RELATIVE PRONOUNS

RELATIVE PRONOUNS

Relative Pronoun is a pronoun that introduces an adjective clause. In English, the relative Pronouns are

Ø That

Ø Which

Ø Who

Ø Whom

Ø Whose

A relative pronoun is used to start a description for a noun. (This description is called adjective clause or a relative clause). The description comes after the noun to:

1)    Identify it

Eg:

Ø The lady who made your dress is waiting outside

(The noun is the lady. The relative pronoun is who. The adjective clause identifying the lady is underlined)

Ø I saw the dog which ate the cake.

(The noun being identified is the dog)

Ø We did not know the tune that had been playing.

(The noun being identified is the tune)

2)    Tell us more information about it.

Eg:

Ø Mrs. Miggins who owns a pie shop, is waiting outside.

(The noun is Mrs. Miggins. The adjective clause tells us some information about her)

Ø I rode my bike, which now had two flat tyres, back home.

(The noun is my bike. The adjective clause tells us some information about it)

Relative Pronouns (for people and things)

Relative Pronoun is determined by whether it refers to a person or thing. The choices are

Ø Who and whom refer to people

Ø Which refers to things

That and whose refer to people or things

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