What is a Relative Pronoun? Definition, List & Usage in Sentences
Relative pronouns help link one part of a sentence to another, making your ideas clearer in essays, speaking, and exam answers. You’ll often see relative pronouns in school English exercises, practical communication, and formal writing tasks.
| Relative Pronoun | Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| who | For people (subject) | The boy who won is happy. |
| whom | For people (object) | The girl whom I met is kind. |
| whose | Shows possession | The teacher whose car broke down is here. |
| which | For animals/things | The book which you gave me is useful. |
| that | For people, animals, things (restrictive) | The dog that barked is mine. |
What Are Relative Pronouns in English Grammar?
Relative pronouns in English grammar connect a main clause to another clause, adding important details. Common relative pronouns are: who, whom, whose, which, and that. These words help your writing sound fluent and organized.
How to Use Relative Pronouns
- Use who for people as the subject (“The student who studies hard will pass.”)
- Use which for things or animals (“The bike which is red is mine.”)
- Use that for necessary information (“The dog that runs fast is hers.”)
- Use whose to show possession (“The child whose bag is blue is my friend.”)
- Use whom for people as the object (“The teacher whom we respect is retiring.”)
Everyday Examples of Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns are common in conversation and written English. For example: “This is the cake that won the prize.” “She is the author whose books you love.” In exams, look for the noun the pronoun replaces to choose the right word.
Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clauses with Relative Pronouns
- Restrictive: Gives essential information (no commas). Example: “The man who called you is here.”
- Non-Restrictive: Adds extra details (with commas). Example: “My car, which is blue, needs a wash.”
Common Mistakes with Relative Pronouns
- Using “which” for people (use “who”)
- Forgetting to use “whose” for possession
- Using “that” instead of “which” in extra information clauses
- Omitting the pronoun when it is required (“The student that won…” not “The student won…” if it joins two clauses)
Relative Pronouns Exercises
- The girl ____ is singing is my sister. (who/which)
- This is the book ____ I borrowed. (who/that)
- He is a person ____ opinion matters. (whose/whom)
- That is the animal ____ runs fast. (who/that)
Check your answers: who, that, whose, that
For more about pronoun types, see Types of Pronouns.
Relative pronouns in English grammar connect clauses, clarify meaning, and help in writing better sentences. Learning to use who, whom, whose, which, and that will boost your performance in exams and everyday English. Practice identifying and using each one for strong grammar skills.
FAQs on Relative Pronouns: Definition, Rules, and Examples
1. What are relative pronouns in English grammar?
Relative pronouns are words that introduce a relative clause, providing extra information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They act like bridges, connecting these clauses. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, and that. Understanding them improves sentence structure and clarity.
2. What is the difference between 'who' and 'whom'?
Who is used as the subject of a verb (the one performing the action), while whom is used as the object of a verb or preposition (the one receiving the action). For example: 'The student who aced the test' (subject) vs. 'The student whom the teacher praised' (object).
3. When should I use 'whose'?
Whose shows possession. It indicates that something belongs to someone or something. For example: 'The author whose book won the award'
4. What is the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses?
A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence; it cannot be removed without changing the meaning. A non-restrictive clause adds extra information, but removing it doesn't change the core meaning. Non-restrictive clauses are set off by commas. For example: 'The book that I borrowed is interesting' (restrictive) vs. 'The book, which I borrowed from the library, is interesting' (non-restrictive).
5. When should I use 'that' versus 'which'?
Generally, use that for restrictive clauses and which for non-restrictive clauses. However, that is generally preferred in restrictive clauses and which in non-restrictive clauses. For example: 'The car that I bought is reliable' (restrictive) vs. 'The car, which I bought last year, is reliable' (non-restrictive).
6. Can 'which' be used to refer to people?
While less common, which can refer to people in informal speech or when referring to a group as a whole. However, who and whom are generally preferred when referring to individuals.
7. Can you provide examples of sentences using relative pronouns?
Here are some examples:
• The dog who barked all night is now sleeping soundly.
• The book which I recommended is a bestseller.
• The student whose essay won the prize is very talented.
• The city where I grew up is beautiful.
• The time when we met was unforgettable.
8. What are compound relative pronouns?
Compound relative pronouns combine a relative pronoun with -ever or -soever. Examples include whoever, whomever, whichever, and whatever. These pronouns add an element of uncertainty or choice to the sentence.
9. How do relative pronouns differ from other pronouns?
Relative pronouns specifically introduce relative clauses and connect them to a preceding noun or pronoun, functioning as adjectives modifying that noun/pronoun. Other pronouns (like personal, possessive, demonstrative, etc.) have different grammatical roles.
10. Is it always necessary to use a relative pronoun?
No, in some restrictive clauses, especially when the relative pronoun is the object of the clause, it can be omitted. For instance, 'The movie I watched was excellent' (the 'that' is implied).
11. What are some common mistakes students make with relative pronouns?
Common mistakes include incorrect pronoun case (using 'who' instead of 'whom'), improper comma usage with non-restrictive clauses, and confusion between 'that' and 'which'.
12. What resources can help me practice using relative pronouns?
Online grammar exercises, workbooks, and educational websites offer many opportunities to practice. Look for exercises focusing on identifying and using relative pronouns in different sentence structures. Vedantu's own practice exercises are also a great resource!
