Relative Clauses Quiz: Test Your Grammar Knowledge
Relative clauses are essential components of English grammar that help us provide additional information about nouns. Whether you’re a language learner or simply looking to refresh your grammar skills, testing your knowledge of relative clauses can be both educational and fun. This comprehensive guide offers multiple quizzes to help you master the use of relative pronouns and clauses.
Understanding Relative Clauses
Relative clauses are dependent clauses that modify nouns or pronouns. They typically begin with relative pronouns such as who, whom, whose, which, that, or where. These clauses provide essential or additional information about the noun they modify.
There are two main types of relative clauses:
1. Defining relative clauses (also called restrictive clauses) – These provide essential information about the noun and cannot be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.
2. Non-defining relative clauses (also called non-restrictive clauses) – These provide additional, non-essential information and are usually separated by commas.
Relative Clauses Quiz 1: Basic Usage
Test your understanding of relative pronouns with this basic quiz. Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete each sentence:
1. This is the house ______ my son was born.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) whose
2. I dislike the clown ______ has a bright red nose.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) whose
3. I know a great place to eat ______ we can go for lunch.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) that
4. The woman ______ car was stolen reported it to the police.
a) who
b) which
c) whose
d) whom
5. The film ______ we saw last night was excellent.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) whose
Answers to Quiz 1:
1. c) where – We use “where” for places
2. a) who – We use “who” for people
3. c) where – We use “where” for places (or “that” could also work)
4. c) whose – We use “whose” to show possession
5. b) which – We use “which” for things (or “that” could also work)
Defining Relative Clauses – Who, Which, That, Where
Defining relative clauses are crucial for specifying exactly which person or thing we’re talking about. Let’s practice these specifically:
Quiz on Defining Relative Clauses:
Choose the correct relative pronouns to complete the following defining relative clauses:
1. I have a friend ______ speaks four languages.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) whose
2. The Internet is a place ______ you can find almost any information.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) whose
3. The book ______ I borrowed from the library is overdue.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) whose
4. The teacher ______ taught me English was very patient.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) whose
5. The reason ______ I’m calling is to confirm our appointment.
a) who
b) which
c) why
d) whose
Answers to Defining Relative Clauses Quiz:
1. a) who – For people
2. c) where – For places
3. b) which – For things (or “that” could also be used)
4. a) who – For people (or “that” could also be used)
5. c) why – For reasons
Advanced Relative Clauses Quiz
Ready for a more challenging test? This quiz focuses on more complex uses of relative clauses, including when to use “whom” and when relative pronouns can be omitted.
1. The scouts in my school were sure to visit the flooded town, the condition ______ was not known.
a) who
b) which
c) of which
d) whose
2. The man ______ you spoke yesterday is my uncle.
a) who
b) to whom
c) which
d) whose
3. The movie ______ we watched last night won several awards.
a) who
b) which
c) that
d) Both b and c are correct
4. She is the person ______ I trust the most.
a) who
b) whom
c) which
d) Both a and b are correct
5. The house ______ we bought last year needs renovation.
a) who
b) which
c) that
d) Both b and c are correct
Answers to Advanced Quiz:
1. c) of which – This is a more complex structure using a preposition with “which”
2. b) to whom – We use “whom” as the object of a preposition
3. d) Both b and c are correct – Both “which” and “that” can be used for things
4. d) Both a and b are correct – Both “who” and “whom” can be used for people as objects
5. d) Both b and c are correct – Both “which” and “that” can be used for things
Grammar Quiz: “I Know a Great Little Restaurant…”
Complete these sentences using appropriate relative pronouns:
1. I know a great little restaurant ______ serves amazing Italian food.
a) who
b) which
c) that
d) Both b and c are correct
2. The restaurant ______ I told you about is on Main Street.
a) who
b) which
c) that
d) Both b and c are correct
3. The chef ______ works there trained in Italy.
a) who
b) which
c) that
d) Both a and c are correct
4. Their pasta, ______ is made fresh daily, is exceptional.
a) who
b) which
c) that
d) whose
5. It’s a place ______ you can relax and enjoy good food.
a) who
b) which
c) where
d) whose
Answers to Restaurant Quiz:
1. d) Both b and c are correct – Both “which” and “that” can be used for things
2. d) Both b and c are correct – Both “which” and “that” can be used for things
3. d) Both a and c are correct – Both “who” and “that” can be used for people
4. b) which – In non-defining clauses (with commas), we use “which” for things, not “that”
5. c) where – We use “where” for places
Tips for Mastering Relative Clauses
1. Remember that “who” and “whom” refer to people, “which” refers to things, and “that” can refer to both people and things.
2. “Where” is used for places, “when” for times, and “why” for reasons.
3. “Whose” shows possession and can be used for both people and things.
4. In defining relative clauses, the relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted when it’s the object of the clause.
5. In non-defining relative clauses (separated by commas), the relative pronoun cannot be omitted, and “that” cannot be used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using “who” instead of “whom” when referring to the object of a verb or preposition.
2. Using “which” instead of “who” when referring to people.
3. Forgetting commas in non-defining relative clauses.
4. Using “that” in non-defining relative clauses.
5. Incorrectly omitting relative pronouns in defining clauses when they’re the subject.
Mastering relative clauses takes practice, but with these quizzes and tips, you’ll be well on your way to using them correctly and confidently in your English communication. Remember to pay attention to whether you’re referring to people or things, and whether the information is essential or additional. This will guide you in choosing the right relative pronoun every time.