Tesol English Learner

Question

In the following sentences, which sentences (sometimes both) are acceptable,

which are not, and why/why not

3.The ring that Piers bought his wife is a fake.

The ring Piers bought his wife is a fake.

4. The boy whom Mervyn declared the winner had cheated.

The boy Mervyn declared the winner had cheated.

5. His mother didn't like the man that he had become.

His mother didn't like the man he had become

Answer 1

3.The ring that Piers bought his wife is a fake.

The ring Piers bought his wife is a fake.

4. The boy whom Mervyn declared the winner had cheated.

The boy Mervyn declared the winner had cheated.

5. His mother didn't like the man that he had become.

His mother didn't like the man he had become

In #5, the first version is problematic because "that" is not used to refer to individuals (such as "the man"). The other two, #3 and #4 - both versions are acceptable, because "that" can refer to objects (such as "the ring") and "who/whom" can refer to people (such as "the boy").

Answer 2

The first sentence labeled (3) is correct.

Answer 3

(3) The ring, which Piers bought his wife, was fake.

(4) The boy, Mervyn had declared the winner, had cheated.

(5) His mother didn't like the man he became.

Answer 4

The first version makes most sense.