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A relative clause is a subordinate clause that begins with a question word (e.g. who, which, where) or the word that. You can use it to modify a noun or pronoun (i.e. to identify or give more information about it).
Words like who, that and when are often referred to as relative pronouns when they are used to introduce relative clauses. You use:
For example:
There are two types of relative clause: defining and non-defining. You use a defining (or restrictive) relative clause to ‘identify’ or ‘restrict the reference of’ a noun. You do not separate it from the rest of the sentence by commas (in text) or pauses (in speech).
You use a non-defining (or non-restrictive) relative clause to supply additional information about the noun, whose identity or reference is already established. You can also use it to comment on the whole situation described in a main clause.
You should not use the relative pronoun that in non-defining relative clauses.
You can sometimes omit the relative pronoun in a defining relative clause to create a more concise style. You cannot do this in a non-defining clause.
For details of adjective clauses, click here.
In the following questions the relative pronouns are missing. Edit the sentences, putting in suitable relative pronouns and any missing commas. After you finish them, click the 'Check All Answers' button to see the answers and feedback.
1. The woman hair is long and curly is the new secretary, Mrs. Chan.
2. Nearly all the proposals the committee put forward have been accepted.
3. This is the book has become a bestseller in recent years.
4. Graduates possess a strong academic background as well as good communication skills are favoured by employers.
5. Mosquitoes are small two-winged insects can spread fatal diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
6. The government officials to we spoke last week were completely unaware of the urgency of the matter.
7. That horrible incident occurred in 1967 I was still a baby.
8. There’s a football match on television tomorrow I think you shouldn’t miss.
9. The firm has decided to introduce a new round of pay cuts will doubtlessly be greeted with discontent and hostility.
10. The new MP3 player is produced by Sony has many useful functions.
Here are the answers:
1. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answer: The woman whose hair is long and curly is the new secretary, Mrs. Chan.
Back to the questions
2. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answers: Nearly all the proposals that the committee put forward have been accepted. Nearly all the proposals which the committee put forward have been accepted. Nearly all the proposals the committee put forward have been accepted.
3. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answers: This is the book that has become a bestseller in recent years. This is the book which has become a bestseller in recent years.
4. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answers: Graduates who possess a strong academic background as well as good communication skills are favoured by employers. Graduates that possess a strong academic background as well as good communication skills are favoured by employers.
5. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answer: Mosquitoes, which are small two-winged insects, can spread fatal diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
6. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answer: The government officials to whom we spoke last week were completely unaware of the urgency of the matter.
7. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answer: That horrible incident occurred in 1967, when I was still a baby.
8. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answers: There’s a football match on television tomorrow that I think you shouldn’t miss. There’s a football match on television tomorrow which I think you shouldn’t miss. There’s a football match on television tomorrow I think you shouldn’t miss.
9. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answer: The firm has decided to introduce a new round of pay cuts, which will doubtlessly be greeted with discontent and hostility.
10. Your answer is: No answer yet.
Answers: The new MP3 player that is produced by Sony has many useful functions. The new MP3 player which is produced by Sony has many useful functions. The new MP3 player, which is produced by Sony, has many useful functions.
Click here for more information on relative clauses.
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Last updated on 15 July 2010.
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