Understanding Relative Pronoun to Enhance Language Clarity

What Is a Relative Pronoun?

A relative pronoun is a word used to introduce a relative clause. In general, these pronouns bring a dependent clause to link it with an independent clause. It is helpful as it allows us to offer further information without starting a new sentence. With the use of relative pronoun, you can keep your writing smooth and united. Further, to learn about these in more detail, go through the relative pronoun examples in the next section.

Definition of a Relative Pronoun

Various renowned dictionaries have defined a relative pronoun, which makes it easier for learners to understand. As per the definition of Collins Dictionary’, 'a relative pronoun is a word such as 'who', 'that' or 'which' that is used to bring a relative clause in the sentence. Further, 'The Macmillan Dictionary' has also given a similar definition stating, a relative pronoun is a pronoun such as 'who', 'that' or 'which' that introduces a relative clause in a sentence.

Examples of Relative Pronouns

The relative pronouns help users connect the two sentences with coherence and in a smooth manner. The most common relative pronouns used are who, whom, whose, that and which.

• Who: Refers to a person
• Whom: Refers to the object
• Whose: Helps in showing possession of something or someone.
• That: Used as a defining clause to refer person, animal or thing.
• Which: Used as a non-defining clause to refer person, animal or thing.

You can easily learn the use of relative pronouns in complex sentences with the examples. So let’s see relative pronoun examples and how these are put into sentences to make them meaningful.

• The man who saved the cat was applauded by everyone.
• The boy whom we saw at the parking lot is my cousin.
• The girl whose dog is lost is filing a report.
• The web series that you suggested was fantastic.
• The phone which I bought last month is already having issues.

However, relative pronouns are seen through two different categories which are possessive, and compound relative pronouns. So, let’s look at these categories in more detail.

Categories of Relative Pronouns

The use of relative pronoun is so vital for language clarity that these pronouns can be easily categorised according to their function and the type of clause they introduce. However, the two major categories, which are also known as types of relative pronoun, are possessive and compound relative pronouns. So, let’s look at these pronouns in detail to understand their role in language.

Possessive Relative Pronouns

Possessive relative pronouns are basically used to indicate ownership. Pronouns such as ‘who’ and ‘which’ can take the possessive form ‘whose’. However, there can be an argument about which pronoun is better to use while discussing things. So, the answer is ‘whose’, which can be used in place of who and which. It is a perfect word used widely when the topic is about discussing things.

Example

• He apologised to the man whose window got broken
• Do you know whose bike is parked in front of our gate?

Compound Relative Pronouns

By the name, these pronouns may sound complex, but they are formed by the addition of ‘ever’ or ‘soever’ to the relative pronouns. The common compound relative pronouns used are whoever, whomever, whichever, whatever and more. These pronouns are used to generally refer to a person, thing or place. 

Examples

• You can wear whichever dress you want
• Whoever is ready can sing first

Till now, you have come across the relative pronoun definition, its examples and categories. So, in the next section, let’s learn how to use these pronouns effectively in a sentence.

How to Use Relative Pronouns?

Using a relative pronoun properly is crucial to bring precision and clarity to your writing. It includes joining two sentences and making them sound more logical. So let's look into some steps on how to use these pronouns properly in sentences.

1. Look for two sentences that you want to join.

Example:

• This is the boy.
• He won the lottery.

2. After identifying the two sentences, it's time to specify the noun that both sentences are talking about. In the above example, the noun is 'the boy'.

3. Now, it is time to choose the right pronoun to combine the sentences and make it more precise. Go through the table below for a better understanding.

In our example, we are discussing a person, and 'he' is the subject. So, here use the pronoun 'who' for a better connection of sentences.

4. Now that you have chosen the correct pronoun, join both sentences.

Example: This is the boy who won the lottery

In our example above, you may get confused that instead of ‘who’ we can also use ‘that’, and you are right, but this is the common grammar conundrum that many readers face. Now, let us move to the next section to learn more about these common conundrums while using relative pronouns.

Grammar Conundrum in Relative Pronoun

Grammar conundrums are usually puzzling or confusing problems faced by users concerning language structure and usage in grammar. It can involve tricky grammar rules of exception, which give rise to confusion. While there is a wide usage of the relative pronoun, even experts can face confusion. So, let's look into the most common conundrums.

That vs. Which

The functions of 'that' and 'which' are used when the antecedent is normally a thing or an animal. However, the use of these pronouns creates confusion several times. To solve this confusion, remember

• 'that' brings a restrictive clause
• 'which' brings a non-restrictive clause.

Now, understand that a restrictive clause is a crucial part of the sentence, and the meaning of the sentence would change if the restrictive clause is taken out. However, a non-restrictive clause is the opposite and can be removed from the sentences without changing this basic understanding. Now, go through the example for better understanding.

• The dress that you gave me is missing.
• The dress, which you gave me, is missing.

Here, in the first sentence, 'that' is essential as it tells which dress. However, in the second sentence, ‘which’ is not essential as there is already information about which dress. Also, remember non-restrictive clauses are set off with commas as shown in the example above.

Who vs. That

The pronoun 'who' is only used to refer to people and is never used for things. You can understand this as one of the relative pronoun rules. However, 'that' is also used informally to address people. Not every reader may agree to this point, but it is used to refer to people without making the sentence sound abrupt. Now, go through the example for better understanding.

The man that gives out candy is always the children’s favourite .

This sentence is completely fine, but many of you would disagree. So, to maintain a clear recognition in writing, using 'who' for people is a safer stake. Read the example below for better understanding.

The man who gives out candy is always the children’s favourite .

Ambiguous Antecedents

Similar to other pronouns, the relative pronouns may also cause vagueness if it is not used after the antecedent (the noun). Not using the antecedent properly creates confusion among readers and can also change the actual meaning of the sentence. Read the example below for better understanding.

Incorrect: The mall at the end of our colony, which is new, is a favourite place of mine.

In the above sentence, unnecessary confusion is created. It doesn't clarify that "new" in the sentence refers to 'mall' or 'colony'. However, rewriting this sentence can help convey the message more effectively.

Correct: The new mall at the end of our colony is a favourite place of mine.

So, that's how you can deal with the common grammar conundrums while using the relative pronouns. Now that you have learned so much about these pronouns, let' solve some practice worksheets to enhance your understanding.

Also Read: New Words in English

Relative Pronoun Worksheets

Practice worksheet are usually designed to help you check your understanding of the topic and enhance your existing knowledge. So, now that you have learned about the relative pronoun definition, its examples and how to use it in sentences. Let’s solve the practice worksheet to add brilliance in language clarity. There are two relative pronouns exercises you can solve, so start practising and test your knowledge.

Use Suitable Pronouns to Link the Given Sentences

This relative pronoun exercise is based on linking the two different sentences using a suitable pronoun. Read each sentence carefully and use a pronoun to make it a logical statement. Here, we have the worksheet with answers so you can evaluate your answers quickly.

1. Alex has played the lead role in the new movie. Alex is a gym trainer by profession.
2. Ali won a lottery. Ali is my sister’s friend.
3. The students like their sports teacher. The sports teacher is from Mumbai.
4. Sara borrowed the black dress. Sara did not return it.
5. The student solved the mock test. The teacher appreciated the student.
6. My uncle bought me a laptop. I love the laptop.
7. We had our school reunion brunch at the Infinity Cafe. The cafe is now closed.
8. The glass game is liked by all. Have you played the game?
9. My sister asked me to clean up the cupboard. The cupboard was filled with old items we no longer use.
10. This is my cousin. He moved to Australia recently.

Answers for Exercise 1

1. Alex, who is a gym trainer by profession, has played the lead role in the new movie.
2. Ali, who is my sister’s friend, won the lottery.
3. The students like their sports teacher, who is from Mumbai.
4. Sara did not return the black dress that she borrowed.
5. The teacher appreciated the student who solved the mock test.
6. I love the laptop that my uncle bought me.
7. We had our school reunion brunch in the infinity café, which is now closed.
8. Have you played the glass game that is liked by all?
9. My sister asked me to clean up the cupboard, which was filled with old items we no longer use.
10. This is my cousin who moved to New York last year.

Read the following sentences and underline the relative pronoun

In this relative pronoun exercise, you have been given some sentences, each with a suitable pronoun. Here, you have to identify the pronoun use and underline it. In the end, answers for the exercise are provided so you can check your progress.

1. My cousin, whom I admire, is leaving for Abroad Studies
2. The man who got injured came back to attend the event.
3. I know a boy who has never come out of his house.
4. The car that I saw yesterday is very expensive.
5. I saw a boy who was singing beautifully.
6. The girl whose pet died was very sad.
7. I have a favourite restaurant which serves the best sandwich.
8. Can you show me the lane which leads to the mall?
9. We saw the mechanic in the street whom we spoke to earlier.
10. The song, which was sung by Ali Gatie, is still my favourite song.

Answers for Exercise 2

1. My cousin, whom I admire, is leaving for Abroad Studies
2. The man who got injured came back to attend the event.
3. I know a boy who has never come out of his house.
4. The car that I saw yesterday is very expensive.
5. I saw a boy who was singing beautifully.
6. The girl whose pet died was very sad.
7. I have a favourite restaurant which serves the best sandwich.
8. Can you show me the lane which leads to the mall?
9. We saw the mechanic in the street whom we spoke to earlier.
10. The song, which was sung by Ali Gatie, is still my favourite song.

Solving these practice exercises is crucial to improve your understanding of the topic. Further, these exercises have included various sentence structure with relative pronouns used in a distinct manner.

Conclusion

To sum up, in this blog, we have various crucial facets of the relative pronoun. Further, practice worksheets are there to enhance your understanding and use of these pronouns. These pronouns are crucial as they help to connect a relative clause to a main clause. Learning these English grammar elements can be an exciting opportunity. If you wish to enhance your language skills, you can connect with our experts on Gradding.com. They can help you guide to improve your English grammar knowledge with professional tips and guidance.

FAQs

What are relative pronouns and examples?

Relative pronouns are used to connect a relative clause to a noun or a pronoun in the sentence. It allows to provide additional information without starting a new sentence. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, that and which

What are the 7 relative pronouns?

There are several relative pronouns, but the most commonly used in regular settings are which, that, whose, whom, who, whoever, whomever.

What is a compound relative pronoun, and examples?

Compound relative pronouns are formed by combining a basic relative pronoun with the suffix 'ever' or 'soever'. Examples of compound relative pronouns include whoever, whomever, whichever, and whatever.

Where to use the word ‘whom’?

The word 'Whom' is used as an object of a verb or preposition within a relative clause. It is mainly used to refer to people who are receiving the action.

Example: The lady whom I met at the meeting is my new manager.

What are the six types of pronouns?

Six types of pronouns include

1. Personal pronoun
2. Relative pronouns
3. Demonstrative pronouns
4. Reflexive pronouns
5. Interrogative pronouns
6. Possessive pronouns.