Relative pronouns are an integral part of the English language, essential for constructing complex sentences and adding depth to your writing. They help connect clauses and provide additional information about a noun without starting a new sentence. Mastering the use of relative pronouns can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension in English.
What Are Relative Pronouns?
Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses. A relative clause adds extra information about a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. The most commonly used relative pronouns in English are: *who, whom, whose, which,* and *that*. Each of these pronouns has its specific use and context.
Who and Whom
The pronoun *who* is used to refer to people. It acts as the subject of the relative clause. For example:
– The teacher *who* loves literature is retiring.
In this sentence, “who loves literature” is a relative clause providing more information about “the teacher.”
*Whom* is also used to refer to people, but it acts as the object of the relative clause. For example:
– The artist *whom* we met at the gallery was very talented.
Here, “whom we met at the gallery” provides additional information about “the artist.”
Whose
The pronoun *whose* is used to show possession. It can refer to people, animals, or things. For instance:
– The student *whose* homework was late was given extra time.
In this example, “whose homework was late” describes “the student” and indicates possession.
Which
*Which* is used to refer to animals and things. It can introduce both defining and non-defining relative clauses. For example:
– The book *which* I borrowed was fascinating.
In this sentence, “which I borrowed” provides more information about “the book.”
That
The pronoun *that* can refer to people, animals, or things. It is often used in defining relative clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence. For instance:
– The car *that* he bought is very expensive.
Here, “that he bought” is essential to identifying “the car.”
Defining vs. Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Understanding the difference between defining and non-defining relative clauses is crucial for using relative pronouns correctly.
Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun they describe. Without this clause, the sentence would lose its meaning. For example:
– The house *that* Jack built is on the hill.
In this case, “that Jack built” is crucial to understanding which house is being referred to.
Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses offer extra information that can be omitted without changing the sentence’s fundamental meaning. These clauses are usually set off by commas. For example:
– My brother, *who* lives in New York, is a software engineer.
Here, “who lives in New York” provides additional information about “my brother” but is not essential to the main point of the sentence.
Omitting Relative Pronouns
In some cases, relative pronouns can be omitted, especially in defining relative clauses. For instance:
– The book (that) I am reading is thrilling.
The relative pronoun “that” can be omitted without altering the sentence’s meaning.
When Can You Omit Relative Pronouns?
You can omit the relative pronoun when it functions as the object of the relative clause. For example:
– The movie (that) we watched last night was amazing.
However, you cannot omit the relative pronoun when it functions as the subject of the relative clause. For example:
– The man *who* called you is waiting outside. (You cannot omit “who” in this case.)
Common Mistakes with Relative Pronouns
Even advanced learners sometimes make mistakes with relative pronouns. Here are some common errors and tips to avoid them:
Using “Which” for People
Incorrect: The girl *which* is singing is my sister.
Correct: The girl *who* is singing is my sister.
Remember, use *who* or *whom* for people and *which* for animals and things.
Confusing “Whose” and “Who’s”
*Whose* is a possessive pronoun, while *who’s* is a contraction for “who is” or “who has.” For example:
– Incorrect: The student *who’s* bike is parked outside is in my class.
– Correct: The student *whose* bike is parked outside is in my class.
Omitting Necessary Relative Pronouns
Incorrect: The book I borrowed from the library is overdue.
Correct: The book *that* I borrowed from the library is overdue.
Ensure that you do not omit the relative pronoun when it is necessary for the sentence’s clarity.
Exercises for Practice
To master the use of relative pronouns, it’s essential to practice. Below are some exercises to help reinforce your understanding:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate relative pronoun (*who, whom, whose, which,* or *that*).
1. The author _____ wrote this book is very talented.
2. The car _____ was parked outside is mine.
3. The woman _____ you met yesterday is my aunt.
4. The dog _____ tail is wagging is friendly.
5. The movie _____ we watched last night was exciting.
Exercise 2: Identify and Correct the Mistake
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. The man which called you is my uncle.
2. The teacher who’s class is very interesting is absent today.
3. The book that you gave me, is really good.
4. The students which are in the library are studying for exams.
5. The artist whom paintings are famous lives nearby.
Exercise 3: Combine Sentences Using Relative Pronouns
Combine the following pairs of sentences into one sentence using a relative pronoun:
1. I have a friend. She is an excellent musician.
2. The pizza was delicious. We ordered it from the new restaurant.
3. The professor is very knowledgeable. I am taking his course.
4. The city is beautiful. I visited it last summer.
5. The laptop is expensive. I bought it last week.
Answers
Here are the answers to the exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. The author *who* wrote this book is very talented.
2. The car *that* was parked outside is mine.
3. The woman *whom* you met yesterday is my aunt.
4. The dog *whose* tail is wagging is friendly.
5. The movie *which* we watched last night was exciting.
Exercise 2: Identify and Correct the Mistake
1. The man *who* called you is my uncle.
2. The teacher *whose* class is very interesting is absent today.
3. The book that you gave me is really good. (Remove the comma)
4. The students *who* are in the library are studying for exams.
5. The artist *whose* paintings are famous lives nearby.
Exercise 3: Combine Sentences Using Relative Pronouns
1. I have a friend *who* is an excellent musician.
2. The pizza *which* we ordered from the new restaurant was delicious.
3. The professor *whose* course I am taking is very knowledgeable.
4. The city *which* I visited last summer is beautiful.
5. The laptop *that* I bought last week is expensive.
Advanced Usage of Relative Pronouns
For those who wish to delve deeper into the advanced usage of relative pronouns, it’s worth exploring more complex sentence structures and variations.
Using Prepositions with Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns can be used with prepositions, although the structure can vary between formal and informal contexts.
Formal Usage
In formal writing, the preposition often comes before the relative pronoun. For example:
– The company for *which* I work is very prestigious.
Informal Usage
In informal contexts, the preposition is usually placed at the end of the clause. For instance:
– The company *that* I work for is very prestigious.
Note that in informal usage, “that” is often used instead of “which.”
Relative Pronouns in Non-Restrictive Clauses
In non-restrictive clauses, “which” is preferred over “that,” and it is always set off by commas. For example:
– The Eiffel Tower, *which* is in Paris, is a popular tourist attraction.
Relative Pronouns in Restrictive Clauses
In restrictive clauses, “that” is often used instead of “which” to define the noun more precisely. For example:
– The book *that* I need is out of stock.
Conclusion
Relative pronouns are a fundamental component of the English language, allowing for more nuanced and detailed expressions. By understanding and practicing their usage, you can improve both your writing and speaking skills. Remember to distinguish between defining and non-defining clauses, use the correct relative pronoun for the context, and practice regularly to master these essential tools. Happy learning!
