What are Relative Pronouns?
Relative pronouns connect a dependent clause (a clause that can't stand alone as a sentence) to an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone). They function like a bridge, referring back to a noun in the main clause and adding more information about it.
Common Relative Pronouns
* Who: Refers to people
* Whom: The object form of "who" (used after prepositions or verbs)
* Whose: Shows possession (belonging to someone or something)
* Which: Refers to things or animals
* That: Can refer to people, things, or animals (sometimes interchangeable with "who" or "which")
Examples of Sentences with Relative Pronouns
* The woman who lives next door is a doctor. ("Who" refers back to "woman" and tells us what she does)
* The book that I'm reading is very interesting. ("That" refers back to "book" and gives us more information)
* This is the house where I grew up. ("Where" refers back to "house" and tells us the location)
* The dog, whose tail wags constantly, is very friendly. ("Whose" refers back to "dog" and tells us about its tail)
* I saw the cat which was chasing a mouse. ("Which" refers back to "cat" and tells us what it was doing)
Important Notes:
* Sometimes, relative pronouns can be omitted if they are the object of the relative clause: *The book (that) I'm reading is very interesting.*
* Relative clauses can be restrictive (essential to the meaning of the sentence) or non-restrictive (adding extra information). Punctuation (commas) is used differently for these types.
Let me know if you'd like more examples, have specific scenarios in mind, or would like to delve into restrictive/non-restrictive clauses!