Relative pronouns are an essential part of the English language, functioning as connectors that link clauses together to form more complex sentences. Understanding how to use them correctly can greatly enhance both your writing and speaking skills. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to relative pronouns, explaining their usage, types, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Are Relative Pronouns?
Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses, which are a type of dependent clause. A relative clause provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. The most common relative pronouns in English are who, whom, whose, which, and that.
For example:
– The woman who called you is my aunt.
– The book that I borrowed is fascinating.
In these sentences, the relative pronouns “who” and “that” introduce clauses that provide more information about “the woman” and “the book,” respectively.
Types of Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns can be categorized based on what they refer to and how they function in a sentence. Below are the primary types:
Who
“Who” is used to refer to people and is the subject of the relative clause. It answers the question “who?” or “what?” about the noun it describes.
Example:
– The teacher who explained the lesson was very knowledgeable.
In this sentence, “who” refers to “the teacher” and serves as the subject of the relative clause “who explained the lesson.”
Whom
“Whom” is also used to refer to people, but it serves as the object of the relative clause. It answers the question “whom?” about the noun it describes.
Example:
– The artist whom we met yesterday is very talented.
Here, “whom” refers to “the artist” and serves as the object of the relative clause “whom we met yesterday.”
Whose
“Whose” indicates possession and can refer to people, animals, or things. It answers the question “whose?” about the noun it describes.
Example:
– The student whose laptop was stolen is very upset.
In this sentence, “whose” shows possession, referring to “the student” and introducing the relative clause “whose laptop was stolen.”
Which
“Which” is used to refer to animals and things. It can serve as the subject or object of the relative clause.
Example:
– The car which he bought is very expensive.
Here, “which” refers to “the car” and serves as the subject of the relative clause “which he bought.”
That
“That” is a versatile relative pronoun that can refer to people, animals, or things. It can serve as the subject or object of the relative clause.
Example:
– The movie that we watched was thrilling.
In this sentence, “that” refers to “the movie” and serves as the object of the relative clause “that we watched.”
Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive Clauses
Relative clauses can be either restrictive or non-restrictive, and the choice of relative pronoun can depend on this distinction.
Restrictive Clauses
Restrictive clauses provide essential information about the noun they describe. Without this information, the meaning of the sentence would be incomplete or unclear. Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas.
Example:
– The book that you gave me is fascinating.
In this sentence, the clause “that you gave me” is essential to understanding which book is being referred to. Therefore, it is a restrictive clause.
Non-restrictive Clauses
Non-restrictive clauses provide additional, non-essential information about the noun they describe. The sentence would still be complete and clear without this information. Non-restrictive clauses are set off by commas.
Example:
– My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.
In this sentence, the clause “who lives in New York” provides extra information about “my brother,” but the sentence would still be complete without it. Therefore, it is a non-restrictive clause.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using relative pronouns correctly can be tricky, especially for language learners. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Using “Who” and “Whom” Incorrectly
Many people struggle with the difference between “who” and “whom.” Remember that “who” is used as the subject of a clause, while “whom” is used as the object.
Incorrect:
– The person whom called you is my friend.
Correct:
– The person who called you is my friend.
Tip: If you can replace the relative pronoun with “he” or “she,” use “who.” If you can replace it with “him” or “her,” use “whom.”
Omitting Necessary Relative Pronouns
Sometimes, relative pronouns are omitted in casual speech, but this can lead to confusion or grammatical errors in writing.
Incorrect:
– The book I borrowed is fascinating.
Correct:
– The book that I borrowed is fascinating.
Tip: Make sure to include the relative pronoun, especially in formal writing.
Using “That” in Non-restrictive Clauses
“That” should not be used in non-restrictive clauses. Instead, use “which” or “who.”
Incorrect:
– My car, that is red, is parked outside.
Correct:
– My car, which is red, is parked outside.
Tip: Use “which” or “who” for non-restrictive clauses and set them off with commas.
Advanced Usage of Relative Pronouns
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced aspects of relative pronouns.
Using Prepositions with Relative Pronouns
In formal writing, prepositions can precede relative pronouns. This is often seen with “whom” and “which.”
Example:
– The colleague with whom I work is very professional.
However, in casual speech, it’s more common to place the preposition at the end of the clause:
Example:
– The colleague whom I work with is very professional.
Both constructions are grammatically correct, but the former is more formal.
Omitting Relative Pronouns in Object Position
In informal speech, it is sometimes acceptable to omit relative pronouns when they serve as the object of the clause.
Example:
– The book (that) I borrowed is fascinating.
This omission is generally acceptable in spoken English but should be used with caution in formal writing.
Using “Where” and “When” as Relative Pronouns
“Where” and “when” can function as relative pronouns to describe places and times, respectively.
Example:
– The house where I grew up is being renovated.
– The year when we met was unforgettable.
These relative pronouns add specific details about places and times, enriching the information provided in the sentence.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, try these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that).
1. The scientist _______ discovered the cure is very famous.
2. The car _______ I bought last year is already having problems.
3. The athlete _______ coach is renowned won the gold medal.
4. The movie _______ we watched last night was thrilling.
5. The teacher _______ you spoke to is my favorite.
Answers:
1. who
2. that/which
3. whose
4. that/which
5. whom
Conclusion
Relative pronouns are a fundamental component of English grammar, essential for constructing complex sentences that provide clear and detailed information. By understanding the different types of relative pronouns and their functions, you can significantly improve your communication skills. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to common mistakes to avoid them. With time and practice, using relative pronouns will become second nature, enhancing both your written and spoken English.
