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Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns are used to connect a subordinate clause to a main clause, providing additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They help to combine sentences and make our writing more concise and fluid.
Example:
Instead of saying: “I met a woman. The woman speaks seven languages.”
We can use a relative pronoun to say: “I met a woman who speaks seven languages.”
In this example, “who” is the relative pronoun that connects the subordinate clause “speaks seven languages” to the main clause, providing more information about the woman.
Types of Relative Pronouns
There are five main relative pronouns in English:
- Who
- Whom
- Whose
- Which
- That
Let’s examine each type and understand their roles in sentences.
| Pronoun | Used for | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | People | Subject or Object | The woman who lives next door is a doctor. |
| Whom | People | Object (formal) | The man whom I met yesterday is a famous actor. |
| Whose | Possession | Possessive | The dog whose collar is red belongs to my neighbor. |
| Which | Things/Animals | Subject or Object | The book which I’m reading is very interesting. |
| That | People/Things | Subject or Object | The car that I bought last year is very reliable. |
1. Who
“Who” is used to refer to people. It can function as either the subject or object of a relative clause.
Examples:
- The teacher who won the award is my cousin.
- The students who we met at the conference were very friendly.
2. Whom
“Whom” is also used to refer to people, but it functions as the object of a verb or preposition. It’s considered more formal than “who” and is often replaced by “who” in casual conversation.
Examples:
- The candidate whom we selected has excellent qualifications.
- To whom did you give the package?
3. Whose
“Whose” is used to show possession for both people and things.
Examples:
- The author whose book became a bestseller is giving a talk tonight.
- We fixed the car whose engine had failed.
4. Which
“Which” is used to refer to things or animals. It can function as either the subject or object of a relative clause.
Examples:
- The movie which won the Oscar was filmed in our city.
- The cat which we adopted last month is very playful.
5. That
“That” can be used to refer to both people and things. It’s often used interchangeably with “who” or “which” in less formal contexts.
Examples:
- The house that I grew up in is now a museum.
- The team that wins the most games will go to the championships.
Usage and Common Mistakes
Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive Clauses
Relative pronouns can introduce either restrictive (essential) or non-restrictive (non-essential) clauses. Non-restrictive clauses are set off by commas.
Restrictive: The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue. Non-restrictive: My favorite book, which I’ve read many times, is on the top shelf.
“Who” vs. “Whom”
The choice between “who” and “whom” often confuses English speakers. Use “who” when the pronoun acts as the subject, and “whom” when it’s the object.
Correct: The man who called yesterday left a message. (subject) Correct: The man whom I called yesterday returned my call. (object)
“Which” vs. “That”
While often used interchangeably, “which” is traditionally used for non-restrictive clauses, and “that” for restrictive clauses.
Correct: The car that I bought is red. (restrictive) Correct: My car, which is red, is parked outside. (non-restrictive)
Omitting Relative Pronouns
In some cases, relative pronouns can be omitted, particularly when they function as the object of the clause.
With pronoun: The movie that we watched last night was excellent. Without pronoun: The movie we watched last night was excellent.
Key Takeaways
- Relative pronouns connect subordinate clauses to main clauses, providing additional information.
- The five main relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, which, and that.
- “Who” and “whom” are used for people, with “whom” being more formal and used as an object.
- “Whose” shows possession for both people and things.
- “Which” is used for things or animals.
- “That” can be used for both people and things, often interchangeably with “who” or “which”.
- Be mindful of the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses when using relative pronouns.
- In some cases, relative pronouns can be omitted, especially when they function as the object of the clause.
FAQs
Can ‘whose’ be used for inanimate objects?
Yes, “whose” can be used for both animate and inanimate objects. While some style guides prefer “of which” for inanimate objects in formal writing, using “whose” is generally accepted. For example:
- The house whose roof was damaged in the storm…
- The book whose cover was torn…
Is it always necessary to use ‘whom’ in formal writing?
While “whom” is technically correct as an object pronoun in formal writing, its use is declining even in formal contexts. Many writers choose to rephrase sentences to avoid using “whom” or use “who” instead. However, in very formal writing or in fixed phrases, “whom” is still used. For example:
- Formal: To whom it may concern
- Less formal: Who should I contact about this issue?
How do I choose between ‘which’ and ’that’?
The traditional rule is to use “that” for restrictive clauses (essential to the meaning of the sentence) and “which” for non-restrictive clauses (which add extra information and are set off by commas). However, in modern usage, especially in less formal contexts, “which” is often used for both. For example:
- Restrictive: The book that I need for class is out of stock.
- Non-restrictive: The book, which is out of stock, is one I need for class.
Can relative pronouns be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, relative pronouns can be used at the beginning of a sentence, typically in questions or exclamations. For example:
- Who would have thought it would rain today?
- Which of these options do you prefer? In these cases, they function more like interrogative pronouns but can still be considered relative pronouns in certain contexts.
Are there any relative pronouns specifically for time or place?
While not traditionally classified as relative pronouns, words like “when” (for time), “where” (for place), and “why” (for reason) can function similarly to relative pronouns in certain contexts. For example:
- I remember the day when we first met.
- This is the place where I grew up.
- I don’t know the reason why he left. These are sometimes called relative adverbs but serve a similar purpose in connecting clauses.
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Indefinite Pronouns