Relative clauses

Defining and non-defining relative clauses with who, which, that, whose, where and when

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1. 1
   Multiple choice

   The woman lives next door is a doctor.

   whichwhowhosewhereWe use 'who' (or 'that') for people.
2. 2
   Multiple choice

   That's the restaurant we had our first date.

   whichwhowhosewhereWe use 'where' for places when it means 'in/at which'.
3. 3
   Multiple choice

   I have a friend brother plays for a football team.

   whosewhowho'swhich'Whose' shows possession: the brother of my friend.
4. 4
   Multiple choice

   Which sentence is correct?

   My sister, that lives in Rome, is a designer.My sister, who lives in Rome, is a designer.My sister who she lives in Rome is a designer.My sister, which lives in Rome, is a designer.Non-defining clauses use 'who' or 'which' with commas, never 'that'.
5. 5
   Fill the gap

   The book you lent me was brilliant.

   whothatwhosewhereAlso accepted: whichWe use 'that' or 'which' for things in defining clauses.
6. 6
   Fill the gap

   Paris, is the capital of France, attracts millions of tourists.

   Answer: whichNon-defining clauses about things and places use 'which', not 'that'.
7. 7
   Fill the gap

   The man car was stolen called the police.

   Answer: whose'Whose' + noun shows that something belongs to someone.
8. 8
   Fill the gap

   2020 was the year I finished university.

   whichwhenwherewhoWe use 'when' after words for time, such as 'year' or 'day'.
9. 9
   Fill the gap

   The people I met on holiday were very friendly.

   Answer: whoAlso accepted: that, whomWe use 'who', 'that' or formal 'whom' for people who are the object of the clause.
10. 10
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'The film that we watched last night was boring.'

    Answer: True'That' can introduce a defining relative clause about things.
11. 11
    Discussion question

    Describe a person who has had a big influence on your life.

    Sample answer: My grandmother, who was a teacher, had a big influence on me. She was the person who taught me to love books.
12. 12
    Discussion question

    Tell me about a place where you feel really happy.

    Sample answer: There's a small lake near my town where I go fishing with my dad. It's a place which always helps me relax.