Relative Pronouns
* Definition: 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 and refer back to a noun or pronoun in the independent clause.
* Examples: who, whom, whose, which, that, what
How they work:
* Example 1: "The book that I read was interesting."
* "That" refers back to "book" and connects the dependent clause ("that I read") to the independent clause ("The book was interesting").
* Example 2: "The woman who lives next door is a doctor."
* "Who" refers back to "woman" and connects the dependent clause ("who lives next door") to the independent clause ("The woman is a doctor").
Intensive Pronouns
* Definition: Intensive pronouns emphasize a noun or pronoun in the same sentence. They add emphasis by reiterating the noun or pronoun they refer to.
* Examples: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
How they work:
* Example 1: "I myself baked the cake."
* "Myself" emphasizes "I" and makes it clear that the speaker personally baked the cake.
* Example 2: "The cat licked itself clean."
* "Itself" emphasizes "cat" and shows that the cat cleaned itself.
Key Differences:
* Function: Relative pronouns connect clauses, while intensive pronouns emphasize nouns or pronouns.
* Placement: Relative pronouns introduce dependent clauses, while intensive pronouns are placed within the main clause.
Remember:
* "That" and "which" can be relative pronouns, but "that" is generally used for restrictive clauses (essential information) while "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses (extra information, set off by commas).
Let me know if you have any other questions!