Here's how they work:
* They introduce a relative clause: A relative clause provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause.
* They connect the relative clause to the main clause: The relative pronoun acts like a bridge, linking the information in the relative clause to the noun or pronoun it modifies.
Examples:
* "The dog that chased the cat is brown." Here, "that" is the relative pronoun connecting the relative clause "that chased the cat" to the noun "dog."
* "The woman whom I saw at the store is my neighbor." In this case, "whom" is the relative pronoun connecting the relative clause "whom I saw at the store" to the noun "woman."
Common relative pronouns:
* who: used for people (e.g., "The man who lives next door is a doctor.")
* whom: used for people (e.g., "The woman whom I met at the party is my friend.")
* whose: used for possession (e.g., "The house whose roof is red is on fire.")
* which: used for things (e.g., "The book which I borrowed is due tomorrow.")
* that: used for people or things (e.g., "The car that I bought is a hybrid.")
Let me know if you'd like more examples or explanation!