Pronouns
* Definition: Pronouns are words that replace nouns to avoid repetition.
* Examples: I, you, he, she, it, we, they, me, him, her, us, them, mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs
* Function: Pronouns act as subjects, objects, or possessives in a sentence.
* Examples:
* Subject: He went to the store.
* Object: I saw him at the park.
* Possessive: That is her book.
Relative Pronouns
* Definition: Relative pronouns connect a dependent clause to a main clause, modifying a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They also act as the subject or object of the dependent clause.
* Examples: who, whom, whose, which, that
* Function:
* Connect clauses: They introduce a clause that describes the noun or pronoun they refer to.
* Act as subject or object: They can function as the subject or object of the dependent clause.
* Examples:
* Subject: The woman who lives next door is a doctor. ("Who" refers to "woman" and is the subject of the clause "who lives next door.")
* Object: The book that I read was interesting. ("That" refers to "book" and is the object of the clause "that I read.")
Key Differences
* Role in Sentence: Pronouns replace nouns. Relative pronouns connect clauses and modify nouns.
* Function in Clause: Pronouns act as subjects, objects, or possessives in a single clause. Relative pronouns function as subjects or objects within the dependent clause they introduce.
* Connection to Main Clause: Relative pronouns create a direct connection between the dependent clause and the main clause. Pronouns do not.
In summary:
* Pronouns are substitutes for nouns, while relative pronouns connect clauses and modify nouns.
* They both have important roles in grammar, but their functions are distinct.