Relative and Intensive Pronouns — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The dog which barked loudly belongs to Sam.
Corrected: The dog that barked loudly belongs to Sam.
That introduces clauses that give necessary information about animals or things.
2. Fix the sentence:
Maria is the student that won the spelling bee.
Corrected: Maria is the student who won the spelling bee.
Who is preferred over that when the clause describes a specific person like a student.
3. Fix the sentence:
The bike, that is mine, is in the garage.
Corrected: The bike, which is mine, is in the garage.
Which introduces nonessential clauses set off by commas, while that introduces essential clauses.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The artist who painted the mural is famous.
Who introduces relative clauses describing people such as artists or writers.
2. The pencil that I borrowed broke in half.
That introduces essential relative clauses about objects like a pencil.
3. My new sneakers, which are bright red, fit perfectly.
Which introduces nonessential clauses that add extra detail and use commas.
4. Anyone who wants a snack should raise their hand.
Who introduces a clause describing people, including indefinite pronouns like anyone.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Explain when to use who instead of that.
Sample answer: Use who when the clause describes a person, and use that when it describes a thing or animal.
Who is reserved for people, while that or which is used for animals and objects in relative clauses.
2. Write a sentence using which to give extra information about a toy.
Sample answer: My yo-yo, which is blue, spins very fast.
Which begins nonessential clauses that add extra detail and are separated by commas.