Who, Whom, Whose, Which & That Exercises (With Answers)

Looking for practice on relative pronouns? This page offers interactive exercises on who, whom, whose, which and that, complete with answers and explanations. These relative pronouns are used to introduce defining and non-defining clauses in English.

Whether you’re preparing for an English test or improving your grammar skills, these exercises will help you master the differences between subject and object pronouns, possession forms, and clause types.

For a quick recap of this grammar lesson, jump to the relative pronouns review section!

Relative Pronouns Exercise with Answers

Instructions

Choose from the options provided (who, whom, whose, which, that) to fill in the blanks. Pay attention to whether the pronoun refers to a person, thing, or possession, and whether the clause is defining or non-defining.

Example:
The man ___ fixed my car is very skilled.
a) who
b) which
c) whose

Correct answer: a) who

Now, it’s your turn!

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice Relative Pronouns Exercise

Do the exercise below on the relative pronouns who, whom, whose, which, and that. Click the button to check your answers.

(Before doing the exercises, you may want to read the lesson on relative clauses and relative pronouns)

Choose the correct answer: who, whom, which or whose

  1. He bought all the tools are required to fix his old car.
  2. This is the doctor helped Sara recover from her illness.
  3. This is the girl he fell in love with in Madrid
  4. She managed to pass the exam in spite of all the difficulties, didn't surprise people who knew her.
  5. These are the kids parents were arrested.
  6. Give me the plate is on the table.
  7. I don't know did it.
  8. The criminals, two of managed to escape, broke into a bank downtown.
  9. The police identified the murderer fingerprints were on the knife.
  10. I know the candidate I am going to support in the next elections.

Exercise 2: Who, Whom, Whose, Which, or That

Choose the correct relative pronoun: who, whom, whose, which, or that. Pay attention to whether the clause is defining (essential) or non-defining (extra information).

  1. The woman ___ helped me yesterday was very kind.
  2. The book ___ I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
  3. The students ___ parents attended the meeting were all very polite.
  4. The movie ___ we watched last night was thrilling.
  5. The teacher, ___ has been with the school for 20 years, retired last month.
  6. The car ___ he drives is electric.
  7. I don’t know the man ___ called you earlier.
  8. The laptop, ___ I bought last year, stopped working.
  9. The artist ___ paintings are on display is my favorite.
  10. The hotel ___ we stayed in had a beautiful view of the sea.
1. who / that
→ Defining clause, refers to a person. “That” can replace “who” here.
2. that / which
→ Defining clause, refers to a thing. “That” is allowed in defining clauses; “which” also works.
3. whose
→ Possession – parents belong to students. “That” cannot replace “whose.”
4. b>
→ Defining clause, refers to a thing. Both “that” and “which” can be used; in spoken English “that” is more common.
5. who
→ Non-defining clause (extra info, commas). “That” cannot be used in non-defining clauses.
6. that / which
→ Defining clause, refers to a thing. “That” is possible here.
7. who / that
→ Defining clause, refers to a person. “That” can be used; “whom” is formal and correct as object.
8. which
→ Non-defining clause (extra info, commas). “That” cannot be used.
9. whose
→ Shows possession. “That” cannot replace “whose.”
10. that / which
→ Defining clause, refers to a thing. Both are correct.

Notes for Students

  • Who → people (subject)
  • Whom → people (object, formal)
  • Whose → possession
  • Which → things/animals
  • That → people or things in defining clauses only

Key Rule:

“That” cannot be used in non-defining clauses (with commas) or to show possession.

Quick Review: What Are Relative Pronouns?

Recap banner for a review of relative pronouns

Relative pronouns are words that link a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun, providing more information about it. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, and that. They introduce relative clauses, which can be either:

  • Defining clauses: Provide essential information (e.g., The book that I borrowed is excellent.)
  • Non-defining clauses: Add extra details (e.g., My mother, who loves gardening, grows beautiful roses.).

Common Relative Pronouns and Their Use:

  1. Who: Refers to people (subject) (The teacher who inspired me retired last year.).
  2. Whom: Refers to people (object, formal) (The student whom I helped was grateful.).
  3. Whose: Indicates possession (The artist whose work I admire is exhibiting here.).
  4. Which: Refers to animals or things (The movie which I watched last night was amazing.).
  5. That: Refers to people, animals, or things in defining clauses (The car that she drives is electric.).

When Do We Use “That” in Relative Clauses?

We use “that” in defining (essential) relative clauses when referring to people, animals or things. Unlike “which” and “who,” “that” is not used in non-defining clauses.

Examples:

  • The book that I bought is new.
  • The teacher that helped me was kind.
  • The car that broke down is mine.

🚫 Not correct:

  • My brother, that lives in Paris, is a doctor.
    (Use who, not that, in non-defining clauses.)

Who, Whom, Whose, Which or That? Quick Reference Table

PronounRefers ToFunctionExample
WhoPeopleSubjectThe woman who called…
WhomPeopleObjectThe man whom I met…
WhosePossessionPeople/ThingsThe student whose book…
WhichThingsSubject/ObjectThe car which broke down…
ThatPeople/ThingsDefining onlyThe book that I bought…
Tags: Exercises on Parts of SpeechExercises on Pronouns
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