Relative Clauses Test! Trivia Quiz

Explanation
Defining relative clauses are used to provide crucial information about a person, thing, place, time, or reason. They help to specify and clarify the particular one being referred to. By using defining relative clauses, we can avoid ambiguity and ensure that the intended meaning is clear. Therefore, the statement is true as it accurately describes the purpose and function of defining relative clauses.

Explanation
When using a defining relative clause, which provides essential information to identify or define the noun it modifies, we do not use commas to separate it from the main clause. The defining relative clause is necessary for the sentence to make sense and cannot be removed without changing the meaning. Therefore, the correct answer is true.

Explanation
WHO, WHICH, and THAT are indeed relative pronouns. Relative pronouns are used to introduce relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. WHO is used for people, WHICH is used for things or animals, and THAT can be used for both. These pronouns help to connect the relative clause to the main clause and make the sentence more cohesive.

Explanation
Relative pronouns such as "who," "which," and "that" can indeed function as the subject of a defining relative clause. These clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify and cannot be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. Therefore, it is true that relative pronouns can act as the subject in such clauses.

Explanation
A relative pronoun WHO(M), WHICH, THAT can be the object of a defining relative clause. Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify, and the relative pronoun serves as the subject or object of the clause. For example, in the sentence "The book that I bought is interesting," "that" is the relative pronoun and the object of the defining relative clause "that I bought." Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation
The statement "WHOM is not more formal than WHO" is false. In formal English, "whom" is considered more formal than "who." "Whom" is used as an object pronoun, while "who" is used as a subject pronoun. In formal writing or when addressing someone of higher status, it is more appropriate to use "whom" instead of "who."

Explanation
When we have a relative pronoun as the object of a sentence, it is common to omit it. In the given example, the sentence "There are a few things I need to buy before we leave" is correct because the relative pronoun "which/that" is the object of the verb "buy." This omission is acceptable in English grammar and commonly used in spoken and informal written English. Therefore, the statement "We often omit the relative pronoun when it is the object" is true.

Explanation
When a verb is followed by a preposition, the preposition typically comes at the end of the relative clause. In the given example, the verb "looking for" is followed by the preposition "for," which is placed at the end of the relative clause. Therefore, the statement is true.

Explanation
In formal English, it is grammatically correct to place a preposition before the relative pronouns "whom" or "which." However, it is not considered correct to place a preposition before the relative pronouns "who" or "that." Therefore, the statement "In formal English the preposition can come before the relative pronouns WHOM or WHICH, but not before WHO or THAT" is true.

Explanation
The statement is false because we do use "whose" to show possession. "Whose" is a possessive pronoun that is used to indicate ownership or possession of something. For example, "Whose book is this?" or "Whose car is parked outside?" are both examples of using "whose" to show possession.

Explanation
The given answer is false because we do use WHERE, WHEN/THAT, and WHY/THAT to refer to place, time, and reason. These words are commonly used to indicate the location, time, and cause of an event or action.

Explanation
Non-defining relative clauses are used to add extra information to the main clause. These clauses are set off by commas and can be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning of the main clause. They provide additional details about the noun they modify but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Therefore, the statement that we never use non-defining relative clauses to add extra information to the main clause is false.

Explanation
Non-defining relative clauses provide additional information about a noun, but they are not necessary to understand the main subject of a sentence. These clauses can be removed from the sentence without affecting its meaning or clarity. Therefore, it is true that non-defining relative clauses are not essential for identifying what we are talking about.

Explanation
The main clause doesn't make sense without the non-defining relative clause. This statement implies that the non-defining relative clause is necessary for the main clause to have meaning. However, this is not true. Non-defining relative clauses provide additional information about a noun, but they are not essential for the main clause to make sense. The main clause can still be complete and meaningful without the non-defining relative clause. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation
In formal English, it is grammatically correct to use "whom" as an object pronoun. "Whom" is used when referring to the object of a verb or a preposition. Although its usage has become less common in informal speech, it is still considered appropriate in formal writing or when speaking in a more formal setting.

Explanation
When a verb in a non-defining relative clause is followed by a preposition, the preposition typically appears at the end of the clause. This is because the preposition is directly associated with the verb and its object, and placing it at the end helps to maintain clarity and avoid confusion. Therefore, the statement "When the verb has a preposition, the preposition usually comes at the end of the non-defining relative clause" is true.

Explanation
In formal English, it is grammatically correct to place the preposition before "whom" and "which." This means that instead of saying "To whom did you speak?" it is also acceptable to say "Whom did you speak to?" Similarly, instead of saying "The book on which I am reading," it is also acceptable to say "The book which I am reading on." Therefore, the statement "In formal English the preposition can also come before WHOM and WHICH" is true.

Explanation
In non-defining relative clauses, we cannot omit the object pronoun. The object pronoun is necessary to clearly identify the noun being referred to in the clause. Omitting the object pronoun would result in an incomplete or unclear sentence. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation
This statement is true because "whose" is used to indicate possession, "where" is used to indicate place, and "when" is used to indicate time. These are the correct relative pronouns to use in these contexts.

Explanation
Non-defining relative clauses are actually separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. These clauses provide additional information about a noun but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. The use of commas helps to set them apart and make it clear that they are not integral to the main clause. Therefore, the correct answer is False.