Defining Relative Clauses Exercises
B1-B2 Level
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Defining relative clauses have three key features. First, they have no commas — if you see commas around a relative clause, it is non-defining. Second, you can use that instead of "who" or "which": "The book that I borrowed" = "The book which I borrowed." Third, when the pronoun is the object, you can leave it out completely: "The book I borrowed" is correct and very common in spoken English. These clauses are tested heavily in Cambridge B1 and B2 exams, especially in open-cloze tasks where you must fill in the missing relative pronoun.
Quick Rule
noun + who/which/that + essential information (no commas)
- 1.The woman who lives next door is a doctor. (who identifies which woman)
- 2.I borrowed a book which was on the reading list. (which identifies which book)
- 3.Students that arrive late will not be admitted. (that for people — defining clause)
- 4.The restaurant that serves Italian food is fully booked. (that for things)
- 5.I don't like films which have sad endings. (which in a negative sentence)
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence with the correct relative pronoun (who, which, that, whose, where, when). These are all DEFINING clauses - they identify which person/thing we mean. No commas are used. Complete with a relative pronoun. This is a defining clause.
The students _____ pass the exam will receive certificates.
The book _____ I borrowed from the library is overdue.
I need a phone _____ has a good camera.
People _____ exercise regularly tend to live longer.
The hotel _____ we stayed at was right on the beach.
The woman _____ daughter won the prize is very proud.
The year _____ we got married was the happiest of my life.
The restaurant _____ serves Indian food is on the corner.
The children _____ live upstairs are very noisy.
The city _____ I was born is very beautiful.
The man _____ car is blocking the driveway needs to move it.
The film _____ won the Oscar was directed by a woman.
The teacher _____ taught me English has retired.
The day _____ we met changed my life forever.
The company _____ products I use every day is very successful.
The shop _____ I buy my coffee closed down.
The athlete _____ broke the record is only 19 years old.
The coffee _____ they serve here is the best in town.
The moment _____ I realised the truth was shocking.
The author _____ books I love is coming to our city.
Continue Practising
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