A) Which.
B) Who.
C) Whom.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "That is the cat ... stole the fish" uses a relative pronoun to introduce additional information about the cat. The correct relative pronoun in this context is "who," as it refers to the subject of the clause, which is a person (or in this case, an animal acting like a person). Therefore, the claimed answer A) Which is incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Which" is used for things or animals when they are the subject of the relative clause.
Option B:
Correct. "Who" is the appropriate relative pronoun to use here as it refers to a person (or animal) who performed the action.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Whom" is used for objects of verbs or prepositions in the relative clause, not for subjects performing actions.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer exists among the options provided.
2.
The police want to find out ..... drove the green car into the shop window
A) Who.
B) Who's.
C) Whose.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The question requires identifying the subject of a sentence, which is asking "Who" drove the green car into the shop window. The correct answer is
Option A: Who.
This is because "who" is used to refer to people as subjects in sentences.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses relative pronoun "who" for a person as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Who's" is a contraction of "who is" or "who has," not used here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Whose" indicates possession, not action by a person.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer exists among the options provided.
3.
The girl ..... we saw yesterday, came here today
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The girl whom we saw yesterday, came here today" uses a relative pronoun to introduce the clause that provides additional information about the girl. In this context, "whom" is used as the object of the verb "saw," which is grammatically correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Who is typically used when the relative pronoun acts as the subject of a clause. It would be incorrect in this sentence because "whom" is needed to indicate that the girl was the object of the verb "saw."
Option B:
Whom is correct here as it functions as the object of the preposition "by" (understood in the relative clause), making it grammatically sound.
4.
The character with (who, whom) I identify most is Hamlet
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "whom" is used to refer to the object of a verb or preposition in a clause. In the sentence, "the character with whom I identify most is Hamlet," "whom" functions as the object of the preposition "with." Therefore, Option A (Whom) is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Whom" refers to the object of the preposition "with."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Who" would be used if it were the subject of a clause, not an object.
5.
Match the relative pronouns with the type of things they describe Whose
A) Things and animals.
B) Possession.
C) Places.
D) People.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Whose" is used to ask about possession, indicating ownership or belonging. For example: "Whose book is this?" Here, "whose" refers to the owner of the book.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Things and animals - Incorrect; "whose" does not describe things or animals directly.
Option B:
Possession - Correct; "whose" is used to inquire about ownership or possession.
Option C:
Places - Incorrect; "whose" is not used for places.
Option D:
People - Incorrect; while people can be the subjects of "whose," it's more specifically about possession than just people.
6.
The man with ..... you went to London has called while you were out.
A) Who.
B) Which.
C) Whom.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "whom" is used to refer to a person who is the object of a verb or preposition in the relative clause. In this sentence, "with whom you went to London" functions as an appositive phrase providing additional information about the man who called. The subject of the relative clause is implied (you), and "whom" serves as the object.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Who - Incorrect, because "who" would be used if it were the subject of the verb in the relative clause.
Option B:
Which - Incorrect, because "which" is used for non-human objects or choices between things.
Option C:
Whom - Correct, as explained above.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, since "whom" is the correct choice.
7.
The old lady ..... is crossing the street lives next to me.
A) Which.
B) Who.
C) How.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses and refer back to a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. In this case, "who" is used correctly as it refers to a person (the old lady) who is performing the action of crossing the street.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Which introduces relative clauses that refer to things, not people.
Option B:
Who is correct as it refers to a person.
Option C:
How is an adverb and does not introduce relative clauses.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since one option (B) is correct.
8.
This is the house ..... was built in two weeks.
A) Which.
B) Whom.
C) Who.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "which" is used to refer to things, places, animals, and ideas in a non-restrictive clause. In the sentence "This is the house which was built in two weeks," "which" introduces a non-restrictive clause providing additional information about the house.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Which" is appropriate here as it refers to the house and provides extra information.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Whom" is used for people, not things or places.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Who" is used for people, not houses or other non-living things.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does require a relative pronoun to be grammatically correct and meaningful.
9.
The White House is the place ..... the President of the USA lives.
A) What.
B) When.
C) Where.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Where.
The sentence "The White House is the place where the President of the USA lives" uses a relative pronoun "where" to introduce a defining clause that specifies the location. This demonstrates the use of "where" as a relative pronoun indicating a location.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because "what" is not used to indicate location in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect because "when" refers to time, which does not fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
Correct as "where" introduces a clause that specifies the location where the President lives.
Option D:
Incorrect because "which" is typically used for non-essential information or to refer to objects, not locations in this context.
10.
The boy ..... you saw yesterday is my nephew.
A) Whom.
B) That.
C) Either whom or that.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "that" is used to introduce a defining clause, which provides essential information about the noun it modifies. In this sentence, "that" can be used to refer back to "the boy," providing necessary details.
The relative pronoun "whom" is typically used when referring to people as the object of a verb or preposition within the relative clause. However, in this case, since there's no verb or preposition following "whom," it would sound awkward and incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whom is not suitable here because it sounds unnatural without a verb or preposition.
Option B:
That can be used to introduce the defining clause, making this option correct.
Option C:
Either whom or that could technically work in some contexts, but "that" is more appropriate here. Thus, "either" is not strictly necessary and might confuse students who are just learning relative pronouns.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect because option B (That) is correct.
11.
Come and see the car ..... I bought last week.
A) What.
B) That.
C) Where.
D) Who.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Come and see the car ... I bought last week." uses a relative pronoun to introduce additional information about the car. The correct relative pronoun here is "that," as it can refer to things (in this case, the car) and introduces a defining clause. Thus, the completed sentence would be: "Come and see the car that I bought last week."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
What - Incorrect; "what" cannot introduce a relative clause.
Option B:
That - Correct; "that" introduces the relative clause providing additional information about the car.
Option C:
Where - Incorrect; "where" is used to indicate location, not to introduce a defining clause about an object.
Option D:
Who - Incorrect; "who" refers to people, not objects like cars.
12.
The boy ..... bike broke down was very unhappy.
A) Whose.
B) Which.
C) Who.
D) Whom.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "Whose" is correct because it introduces a possessive clause that modifies the noun "bike." In this sentence, "Whose bike broke down" indicates ownership, and "was very unhappy" describes the boy's emotional state.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whose - Correct. Introduces a possessive clause modifying "bike."
Option B:
Which - Incorrect. Used for non-essential information, not possession.
Option C:
Who - Incorrect. Refers to the boy directly, not his bike's condition.
Option D:
Whom - Incorrect. Used for objects of verbs or prepositions, not possessive clauses.
13.
..... one do you prefer?
A) Where.
B) Who.
C) Whose.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The question "one do you prefer?" is asking for a choice between two options, which requires specifying the option being referred to. The relative pronoun "which" (Option D) is used to introduce a clause that identifies or specifies one of two or more alternatives.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Where - Incorrect; "where" is used to ask about location.
Option B:
Who - Incorrect; "who" is used for people, not choices between options.
Option C:
Whose - Incorrect; "whose" is used to indicate possession.
Option D:
Which - Correct; "which" introduces a clause that specifies the choice.
14.
I remember the place ..... we first met.
A) Where.
B) When.
C) What.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses and refer back to a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. In this case, "Where" is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a clause that provides information about the location where the speakers first met.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Where" introduces a relative clause describing the place of their meeting.
Option B:
Incorrect. "When" would be used to refer to time, not location.
Option C:
Incorrect. "What" is used for things or objects, not locations.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
15.
They will never forget the day ..... their village caught fire.
A) When.
B) What.
C) Where.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They will never forget the day ... their village caught fire" uses a relative pronoun to introduce additional information about the day. The correct relative pronoun here is "when," as it refers to a time, making option A) When the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "When" introduces the time of the event.
Option B:
Incorrect. "What" is used for things or events but not to indicate a time.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Where" is used to indicate location, which does not fit in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Which" is used to specify one of several choices and doesn't fit the context here.
16.
You should get to know the lawyer ..... is going to represent you in the trial.
A) Who.
B) When.
C) Whose.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses and refer back to a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. In this case, "Who" is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a clause that provides more information about the lawyer who will represent you in the trial.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Who" introduces a relative clause referring back to the noun "lawyer."
Option B:
Incorrect. "When" is an adverb and does not introduce a relative clause.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Whose" is used to show possession, which is not applicable here.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one of the options (A) is correct.
17.
Translate- "relative pronouns"
A) Possessive pronouns.
B) Relative pronouns.
C) Possessive pronouns.
D) Allied words.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Relative pronouns.
This term accurately describes the type of pronoun that introduces a relative clause, which provides additional information about a noun in the sentence. Examples include "who," "which," and "that."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Possessive pronouns are used to show ownership or possession (e.g., my, your, his). They do not introduce relative clauses.
Option B:
Correct. Relative pronouns like "who," "which," and "that" introduce relative clauses that provide additional information about a noun in the sentence.
Option C:
Possessive pronouns are used to show ownership or possession (e.g., my, your, his). They do not introduce relative clauses.
Option D:
Allied words typically refer to pairs of words that are often used together but are not a specific grammatical term like "relative pronouns."
18.
Einstein, ..... was born in Germany, is famous for his theory of relativity
A) Wohm.
B) Who.
C) That.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses and refer back to a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. In this case, "Who" is used correctly as it introduces a clause that provides additional information about Einstein. The sentence structure is: [Subject (Einstein), Relative Pronoun (who), Clause (was born in Germany)]. This usage is appropriate for identifying a person.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Wohm - Not an English relative pronoun.
Option B:
Who - Correct, introduces the clause about Einstein's birthplace.
Option C:
That - Typically used for things or to introduce defining clauses, not suitable here.
Option D:
Which - Used for non-essential information or choices, not appropriate here.
19.
I've begun a career as a freelance writer, ..... allows me to work from home.
A) Where.
B) Which.
C) Who.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Which" is the correct relative pronoun to use in this sentence because it introduces a defining clause that provides essential information about the noun "career." The clause "which allows me to work from home" specifies what kind of career is being referred to.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Where" would imply asking for a location, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
"Which" correctly introduces a defining clause providing essential information about the career.
Option C:
"Who" is used for people, not careers or jobs.
Option D:
Not needed as option B is correct.
20.
The toaster ..... I bought last week has already broken down.
A) Who.
B) Where.
C) Which.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "which" is correctly used in the sentence to refer back to a previously mentioned noun, "toaster," and introduces additional information about it (bought last week has already broken down). "Who" would be incorrect because it refers only to people, not objects. "Where" does not fit grammatically or semantically as it refers to places.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Who is used for people, not objects.
Option B:
Where introduces locations, not objects with attributes.
Option C:
Which correctly refers to the toaster and provides additional information about it.
Option D:
Not needed as C is correct.
21.
My neighbour, ..... is 70 now, is a nice person.
A) #.
B) Which.
C) Who.
D) Whose.
E) That.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is used to introduce a clause that provides additional information about the subject, which in this case is "my neighbour." Since "neighbour" refers to a person and the sentence requires a relative pronoun to connect the main clause with the descriptive clause, "who" is the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
#
Option B:
Which is typically used for things or animals, not people.
Option C:
Who is correctly used to refer to a person in this context.
Option D:
Whose introduces a possessive clause and does not fit the sentence structure.
Option E:
That can be used for people but often sounds more formal or restrictive, making "who" a better choice here.
22.
When do we use the relative pronoun which?
A) When we add information about a place.
B) When we add information about time.
C) When we add information about a thing.
D) When we add information about a person.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative pronouns, such as "which," are used to add information about a thing or object in the sentence. This is why option C is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Which" does not specifically refer to places.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Which" can be used for time, but it's more common with "when."
Option C:
Correct. "Which" is used to add information about a thing or object in the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Which" does not specifically refer to people; "who" or "whom" would be more appropriate for that purpose.
23.
The teacher ..... class was polite received a good report from the substitute.
A) Who.
B) Which.
C) Whose.
D) Whom.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Whose" is the correct answer because it introduces a relative clause that shows possession. In this sentence, "whose class" indicates that the teacher's class had polite students who received a good report from the substitute.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Who" refers to a person and cannot be used to show possession in this context.
Option B:
"Which" is used for things or animals, not people, so it's incorrect here.
Option C:
"Whose" correctly introduces the relative clause showing possession of the class by the teacher.
Option D:
"Whom" refers to the object of a verb and is not used to introduce a relative clause in this context.
24.
This is the girl ..... I met in the airport yesterday.
A) Who.
B) Whose.
C) When.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is used to refer to a person, and in this sentence, it correctly introduces the clause describing the girl met at the airport. The phrase "This is the girl who I met in the airport yesterday" is grammatically correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Who" refers to a person and fits the context of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Whose" indicates possession, which does not fit here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "When" is a time word and cannot introduce a clause about a person.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Which" can refer to things or animals, but not people in this context.
25.
Is this the hotel ..... you are staying for the tournament?
A) What.
B) Where.
C) When.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Is this the hotel ... you are staying for the tournament?" uses a relative pronoun to introduce additional information about the hotel. The correct relative pronoun in this context is "where," as it refers to the location where the person is staying.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
What - Incorrect, does not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option B:
Where - Correct, fits grammatically and contextually.
Option C:
When - Incorrect, refers to time, not location.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect, "Where" is the correct answer.
26.
We bought a calendar ..... has flowers on the cover.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses and refer back to a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. In this case, "That" is used to introduce a defining relative clause that provides essential information about the calendar. The sentence would read: "We bought a calendar that has flowers on the cover." This usage of "that" is correct because it specifies an important detail about the calendar.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Which introduces non-defining relative clauses, which are not necessary for the sentence to make sense. It would be used if additional information was provided that could be omitted without changing the core meaning of the sentence.
Option B:
That is correctly used here as it defines a specific characteristic of the calendar.
27.
The box, (a) is covered in tape, can't be opened yet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The box, (a) is covered in tape, can't be opened yet." uses a relative pronoun to introduce the clause that describes the box. The correct answer is A) A which because "which" is used to refer back to the noun "box" and provides additional information about it. This usage of "which" is appropriate for non-human antecedents or things.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Which" introduces a defining relative clause that specifies which box we are talking about by describing its condition.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Whose" is used to indicate possession, but the sentence does not require indicating ownership of the tape or any other object.
28.
Read the definitions and choose the correct answer:Is someone who agrees to work for no money.
A) Lawyer.
B) Volunteer.
C) Researcher.
D) Campaigner.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A volunteer is someone who agrees to work for no money, making option B the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Lawyer - Typically works for payment.
Option B:
Volunteer - Works without pay voluntarily.
Option C:
Researcher - Often works for compensation in academic or professional settings.
Option D:
Campaigner - Usually involved in political activities but not necessarily unpaid work.
29.
I don't know for ..... you bought ice cream, but I'd like some!
A) Who.
B) Whom.
C) Whose.
D) Which.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "whom" is used to refer to the object of a verb or preposition in a clause introduced by a relative pronoun. In this sentence, "you bought ice cream" is a clause where "you" is the subject and "ice cream" is the direct object. The correct relative pronoun should be placed before "you" as it refers to the indirect object of the verb "bought." Therefore, "whom" is the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Who - Incorrect; used for subjects.
Option B:
Whom - Correct; refers to the indirect object of a verb or preposition.
Option C:
Whose - Incorrect; indicates possession.
Option D:
Which - Incorrect; used for choices between things.
30.
My brother, ..... lives in California, is an engineer.
A) Whose.
B) Where.
C) That.
D) Who.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The relative pronoun "who" is used to refer to a person, and it can be the subject or object of the clause it introduces. In this sentence, "My brother, who lives in California, is an engineer," the relative pronoun "who" correctly refers back to the subject "my brother" and functions as the subject of the verb "lives." This makes option D) Who correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whose indicates possession and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option B:
Where is used to refer to places, but the sentence requires a pronoun referring to a person.
Option C:
That can be used for non-restrictive clauses, but "who" is more appropriate and natural in this context.
Option D:
Who is correctly used here as it refers to the subject of the clause and functions as a subject in the relative clause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are relative pronouns?
Relative pronouns are words like "who," "which," and "that" that introduce a clause and connect it to the rest of a sentence, providing more information about people or things.
How do relative pronouns differ in defining clauses?
In defining clauses, relative pronouns provide essential information that defines or identifies the noun they refer to. These clauses are necessary for understanding the sentence and cannot be removed without changing its meaning.
Can you give an example of a relative pronoun used with "where"?
Certainly! For instance, in the sentence "The park where we had our picnic is closed," the relative pronoun "where" introduces a clause that specifies which park is being referred to.
What is the difference between "who" and "whom"?
"Who" is used as a subject relative pronoun, typically referring to the person performing the action. "Whom" is used as an object relative pronoun, often referring to the person receiving the action.
How can I practice using relative pronouns correctly?
You can practice by identifying and replacing nouns with relative pronouns in sentences, or by rewriting sentences to include more descriptive clauses that use relative pronouns. Reading widely and paying attention to how authors use these pronouns can also improve your understanding.