Use relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which and that

Key Notes:

1. Definition of Relative Pronouns

  • Relative Pronouns: These are pronouns that introduce relative clauses and provide more information about a noun or pronoun in the sentence. They help connect ideas and create complex sentences.

2. The Relative Pronoun ‘Who’

  • Usage: “Who” is used as a subject pronoun. It refers to people and introduces clauses that provide additional information about a person.

Examples:

  • Correct: The teacher who teaches math is very experienced.
  • Correct: Do you know who is coming to the meeting?

3. The Relative Pronoun ‘Whom’

  • Usage: “Whom” is used as an object pronoun. It refers to people and is used when the pronoun is the object of the verb or preposition.

Examples:

  • Correct: The student whom I met yesterday is my friend.
  • Correct: To whom should I address the invitation?

4. The Relative Pronoun ‘Whose’

  • Usage: “Whose” is used to indicate possession. It can refer to people or things and introduces clauses that provide information about ownership.

Examples:

  • Correct: The girl whose bike was stolen is my neighbor.
  • Correct: I spoke to the author whose book won an award.

5. The Relative Pronoun ‘Which’

  • Usage: “Which” is used to refer to animals and things. It introduces non-restrictive clauses, providing additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Examples:

  • Correct: The book, which I borrowed from the library, is fascinating.
  • Correct: The car, which is parked outside, belongs to my brother.

6. The Relative Pronoun ‘That’

  • Usage: “That” is used to refer to people, animals, and things. It introduces restrictive clauses that provide essential information necessary for understanding the sentence.

Examples:

  • Correct: The book that I read last week was thrilling.
  • Correct: The girl that won the contest is my friend.

7. Differences Between ‘Which’ and ‘That’

  • ‘Which’: Used for non-restrictive clauses (commas are needed). The information is additional.
  • Example: The bike, which is red, belongs to Sarah.
  • ‘That’: Used for restrictive clauses (no commas). The information is essential.
  • Example: The bike that is red belongs to Sarah.

Let’s practice!🖊️