Relative Clauses — Restrictive vs Non-Restrictive (B2)

Which description correctly defines a RESTRICTIVE relative clause?

It is always separated from the main clause by commas.It uses "which" but never "that" to introduce the clause.It identifies which noun is referred to and cannot be removed without changing the meaning.It always appears at the end of the sentence.

Correct answer: It identifies which noun is referred to and cannot be removed without changing the meaning.

Which description correctly defines a NON-RESTRICTIVE (non-defining) relative clause?

It adds extra information about an already-identified noun and can be removed without changing the core meaning.It is used only in informal spoken English.It must always use "that" as the relative pronoun.It always refers to a specific thing, never to a person.

Correct answer: It adds extra information about an already-identified noun and can be removed without changing the core meaning.

"The car which I drive to work every day needs a new battery." — What type of relative clause is this?

Non-restrictive, because "which" is used.Non-restrictive, because the car is already known to the listener.Both restrictive and non-restrictive readings are equally possible here.Restrictive, because no commas are used and the clause identifies which car.

Correct answer: Restrictive, because no commas are used and the clause identifies which car.

"The cathedral, which dominates the city skyline, was built in the 12th century." — What happens if you remove the underlined clause?

The sentence becomes grammatically incorrect.The sentence still makes complete sense; the clause only added extra detail.The sentence's meaning changes completely.The clause must be kept to identify which cathedral is meant.

Correct answer: The sentence still makes complete sense; the clause only added extra detail.

"The students ___ didn't hand in their assignments on time lost 10% of their mark." — Which is correct?

, who, thatwhowhich

Correct answer: who

"The policy, ___ was introduced without parliamentary debate, has been widely criticised." — Which pronoun is correct?

whichthatwhowhose

Correct answer: which

Which sentence contains an error in the relative clause?

The city where I was born has changed beyond recognition.My grandfather, who was born in 1930, still plays tennis every week.The report which the board reviewed was rejected unanimously.London, that is the capital of England, is one of the world's great cities.

Correct answer: London, that is the capital of England, is one of the world's great cities.

"I'd like to introduce you to Professor Mills, ___ work on medieval languages you may have read." — Which pronoun is correct?

whowhosewhichof whom the

Correct answer: whose

A restrictive clause is ALWAYS required when:

The noun has already been fully identified in a previous sentence.The speaker wants to add an interesting additional detail.The noun is one of several possible referents and must be specified.The noun is a proper noun such as a person's name or a place name.

Correct answer: The noun is one of several possible referents and must be specified.

"His latest novel, ___ he spent three years writing, received mixed reviews." — Which is correct?

whichthatwhowhose

Correct answer: which

A student writes: "The politician which was interviewed on TV last night denied all allegations." — What is the error?

"which" should be "whose".Commas should be added around the clause."last night" should come immediately after "interviewed"."which" refers to a person; it should be "who" or "that".

Correct answer: "which" refers to a person; it should be "who" or "that".

"I spoke to the two managers ___ were directly responsible for the project." — Which is correct?

, whowho, whichwhose

Correct answer: who

"The Kubrick film that I find most rewatchable is 2001." — Is the relative clause restrictive or non-restrictive?

Non-restrictive — there is only one Kubrick film.Non-restrictive — "2001" is already identified.Restrictive — it identifies which Kubrick film the speaker prefers out of many.The sentence is grammatically incorrect.

Correct answer: Restrictive — it identifies which Kubrick film the speaker prefers out of many.

In which situation is "which" preferred over "that" in a restrictive clause in formal written English?

When the antecedent is a person.When the clause contains a negation.When the clause follows a superlative adjective.When a preposition immediately precedes the relative pronoun (e.g. "for which", "in which").

Correct answer: When a preposition immediately precedes the relative pronoun (e.g. "for which", "in which").

"Passengers ___ have mobility difficulties are asked to contact staff in advance." — Which is correct?

who, whowhichthat,