Here's how they work:
* They connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. This dependent clause provides additional information about the noun or noun phrase in the main clause.
* They act as the subject or object within the dependent clause.
Examples:
* The book that I borrowed is on the table.
* "That" refers to "book" and is the subject of the dependent clause "that I borrowed."
* The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
* "Who" refers to "woman" and is the subject of the dependent clause "who lives next door."
* The dog, which I rescued from the shelter, is very friendly.
* "Which" refers to "dog" and is the object of the dependent clause "which I rescued from the shelter."
Common Relative Pronouns:
* who: used for people
* whom: used for people (object case)
* whose: used for possession (of people or things)
* which: used for things
* that: used for people or things (can sometimes replace "who" or "which")
In essence, relative pronouns help to create complex sentences by providing extra information about a specific noun or noun phrase.