What Are Relative Pronouns are an essential part of English grammar, playing a key role in linking information within sentences. They introduce relative clauses, which provide more details about a noun or pronoun. These pronouns are used to connect a dependent clause to the main clause, making the sentence more detailed and informative.
The most common relative pronouns in English are who, whom, whose, which, and that. Understanding when and how to use these pronouns is crucial for improving sentence structure and clarity. This article will explain what relative pronouns are, their types, and how to use them effectively in sentences.
What Are Relative Pronouns?
Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses. They connect these clauses to a noun or pronoun in the main sentence, providing additional information about that noun or pronoun. The relative pronoun refers to a noun or pronoun in the sentence, and the clause it introduces functions as an adjective to modify that noun or pronoun.
For example:
- “The man who is standing over there is my uncle.”
- In this sentence, “who” introduces the relative clause “who is standing over there,” modifying the noun “man.”
Common Relative Pronouns
The most common relative pronouns in English are:
- Who: Refers to people (and sometimes pet animals).
- Whom: Refers to people in formal contexts or when the person is the object of the verb.
- Whose” indicates possession by people or animals, and occasionally for things in more formal contexts.
- Which: Refers to animals and things. It can also refer to a whole sentence.
- That: Refers to people, animals, and things, and is used in defining relative clauses. It’s more informal than other relative pronouns.
Types of Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns can be categorized based on the type of clause they introduce. These include defining and non-defining relative clauses, as well as the informality of certain pronouns.
1. Who—Referring to People
“Who” is used to refer to people and sometimes to pet animals. It can function as the subject or object of a relative clause.
- Defining relative clause: “I met a woman who loves art.”
- Non-defining relative clause: “My brother, who is a doctor, lives in London.”
Who can also be used with a preposition in more formal constructions:
- “The teacher to whom I spoke was very kind.”
2. Whom—Formal Use for People
“Whom” is primarily used in formal contexts when referring to people, especially when the person is the object of the verb or the preposition.
- Defining relative clause: “The students whom we interviewed were very helpful.”
- Non-defining relative clause: “The author, whom I admire greatly, is speaking at the event.”
“Whom” is less commonly used in everyday conversation, where people tend to use “who” instead.
3. Whose—Indicating Possession
“Whose” is used to show possession. It is often used for people and animals, and in more formal English, it can be used for things.
- Defining relative clause: “I met a man whose car was parked outside.”
- Non-defining relative clause: “She lives in a house whose roof needs repairs.”
4. Which—Referring to Things
“Which” is used to refer to animals and things. It can introduce both defining and non-defining relative clauses.
- Defining relative clause: “The book that you recommended was fantastic.”
- Non-defining relative clause: “The car, which was parked outside, is mine.”
“Which” can also be used to refer to an entire sentence or idea.
- Example: “She didn’t come to the meeting, which was disappointing.”
5. That—Informal Use for People, Animals, and Things
“That” is often used in defining relative clauses to refer to people, animals, and things. It is less formal than “who” or “which” and is commonly used in informal speech and writing.
- Defining relative clause: “I have a book that explains the topic.”
- Non-defining relative clause: “The car, which was parked outside, is now gone.” (Note: “That” should not be used in non-defining clauses in formal writing.)
Rules for Using Relative Pronouns
Using relative pronouns correctly involves understanding when to apply them based on the type of noun they are referring to and the function they serve in the sentence.
1. Relative Pronouns as Subjects
Relative pronouns can act as the subject of the relative clause:
- Example: “The woman who lives next door is a teacher.”
2. Relative Pronouns as Objects
Relative pronouns can also be the object of the verb in the relative clause:
- Example: “The movie which we watched was amazing.”
3. Relative Pronouns with Prepositions
When the relative pronoun is the object of a preposition, the preposition can either come before or after the relative pronoun:
- More formal: “The teacher to whom I spoke was helpful.”
- Less formal: “The teacher who I spoke to was helpful.”
4. Omitting the Relative Pronoun
In informal language, the relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted when it is the object of the relative clause. However, it cannot be omitted if it is the subject.
- Omitted: “The book (that) I’m reading is interesting.”
- Not omitted: “The book (that) is on the table is mine.”
Common Mistakes with What Are Relative Pronouns
Understanding the nuances of relative pronouns can be tricky. Here are a few common mistakes people make:
Using “that” in non-defining relative clauses: “That” is only appropriate in defining relative clauses. For non-defining clauses, use “who” for people or “which” for things.
- Incorrect: “The book, that I borrowed, is on the table.”
- Correct: “The book, which I borrowed, is on the table.”
Misusing “who” for things: “Who” should never be used for things. For things, use “which.”
- Incorrect: “The book who is on the shelf is mine.”
- Correct: “The book which is on the shelf is mine.”
Omitting the relative pronoun in formal writing: While omitting the relative pronoun is common in informal writing, it should not be done in formal contexts.
- Incorrect: “The book I recommended is amazing.”
- Correct: “The book that I recommended is amazing.”
Using Relative Pronouns in Different Sentence Structures
Relative pronouns can be used in a variety of sentence structures, each of which provides additional detail or clarification about a noun. Understanding the different structures where relative pronouns can be used will help you form sentences that are both informative and grammatically correct.
1. Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence. These clauses give necessary information about the noun they modify. Without the relative clause, the sentence would lose important details, making it incomplete or unclear.
- Example: “The teacher who taught me chemistry is retiring.”
- In this case, the relative clause “who taught me chemistry” defines which teacher is being referred to. The sentence would be vague without this clause.
Important Notes:
- Defining relative clauses are never set off by commas.
- The relative pronoun is required and cannot be omitted.
2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses add extra information to a sentence but do not change its basic meaning. These clauses are often used to provide additional context or interesting details that are not essential for the sentence to be understood.
- Example: “My brother, who lives in London, is coming to visit.”
- Here, the clause “who lives in London” provides additional information about the speaker’s brother, but the sentence would still make sense without it.
Important Notes:
- Non-defining relative clauses are always set off by commas.
- These clauses often use “who,” “which,” or “whose,” and the relative pronoun cannot be omitted.
3. Relative Pronouns Referring to People, Animals, and Things
Depending on what the relative pronoun is referring to, we use different words to connect the relative clause.
Who is used when referring to people or sometimes animals (especially pets).
- Example: “The man who called you is waiting outside.”
Whose is used to show possession and can refer to people, animals, or things.
- Example: “The student whose book was missing is upset.”
Which is used when referring to animals or things.
- Example: “The book which you lent me was fascinating.”
That can refer to people, animals, or things, but it is often used in defining relative clauses and is more informal.
- Example: “I remember the day that we went to the beach.”
4. Relative Pronouns Referring to a Whole Sentence
In addition to referring to specific nouns, relative pronouns can also refer to an entire sentence or idea. This usage is more common in non-defining clauses, where the pronoun is used to add commentary or summarize.
- Example: “The weather was terrible, which ruined our plans for the picnic.”
- In this case, “which” refers to the entire sentence “The weather was terrible.”
5. Using Prepositions with Relative Pronouns
When the relative pronoun is the object of a preposition, the preposition can either appear before the relative pronoun (more formal) or at the end of the relative clause (more informal).
- Formal Example: “The team to whom we gave the prize was very grateful.”
- Informal Example: “The team whom we gave the prize to was very grateful.”
- Informal Example: “The team which we gave the prize to was very grateful.”
In informal language, especially spoken English, prepositions are often placed at the end of the relative clause. However, in more formal writing, the preposition tends to come before the relative pronoun.
6. Using Relative Pronouns with Collective Nouns
Relative pronouns are often used with collective nouns, such as team, committee, and group, to give more details about the collective entity.
- Example: “The committee, which was formed last year, has made significant progress.”
- Example: “The team that won the tournament celebrated their victory.”
Common Errors with What Are Relative Pronouns
While relative pronouns are a useful tool in writing and speaking, there are a few common mistakes that learners often make. By being aware of these errors, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct.
1. Using “That” in Non-Defining Relative Clauses
It’s important to note that “that” should not be used in non-defining relative clauses. For non-defining clauses, always use “who,” “whom,” or “which.”
- Incorrect: “My sister, that lives in New York, is visiting this summer.”
- Correct: “My sister, who lives in New York, is visiting this summer.”
2. Omitting the Relative Pronoun in Non-Defining Clauses
In formal English, you should never omit the relative pronoun in non-defining relative clauses. The pronoun should always be included to maintain clarity.
- Incorrect: “My friend, I met yesterday, is an artist.”
- Correct: “My friend, whom I met yesterday, is an artist.”
3. Using “Who” for Things
Remember that “who” is only used for people or sometimes animals (like pets). For things or animals in general, use “which.”
- Incorrect: “I have a car who I really like.”
- Correct: “I have a car which I really like.”
4. Misusing “Whom”
While “whom” is used to refer to people in formal writing, it is often misused in informal speech. In casual contexts, “who” is more commonly used in place of “whom.”
- Incorrect: “The person whom I saw is my cousin.”
- Correct: “The person who I saw is my cousin.”
5. Unnecessary Use of “That”
Avoid using “that” when it is unnecessary. For example, in non-defining relative clauses, do not use “that” as it sounds too informal.
- Incorrect: “The book, that I read last week, was fascinating.”
- Correct: “The book, which I read last week, was fascinating.”
Advanced Uses of What Are Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns can be used in a variety of advanced sentence structures, enhancing both the richness and precision of your writing. In this section, we will explore some advanced uses of relative pronouns that may help you craft more nuanced and sophisticated sentences.
1. Relative Pronouns with Demonstratives
Relative pronouns can also be used in conjunction with demonstrative pronouns (such as this, that, these, and those) to refer to specific things or groups of things. This combination adds clarity to your sentences and highlights the specificity of the object or idea being described.
- Example: “The book that I’m holding in my hand is very old.”
- In this sentence, that refers to the specific book, and the demonstrative pronoun this (in the phrase “the book that I’m holding”) helps specify exactly which book is being discussed.
2. Relative Pronouns in Conditional Clauses
In certain contexts, relative pronouns can appear in conditional clauses, providing a more detailed description of the condition being referred to. This use is more formal but can add clarity and context to conditional statements.
- Example: “If there’s anyone who wants to join the project, they are welcome.”
- Here, who introduces a condition regarding the people who may want to join the project.
3. Using “That” for Emphasis
Although “that” is generally informal, it can be used for emphasis in certain contexts, particularly when you want to make something stand out in your sentence. It can emphasize the importance or urgency of the item being described.
- Example: “I can’t believe that she won the competition!”
- The word that serves to highlight the surprising nature of the situation, giving extra weight to the fact that she won the competition.
4. Complex Sentences Using Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns are essential in constructing complex sentences where one idea is linked to another. These sentences often use more than one relative pronoun to provide additional details about different subjects or objects in the same sentence.
- Example: “The student who answered the question correctly is the one whose paper was selected for the award.”
- This sentence uses two relative pronouns (who and whose) to refer to two different nouns (the student and the paper), creating a more complex structure while still being easy to follow.
5. Relative Pronouns in Embedded Clauses
Relative pronouns can also be used in embedded clauses, which are clauses that provide additional details or explanations within a larger sentence. This is particularly common in academic writing, journalism, and literature, where embedding more information within sentences helps convey deeper meanings.
- Example: “The professor, whose opinion I greatly value, offered a different perspective on the issue.”
- In this sentence, whose connects an embedded clause (“whose opinion I greatly value”) that adds information about the professor.
FAQs On What Are Relative Pronouns
1. What is the difference between relative pronouns and relative clauses?
A relative pronoun is a word that introduces a relative clause and connects it to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. The relative pronouns commonly used are who, whom, whose, which, and that. They provide more detail about the noun they refer to.
A relative clause, on the other hand, is a part of the sentence that gives additional information about the noun or pronoun. It always begins with a relative pronoun and can either be defining (essential information) or non-defining (additional information).
- Example: “The book that I borrowed is on the table.”
- Relative pronoun: that
- Relative clause: that I borrowed is on the table
2. What is a relative clause with relative pronoun examples?
A relative clause gives more information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. It is introduced by a relative pronoun and can either define the noun more precisely (defining clause) or add extra detail (non-defining clause).
- Example of a defining relative clause: “The girl who is sitting next to me is my sister.”
- Relative pronoun: who
- Relative clause: who is sitting next to me
- Example of a non-defining relative clause: “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us.”
- Relative pronoun: who
- Relative clause: who lives in New York
3. What are the 5 relative clauses?
Relative clauses come in various forms, and they can be categorized based on the information they provide. Here are five common types:
Defining Relative Clauses: These clauses give essential information about the noun and cannot be omitted.
- Example: “The book that I’m reading is interesting.”
Non-defining Relative Clauses: These clauses provide extra information and are set off by commas.
- Example: “My sister, who is a teacher, lives in London.”
Adjective Clauses: Relative clauses that function as adjectives, modifying a noun.
- Example: “The man who called you is here.”
Reduced Relative Clauses: These are shortened versions of defining relative clauses where the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb are omitted.
- Example: “The man waiting for the bus is my uncle.” (Instead of “The man who is waiting for the bus.”)
Relative Clauses Referring to a Whole Sentence: These clauses are used to refer to an entire sentence or idea.
- Example: “The project was a success, which made everyone happy.”
4. Can a relative pronoun be omitted?
Yes, in some cases, especially in defining relative clauses, the relative pronoun can be omitted. This happens when the relative pronoun is the object of the verb in the relative clause. However, the pronoun cannot be omitted if it is the subject of the relative clause.
- Omitted relative pronoun: “The book (that) I read was great.”
- Not omitted: “The book that is on the table is mine.”
5. What is the function of “whose” in a relative clause?
“Whose” is used in relative clauses to indicate possession. It can refer to people, animals, or things, and it replaces possessive nouns or possessive adjectives like “his,” “her,” or “their.”
- Example: “The person whose car was parked outside is my friend.”
- In this example, “whose” shows that the car belongs to the person.