Q.57 Choose the most appropriate alternative from the options given below to complete the following
sentence:
Suresh’s dog is the one ––––––––– was hurt in the stampede.
(A) that (B) which (C) who (D) whom
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In the sentence “Suresh’s dog is the one ––––––––– was hurt in the stampede,” the most appropriate choice is (A) that.
Completed sentence: Suresh’s dog is the one that was hurt in the stampede.
This uses a defining relative clause to specify which one among possible dogs got hurt. “That” fits perfectly as it refers to animals or things in restrictive clauses, making the meaning essential and clear.
Why “That” Wins: Full Breakdown
Relative pronouns like that, which, who, and whom connect clauses but follow strict rules based on the antecedent (the noun they describe). Here’s why each option works—or doesn’t—in this context:
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(A) that: Correct. “That” introduces a restrictive (essential) relative clause for animals or things. It specifies exactly which dog, without extra commas. Example: “The book that I read was amazing.” Ideal for informal or defining info.
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(B) which: Incorrect here. “Which” suits non-restrictive (extra) clauses for things/animals, always with commas. It would imply all dogs were candidates, adding non-essential detail: “Suresh’s dog, which was hurt…” But the sentence needs a defining link, not a side note.
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(C) who: Wrong. “Who” is for people (subjects), not animals. Using it personifies the dog oddly: “The teacher who inspired me.” Save it for humans.
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(D) whom: Incorrect. “Whom” is the object form of “who,” strictly for people as objects: “The man whom I met.” It doesn’t apply to animals or subjects like “was hurt.”
| Option | Correct For | Why Not Here? | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) that | Things/animals (restrictive) | ✅ Fits perfectly | The car that broke down |
| (B) which | Things/animals (non-restrictive) | Needs commas; not defining | My phone, which is new |
| (C) who | People (subject) | Not for animals | The friend who called |
| (D) whom | People (object) | Not for animals/subjects | The leader whom we admire |
Quick Grammar Tip for Exams
Practice spotting antecedents: “The one” refers to an animal (dog), so prioritize that for restrictive clauses. In British English, which sometimes swaps with that, but exams like SSC favor that for precision.
Test yourself: Rewrite “The scientist that discovered penicillin was brilliant” using another pronoun if possible.
