Defining/non-defining relative clauses

This is the place ______ I saw him the last time.

• where

• which

• that

Answer explanation

We use where as a relative adverb to refer to a place.

Do you know the musician ______ is playing the guitar.

• who

• -

• that

• which

Answer explanation

We can use who and that for people in defining relative clauses (without commas).

We can't leave out the relative pronoun (who, that, which) when it is followed by a verb, we can only omit it when it is followed by subject + verb in defining relative clauses.

The painting, ______ was finished in 1850, is one of the most representative works of that time.

• which

• that

• -

Answer explanation

That can only be used in defining relative clauses (without commas).

We can only omit the relative pronoun (who, which, that) in defining relative clauses (without commas).

This is the person ______ I introduced you a few weeks ago.

• which

• that

• -

Answer explanation

We can use who and that for people in defining relative clauses (without commas).

We can omit the relative pronoun (who, which, that) in defining relative clauses (without commas) when it's followed by subject + verb.

I can't find the shop ______ I bought my computer two years ago.

• where

• that

• which

Answer explanation

We use where as a relative adverb to refer to a place.

What's the book ______ we must read this semester?

• where

• who

• -

Answer explanation

We can omit the relative pronoun (who, which, that) in defining relative clauses (without commas) when it’s followed by subject + verb.

In this sentence we could also use the pronouns which and that.

The final decision,  ______ not everybody is going to like, will be announced at the next meeting.

• which

• that

• -

Answer explanation

We can only use which or who (not that) in non-defining relative clauses (between commas).

We can only omit the relative pronoun (who, which, that) in defining relative clauses (without commas).

My sister, ...... is now living in New York, has just had a baby.

• -

• that

• who

Answer explanation

That can only be used in defining relative clauses (without commas).

We can only omit the relative pronoun (who, which, that) in defining relative clauses (without commas).

i'd like to eat at the restaurant ...... we met.

• where

• -

• which

• that

Answer explanation

We use where as a relative adverb to refer to places.

The car, ..... cost more than 20,000 dollars, was a present from his family.

• which

• that

• where

• -

Answer explanation

We can only use which or who (not that) in non-defining relative clauses (between commas).

We can only omit the relative pronoun (who, which, that) in defining relative clauses (without commas).