Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns are a crucial part of English grammar, connecting clauses and providing essential information about the subject of a sentence. In this guide, we’ll explore what relative pronouns are, how they are used, when to use them, and provide examples and a mini quiz to test your understanding.

What are Relative Pronouns?

Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses, linking them to the main clause. They provide more information about a noun mentioned in the main clause and help to create complex sentences that are richer in detail.

List of Relative Pronouns

• who
• whom
• whose
• which
• that

How to Use Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns are used to connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. The relative clause usually provides additional information about the noun.

Who

“Who” refers to people and is used as the subject of a relative clause.

Examples:

• “The man who called you is my uncle.”
• “She is the teacher who helped me.”

Whom

“Whom” also refers to people but is used as the object of a relative clause. It is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.

Examples:

• “The woman whom you met yesterday is my aunt.”
• “He is the person whom I admire the most.”

Whose

“Whose” indicates possession and can refer to people, animals, or things.

Examples:

• “The student whose book was lost was very upset.”
• “This is the house whose roof was damaged.”

Which

“Which” refers to animals and things and is used for non-defining (additional information) and defining (essential information) relative clauses.

Examples:

• “The car, which is red, belongs to my brother.” (non-defining)
• “The book which is on the table is mine.” (defining)

That

“That” refers to people, animals, and things and is used in defining relative clauses. It provides essential information about the noun.

Examples:

• “The book that you gave me is interesting.”
• “The dog that barked all night belongs to my neighbor.”

When to Use Relative Pronouns

To Provide Additional Information

Use relative pronouns to add non-essential information (non-defining clauses) about the noun.

Example:

• “My car, which I bought last year, has broken down.”

To Define or Identify the Noun

Use relative pronouns in defining clauses to provide essential information needed to identify the noun.

Example:

• “The house that Jack built is old.”

To Show Possession

Use “whose” to show possession in both defining and non-defining clauses.

Example:

• “The writer whose book won the award is famous.”

Examples of Relative Pronouns in Sentences

1. “The artist who painted this is very talented.”
2. “She is the woman whom I told you about.”
3. “The family whose house was destroyed needs help.”
4. “I read the book which you recommended.”
5. “The movie that we watched last night was thrilling.”
6. “The scientist whose research was groundbreaking won a prize.”
7. “The cake, which was delicious, was made by my friend.”
8. “The student whom the teacher praised worked hard.”
9. “The car that broke down belongs to her.”
10. “The man whose wallet was stolen reported it to the police.”

Relative Pronoun Exercises

1. The girl ________ (who/whom) sits next to me is my friend.
2. The man ________ (whose/who) car was towed is angry.
3. The book ________ (which/whom) you lent me is great.
4. The teacher ________ (that/which) helped me is retiring.
5. The musician ________ (whose/which) album won is on tour.
6. The movie ________ (who/that) we watched was funny.
7. The engineer ________ (whose/whom) design was chosen is here.
8. The dog ________ (which/whose) bark is loud is outside.
9. The cake ________ (that/whom) she baked is delicious.
10. The person ________ (whom/whose) you called is my brother.

Answers:

1. who
2. whose
3. which
4. that
5. whose
6. that
7. whose
8. whose
9. that
10. whom

Understanding and using relative pronouns correctly can greatly enhance your ability to create complex and detailed sentences. Use this guide to practice and master the use of relative pronouns in your writing and speech!