Relative pronouns

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What is a relative pronoun?

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A relative pronoun is a pronoun that introduces a relative clause, connecting it to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Examples include 'who', 'whom', 'whose', 'which', and 'that'.

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When do we use 'who'?

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'Who' is used as a subject pronoun to refer to people. For example: 'The teacher who taught me is very kind.'

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When do we use 'whom'?

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'Whom' is used as an object pronoun to refer to people. For example: 'The person whom I called is my friend.'

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When do we use 'whose'?

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'Whose' is used to indicate possession. For example: 'The girl whose bike was stolen is my neighbor.'

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When do we use 'which'?

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'Which' is used to refer to animals and things, often in non-defining clauses. For example: 'The book, which I borrowed, is fascinating.'

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When do we use 'that'?

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'That' is used to refer to people, animals, or things in defining clauses. For example: 'The car that I bought is red.'

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What is a defining relative clause?

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A defining relative clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It is necessary for understanding the sentence. For example: 'The man who is wearing a hat is my uncle.'

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What is a non-defining relative clause?

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A non-defining relative clause adds extra information about a noun but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us.'

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How do you punctuate non-defining relative clauses?

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Non-defining relative clauses are set off by commas. For example: 'My sister, who is a doctor, works at the hospital.'

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

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'Who' is used for people, while 'that' can be used for people, animals, or things. For example: 'The teacher who is kind' vs. 'The book that is interesting.'