Relative Clauses — Essential vs Extra Information (B2)

There are several men standing at the door. You want to say which one is your uncle. Which sentence is correct?

The man, who is wearing a red tie, at the door is my uncle.The man at the door, who is wearing a red tie, is my uncle.The man, who is wearing a red tie and standing at the door, is my uncle.The man who is wearing a red tie and standing at the door is my uncle.

Correct answer: The man who is wearing a red tie and standing at the door is my uncle.

"Mount Everest ___." — Which sentence correctly adds NON-ESSENTIAL information about Mount Everest?

Mount Everest, which is the world's highest peak, attracts thousands of climbers every year.Mount Everest which is the world's highest peak attracts thousands of climbers every year.Mount Everest that is the world's highest peak attracts thousands of climbers every year.Mount Everest, that is the world's highest peak, attracts thousands of climbers every year.

Correct answer: Mount Everest, which is the world's highest peak, attracts thousands of climbers every year.

Which sentence uses a relative clause to give ESSENTIAL (identifying) information?

Shakespeare, who was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, is England's most famous playwright.The playwright who wrote Hamlet is now considered England's greatest author.Hamlet, which was written around 1600, is Shakespeare's most famous tragedy.London, which is the capital of England, is home to the Globe Theatre.

Correct answer: The playwright who wrote Hamlet is now considered England's greatest author.

"The report needs editing. It was submitted yesterday." — Which correctly combines these as a DEFINING clause?

The report, which was submitted yesterday, needs editing.The report submitted which needs editing was submitted yesterday.The report that was submitted yesterday needs editing.The report, that was submitted yesterday, needs editing.

Correct answer: The report that was submitted yesterday needs editing.

In which situation is a DEFINING relative clause the correct choice?

When speaking about a unique person, place, or thing (e.g. a proper noun).When giving background information the listener may not already know.When adding a parenthetical remark about an already-identified subject.When identifying which one of several possible referents is meant.

Correct answer: When identifying which one of several possible referents is meant.

"My father, who worked as an engineer for 40 years, is now retired." — Why is the relative clause NON-DEFINING?

The speaker has only one father; the clause adds information but does not identify him.The speaker has more than one father and is specifying which one.The clause gives essential detail needed to understand the whole sentence.Without the clause, the listener would not know who "my father" refers to.

Correct answer: The speaker has only one father; the clause adds information but does not identify him.

In which sentence would removing the relative clause significantly change the meaning or create ambiguity?

Tokyo, which has a population of over 13 million, is the capital of Japan.The train that you should take leaves at 7:15.My laptop, which I bought in 2021, has started slowing down.The company's CEO, who announced his resignation yesterday, will step down in March.

Correct answer: The train that you should take leaves at 7:15.

"Visitors to the gallery ___ do not have a ticket will be asked to purchase one at the door." — Which option is correct?

, who, whichwhowhose

Correct answer: who

A student writes: "Any student, who fails to submit their assignment, will receive a zero." — What is the error?

"who" should be "that" in a defining clause."student" should be "students" because the commas imply a plural group."will receive" should be in the subjunctive mood.The commas are wrong; this should be a defining clause to specify which students.

Correct answer: The commas are wrong; this should be a defining clause to specify which students.

"The discovery ___ shocked the scientific community was made entirely by accident." — Why is this a defining clause?

It identifies which specific discovery is being discussed.It is placed between commas.It uses "which" to refer to a thing.It adds interesting background information about the discovery.

Correct answer: It identifies which specific discovery is being discussed.

Which sentence is INCORRECTLY punctuated?

Einstein, who developed the theory of relativity, was born in Germany.The scientist that, developed the theory of relativity, was born in Germany.The scientist who developed the theory of relativity was born in Germany.The scientist who first proposed that mass and energy are equivalent was born in Germany.

Correct answer: The scientist that, developed the theory of relativity, was born in Germany.

"My cousin, ___ is a software developer in California, has just launched her own app." — Completing this correctly requires:

Removing the commas and using "that".Using "which" because the antecedent describes a professional role.Using "who" because the clause is non-defining (one cousin, extra info).Using "that" because "cousin" is an unspecific family reference.

Correct answer: Using "who" because the clause is non-defining (one cousin, extra info).

"She thanked everyone ___ had helped her during the campaign." — The correct form is:

, who, which, thatwho

Correct answer: who

"The staff members who completed the training will receive certificates." vs "The staff members, who completed the training, will receive certificates." — When should you choose Sentence I?

When only some staff completed the training and you want to specify which ones get certificates.When all staff completed the training.When the training was mandatory for every member of staff.When the focus is on the training itself rather than the staff.

Correct answer: When only some staff completed the training and you want to specify which ones get certificates.

"The book ___ the professor mentioned in the lecture is out of print." — Which is the best answer?

, whichthat, thatwhich,

Correct answer: that