Mastering Relative Pronouns and Clauses

Front

What is a relative pronoun?

Back

A relative pronoun is a word that introduces a relative clause and connects it to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Examples include who, whom, whose, which, and that.

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What is a relative clause?

Back

A relative clause is a dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun and usually begins with a relative pronoun.

Front

When do we use 'who'?

Back

We use 'who' to refer to the subject of a relative clause when talking about people.

Front

When do we use 'whom'?

Back

We use 'whom' to refer to the object of a verb or preposition in a relative clause when talking about people.

Front

When do we use 'whose'?

Back

We use 'whose' to indicate possession in a relative clause.

Front

When do we use 'which'?

Back

We use 'which' to refer to animals or things in a relative clause.

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When do we use 'that'?

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We use 'that' to refer to people, animals, or things in defining relative clauses.

Front

What is the difference between defining and non-defining relative clauses?

Back

Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun, while non-defining relative clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.

Front

Example of a defining relative clause:

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The book that you lent me was fascinating.

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Example of a non-defining relative clause:

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My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us.