Here's how it works:
* Relative pronouns connect a dependent clause (a clause that can't stand alone) to an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone).
* They act as the subject or object of the dependent clause.
* They refer back to a noun or pronoun in the independent clause, called the antecedent.
Here are some examples:
* "The book that I read was very interesting."
* "That" is the relative pronoun.
* It connects the dependent clause "that I read" to the independent clause "The book was very interesting."
* It refers back to "book," the antecedent.
* "The woman who lives next door is a doctor."
* "Who" is the relative pronoun.
* It connects the dependent clause "who lives next door" to the independent clause "The woman is a doctor."
* It refers back to "woman," the antecedent.
Here are some common relative pronouns:
* who (refers to people)
* whom (refers to people, used as an object)
* whose (shows possession)
* which (refers to things)
* that (refers to people or things)
Remember, relative pronouns are crucial for building complex sentences and adding detail to our writing!