Relative Pronouns: Who, Whom, Whose

Front

What is a relative pronoun?

Back

A relative pronoun is a word that introduces a relative clause and connects it to a noun or pronoun. Examples include who, whom, whose, which, and that.

Front

When do we use 'who'?

Back

We use 'who' to refer to the subject of a verb in a relative clause. For example: 'The teacher who helps us is kind.'

Front

When do we use 'whom'?

Back

We use 'whom' to refer to the object of a verb or preposition in a relative clause. For example: 'The person to whom I spoke was helpful.'

Front

What does 'whose' indicate?

Back

'Whose' is used to show possession. For example: 'The girl whose bike was stolen is sad.'

Front

How do we use 'which'?

Back

'Which' is used to refer to animals or things, often in non-restrictive clauses. For example: 'The book, which is on the table, is mine.'

Front

How do we use 'that'?

Back

'That' is used to introduce essential clauses that define or restrict the noun. For example: 'The car that is parked outside is mine.'

Front

What is the difference between 'who' and 'whom'?

Back

'Who' is used as a subject, while 'whom' is used as an object. Example: 'Who is coming?' vs. 'To whom should I give this?'

Front

Can 'whose' be used for things?

Back

No, 'whose' is only used for people. For example: 'The author whose book won an award is famous.'

Front

What is a relative clause?

Back

A relative clause is a part of a sentence that describes a noun and begins with a relative pronoun. For example: 'The dog that barked is mine.'

Front

What is an example of 'who' in a sentence?

Back

An example is: 'The boy who won the race is my friend.'