C2 – Relative Clauses, Participle Clauses & Nominalisation -Advanced English Grammar Test 3
Take this C2 English grammar test on advanced relative clauses, participle clauses, reduced clauses, and nominalisation. Includes 15 challenging questions with very detailed explanations for CPE, IELTS Band 9, and TOEFL 110+ learners.
Choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D).
Only one option is grammatically correct and stylistically appropriate in formal C2-level academic English.
RESULTS
#1. . The framework, the implications of ______ extend beyond the discipline, has attracted global attention.
#2. The participants ______ in the pilot study were later invited to join the full trial.
#3. The report identifies several variables, each of ______ plays a distinct role in the outcome.
#4. The policy aims to address systemic inequalities ______ deeply embedded in institutional structures.
#5. The data, once ______ through independent verification, revealed a consistent trend.
#6. The researcher published a follow-up study, ______ several methodological refinements.
#7. The article examines phenomena previously ______ beyond empirical measurement.
#8. The committee reviewed the proposal, the rejection of ______ surprised many observers.
#9. Having been thoroughly tested, the revised instrument ______ reliable across contexts.
#10. The findings challenge assumptions long ______ foundational to the discipline.
#11. The students, many of ______ had prior research experience, adapted quickly to the new methodology.
#12. The proposal outlines measures ______ designed to enhance transparency.
#13. The phenomenon, ______ little attention in earlier studies, has recently become central to the debate.
#14. The researchers analyzed datasets drawn from diverse contexts, thereby ______ the robustness of their conclusions.
#15. The digital transformation of education has created opportunities once ______ unimaginable.
Very Detailed Explanations
1. The implications of which…
Preposition + which structure.
Full form:
The framework, the implications of which extend…
“That” cannot follow a preposition in non-defining clauses.
This structure is highly formal and common in academic writing.
2. Participants involved in the pilot study
Reduced passive relative clause.
Full form:
participants who were involved
Past participle expresses passive meaning.
“Involving” would imply participants performed the action.
3. Each of which plays…
Quantifier structure:
noun + , each of which + singular verb
“Each” requires singular agreement → plays.
4. Inequalities that are deeply embedded
Defining relative clause specifying which inequalities.
Reduced form “inequalities deeply embedded” is possible, but among options only “that are” is grammatically complete.
5. Once validated through verification
Reduced passive clause.
Full form:
once the data were validated
Past participle expresses completed passive action.
6. Incorporating several refinements
Present participle expresses additional information.
Equivalent to:
which incorporated several refinements
Active meaning → participle.
7. Previously considered beyond measurement
Reduced passive clause.
Full form:
phenomena that were previously considered
Past participle indicates passive perception.
8. The rejection of which surprised many
Preposition + which structure again.
Cannot use “that” after preposition.
9. Having been thoroughly tested…
Perfect passive participle clause.
Indicates action completed before main clause.
Thus:
Having been tested, the instrument proved reliable.
“Proved” correctly expresses result.
10. Assumptions long regarded foundational
Reduced passive clause.
“Regarded” expresses passive evaluation.
11. Many of whom had prior experience
Refers to people → whom.
Quantifier + of + whom structure.
12. Measures that are designed…
Defining clause specifying measures.
Reduced form possible, but among options only “that are” correct.
13. Having received little attention…
Correct answer: D (having received)
Meaning:
The phenomenon received little attention previously.
Active meaning → perfect participle.
“Having been received” would imply passive meaning, incorrect here.
14. Thereby strengthening…
Present participle expresses result.
Equivalent to:
and thus strengthened the robustness
But participle form creates compression.
15. Once deemed unimaginable
Reduced passive clause.
Full form:
opportunities that were once deemed unimaginable
Past participle indicates passive judgment.
