Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses, linking additional information about a noun in a sentence. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, and that.
Common Relative Pronouns
Who: Refers to people as the subject.
Example: The teacher who inspired me is retiring.
Whom: Refers to people as the object (more formal).
Example: The student whom I met yesterday is talented.
Whose: Indicates possession, for people or things.
Example: The artist whose work is on display will attend.
Which: Refers to animals and things, used for both defining and non-defining clauses.
Example: The book which you lent me was fascinating.
That: Refers to people, animals, and things, used in defining clauses.
Example: The car that I bought last year is red.
Functions of Relative Pronouns
1. How Relative Pronouns Introduce Relative Clauses
Relative pronouns connect the main clause to the relative clause, allowing for additional information about a noun.
2. The Role of Relative Pronouns in Providing Additional Information
They clarify or elaborate on a noun, enhancing sentence meaning without starting a new sentence.
Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses provide essential information about a noun, identifying which specific person or thing is being referred to.
Examples
The student who studies hard will pass the exam.
The book that I borrowed is fascinating.
The car which is parked outside belongs to my neighbor.
Punctuation Rules
Defining relative clauses do not use commas, as they are integral to the sentence's meaning.
Examples
Correct: The teacher who is in the red shirt is my favorite.
Incorrect: The teacher, who is in the red shirt, is my favorite.
Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information about a noun. They add context but are not necessary for identifying the noun in the sentence.
Examples
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.
The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, attracts millions of tourists.
The novel, that I just finished, was excellent.
Punctuation Rules
Non-defining relative clauses are always set off by commas, as they provide extra information that can be omitted without changing the main meaning of the sentence.
Examples
Correct: My sister, who is a doctor, lives nearby.
Incorrect: My sister who is a doctor lives nearby.
Choosing the Correct Relative Pronoun
1. Guidelines:
Identify if the antecedent is a person, animal, or thing.
Determine if the clause is defining (essential) or non-defining (non-essential).
2. Differences Between "who" and "whom":
Who: Subject of the clause (e.g., The teacher who inspires us).
Whom: Object of the clause (e.g., The student whom I spoke to).
3. Choosing Between "which" and "that":
Which: Non-defining clauses (e.g., The car, which is red, is fast).
That: Defining clauses (e.g., The car that I bought is fast).