Fill in the blanks with appropriate relative pronouns.
1. The crow dropped the piece of cheese ………………………. the fox snapped up immediately.
We use which to refer to things.
2. People …………………....…. live in glass houses must not throw stones.
In identifying relative clauses, both who and that can be used to refer to people.
3. Last year we visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa …………………….. is a great architectural marvel.
In non-identifying relative clauses, we cannot use that. A non-identifying relative clause merely provides additional information. It does not identify its antecedent.
4. Where is the book ……………………… I left here yesterday?
In identifying relative clauses, both which and that can be used to refer to things.
5. It was a wretched hut ……………………….. she lived.
When we separate these two clauses, we get: it was a wretched hut; she lived in it. When we combine them we replace the prepositional phrase ‘in it’ with ‘in which’.
6. Napoleon, ……………………… the French admire, was a great General.
Napoleon was a great General. The French admire him. We need ‘whom’ to replace ‘him’.
7. The boys gave a loud shout ………………………. was heard across the park.
We use which to refer to things and ideas.
8. The conference ………………….. was held at a Five Star hotel was a huge success.
In identifying relative clauses, both which and that can be used to refer to things.
9. The boy spoke to the soldier …………………….. arm was in a sling.
When we separate the clauses, we get: the boy spoke to the soldier; his arm was in a sling. To replace ‘his’ we use ‘whose’.
10. The captain praised Martin, …………………. bowling was very good.
When we separate the clauses, we get: The captain praised Martin. His bowling was very good. To replace ‘his’ we use ‘whose’.
11. James, ……………………… is my cousin, is a pilot.
In non-identifying relative clauses, we cannot use that. A non-identifying relative clause merely provides additional information. It does not identify the antecedent.
12. That girl ……………………… you see there sings very well.
The girl sings very well. You see her there. To replace 'her' we use 'whom'.
Answers
1. The crow dropped the piece of cheese which the fox snapped up immediately.
2. People who / that live in glass houses must not throw stones.
3. Last year we visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa which is a great architectural marvel.
4. Where is the book that / which I left here yesterday?
5. It was a wretched hut in which she lived.
6. Napoleon, whom the French admire, was a great General.
7. The boys gave a loud shout which was heard across the park.
8. The conference that / which was held at a Five Star hotel was a huge success.
9. The boy spoke to the soldier whose arm was in a sling.
10. The captain praised Martin, whose bowling was very good.
11. James, who is my cousin, is a pilot.
12. That girl whom you see there sings very well.
