Mixed Relative Clauses - Advanced Practice
B1-C1 Level
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A useful strategy for complex relative clause questions: first, decide if the clause is defining or non-defining (does it identify or just add extra information?). Second, choose the pronoun based on what it refers to (person, thing, place, time, possession). Third, check formality — is "whom" or a fronted preposition needed? Fourth, consider omission — can the pronoun be dropped? This four-step approach helps you work through even the most challenging sentences systematically. Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced use-of-English papers regularly include mixed relative clause questions that test all these skills together.
Quick Rule
step 1: defining or non-defining → step 2: choose pronoun → step 3: check formality → step 4: consider omission
- 1.My sister, who lives in Canada, is visiting next month. (non-defining — commas, "who" for person)
- 2.The person to whom I spoke was very helpful. (formal — preposition + whom)
- 3.The company whose CEO resigned is in financial trouble. (whose — possession)
- 4.We couldn't find the café where we first met. (where — place, negative)
- 5.That was the year when everything changed. (when — time, demonstrative subject)
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence with the correct relative pronoun or structure. Pay attention to commas (defining vs non-defining), formality level, and preposition placement.
My sister, _____ lives in Canada, is visiting next month.
Complete the non-defining clause (note the commas).
The person to _____ I spoke was very helpful.
Complete the defining clause with formal English.
The company _____ CEO resigned is in crisis.
Complete with the possessive relative.
The Eiffel Tower, _____ is in Paris, was built in 1889.
Complete the non-defining clause about a unique place.
The students _____ arrive late will miss the exam.
Choose the correct relative for this defining clause.
2010 was the year _____ my sister got married.
Complete with the correct relative for time.
The matter about _____ we discussed remains unresolved.
Complete with formal preposition placement.
Einstein, _____ theory changed physics, was born in Germany.
Complete the non-defining clause about a famous person.
The hotel at _____ we stayed was expensive.
Choose the correct relative for this object position.
The dog _____ is barking belongs to the neighbours.
Complete with the relative that cannot be omitted.
New York, _____ I visited last summer, is an amazing city.
Complete the non-defining clause about a place.
The candidate for _____ I voted lost the election.
Choose the formal object pronoun.
The house _____ roof was damaged has been repaired.
Complete with the possessive relative for things.
The moment _____ I realised the truth was shocking.
Complete the defining clause about a time.
The principles for _____ she stands are admirable.
Complete with formal preposition + relative.
The Amazon, _____ flows through Brazil, is one of the world's longest rivers.
Complete the non-defining clause about a river.
The author _____ books I love is giving a talk.
Complete with the relative showing possession.
The restaurant _____ we had our anniversary dinner has closed.
Complete with the appropriate relative for places.
My grandmother, _____ is 95, still plays tennis.
Complete the non-defining clause about a person.
The colleague with _____ I collaborated received a promotion.
Complete with the formal relative for object position.
Continue Practising
Continue practising with these related exercises
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