Chapter 8 - B1 English Grammar – Relative Clauses: Adding Detail Smoothly – Ex 8
Relative clauses combine sentences and add essential or extra information using who, which, that, whose, where, and when. At B1 level, you must distinguish between defining and non-defining clauses, know when to omit the pronoun, and use commas correctly.
Defining vs. Non-Defining Clauses
- Defining: Essential information → no commas → use who, which, that
The book that you lent me is great.
- Non-defining: Extra information → commas required → use who, which, whose (never that)
My brother, who lives in Paris, is visiting.
Key tip: If you can remove the clause and the sentence still makes sense, it’s non-defining.
When Can You Omit the Relative Pronoun?
- ✅ In defining clauses when the pronoun is the object:
The man (who) I met is a doctor.
- ❌ Never in non-defining clauses:
My boss, who is very kind, gave me a raise. (Cannot omit “who”)
- ❌ Never when the pronoun is the subject:
The woman who called you is my aunt. (Cannot omit “who”)
Using *Whose*, *Where*, *When*
Whose = possession (people/things)
the student whose essay won
Where = place
the city where I was born
When = time
the day when we graduated
Note: In informal English, you can often omit when
the day (when) we met
Quick Reference:
Essential Info → Defining, No Commas
Extra Info → Non-Defining, Commas
Omit Only If Object in Defining
Never Use *That* in Non-Defining
correct “The book, which I bought yesterday, is interesting.”
incorrect “The book, that I bought yesterday, is interesting.”
How This Quiz Works
- 20 questions randomly selected from a pool of 50
- Tests defining/non-defining clauses, pronoun omission, and special relatives
- Hints guide you without giving the answer
- Immediate feedback with specific explanations
- Click “Check Answers” to see the full answer key
- “Change Questions” gives you a new quiz
B1 Relative Clauses Quiz (20 Questions)
Answer Key with Explanations