Relative pronouns are words that serve as a link between a main (independent) clause and a subordinate (dependent) clause within a sentence. They help to provide additional information about a noun in the main clause by introducing a relative (adjective) clause. Relative clauses add descriptive or defining details about the noun they modify.
Common relative pronouns in English include:
1. Who: Used to refer to people. It is the subject of the relative clause.
– The woman who won the prize is my sister.
2. Whom: Also used to refer to people but as the object of the relative clause.
– The woman whom I met yesterday is a famous actress.
3. Whose: Indicates possession and is used for both people and things.
– The man whose car was stolen is very upset.
4. Which: Used to refer to animals or things. It is the subject of the relative clause.
– The book which is on the table is mine.
5. That: Used for both people and things. It can be the subject or object of the relative clause.
– The cat that I adopted is very playful.
Relative pronouns serve several functions in sentences:
1. Introducing Information: Relative pronouns introduce additional information about a noun in the main clause, giving more details or context.
– The house, which is red, belongs to my aunt.
2. Defining or Non-Defining Clauses: Relative clauses can be either defining or non-defining. Defining clauses provide essential information that is necessary to identify the noun, and they are not set off by commas. Non-defining clauses provide extra information that is not essential for identification and are set off by commas.
– Defining: The car that I bought is red. (This specifies which car is being talked about.)
– Non-defining: My car, which is red, is in the garage. (The car is already identified; the color is additional information.)
3. Replacing Repetition: Relative pronouns help avoid repetition in sentences by referring back to a noun mentioned earlier.
– The book on the shelf is interesting. It is a bestseller.
4. Combining Sentences: Relative pronouns allow you to combine two sentences into one, making the writing more concise.
– The movie was great. I watched it last night. (Combined: The movie that I watched last night was great.)
Understanding how to use relative pronouns correctly is important for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences, particularly when conveying complex information or descriptions.