Relative pronouns: What they are and what they do

Relative pronouns are words that connect a dependent clause (also called a relative clause) to an independent clause. They act like a bridge between the two, and they also help to identify or describe the noun or pronoun in the main clause that the relative clause is referring to.  

Think of it this way: a relative pronoun “relates” the information in the relative clause back to something in the main clause.  

Here are the most common relative pronouns in English

• Who: Used for people (subject); but note that we use who when we personify animals or objects in stories.
  • Example: “The woman who lives next door is a doctor.”  
• Whom: Used for people (object)
  • Example: “The man whom I met at the party was very interesting.”
• Whose: Used for people or things (possessive)
  • Example: “The dog whose tail was wagging was very friendly.”
• Which: Used for things
  • Example: “The book which I read last night was excellent.”
• What: Used for people or things (can often replace who, whom, or which in less formal situations)
  • Example: “The car that I want to buy is red.”

What do they do?

• Act as a subject or object within the relative clause: They perform a grammatical function within the relative clause itself.  
• Connect the relative clause to the main clause: They create a link between the two clauses, showing how they relate to each other.  
• Introduce relative clauses: They begin the dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause.  

Examples

• “The house that Jack built is very old.” (The relative pronoun “that” connects the clause “that Jack built” to the main clause “The house is very old.” It also acts as the object of the verb “built” within the relative clause.)
• “The student who studied hard passed the exam.” (The relative pronoun “who” connects the clause “who studied hard” to the main clause “The student passed the exam.” It also acts as the subject of the verb “studied” within the relative clause.)  

Relative pronouns are essential for creating complex sentences in English and for providing detailed descriptions and information.

In summary

In the end, relative pronouns are like the glue that holds complex sentences together, making our language richer and more precise. By acting as bridges between clauses and providing key details, they let us paint vivid pictures with words—whether it’s the woman who lives next door or the book that captivated us. Understanding how to use “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” and “that” not only sharpens your grammar but also unlocks the power to express ideas with clarity and flair. So, next time you craft a sentence, give a nod to these little connectors—they’re doing more work than you might think!