Relative Pronouns & Clauses: Adding Clarity and Precision to Your Writing and Speech

Part I: Introduction

Relative pronouns and clauses are essential components of the English language that help us provide additional information and context in our sentences. These linguistic tools enable us to create more complex and meaningful sentences by connecting related ideas or describing specific elements. In this lesson, we will explore the world of relative pronouns and clauses, understanding their significance and mastering their usage.

A. Definition of Relative Pronouns Relative pronouns are words used to introduce relative clauses, which are dependent clauses that provide essential information about a noun in the main clause. They bridge the gap between two related ideas and help us avoid repetitive or awkward sentence structures.

B. Importance of Relative Pronouns and Clauses Relative pronouns and clauses enhance the clarity and coherence of our writing and speaking. By learning how to use them effectively, you’ll be able to convey your ideas more precisely and engage your audience with well-structured and compelling sentences.

C. Purpose of Relative Pronouns Relative pronouns serve the purpose of connecting or referring to nouns or pronouns in the main clause. They allow us to specify which person, thing, or idea we are talking about, add descriptive details, and create a more vivid and comprehensive picture in the minds of our readers or listeners.

D. The most common relative pronouns are who/whom, whoever/whomever, whose, that, and which These relative pronouns play a central role in constructing relative clauses and are the focus of our exploration in this lesson. Understanding how to use them correctly will empower you to express your ideas with precision and eloquence.

Let’s delve into the world of relative pronouns and clauses, starting with a closer look at the most common ones: who/whom, whoever/whomever, whose, that, and which.

II. Types of Relative Pronouns

A. Who/Whom

1. Use in Referring to People:

The relative pronouns “who” and “whom” are used when referring to people. They help connect the main clause with a relative clause that provides more information about a specific person.

• “Who” is typically used as the subject of a relative clause when the person is performing an action in that clause.
  • Example: “She is the one who saved the cat from the tree.”
• “Whom” is typically used as the object of a verb or preposition in the relative clause when the person is the recipient of the action.
  • Example: “The person whom I invited to the party is my best friend.”

2. Examples:

Let’s explore more examples to better understand the use of “who” and “whom” when referring to people:

• “The detective, who solved the case, received a promotion.”
  • In this example, “who” introduces the relative clause, and it refers to the detective, who is the subject of the clause (“solved the case”).
• “The woman whom the students admired was their teacher.”
  • Here, “whom” introduces the relative clause and represents the woman, who is the object of the verb “admired” in the clause.
• “The person who arrived late missed the opening ceremony.”
  • “Who” in this sentence serves as the subject of the relative clause, and it refers to the person who arrived late.

Understanding the distinction between “who” and “whom” is essential for using relative pronouns accurately when referring to people in your writing and speech.

II. Types of Relative Pronouns

A. Who/Whom

1. Use in Referring to People:

The relative pronouns “who” and “whom” are used when referring to people. They help connect the main clause with a relative clause that provides more information about a specific person.

• “Who” is typically used as the subject of a relative clause when the person is performing an action in that clause.
  • Example: “She is the one who saved the cat from the tree.”
• “Whom” is typically used as the object of a verb or preposition in the relative clause when the person is the recipient of the action.
  • Example: “The person whom I invited to the party is my best friend.”

2. Examples:

Let’s explore more examples to better understand the use of “who” and “whom” when referring to people:

• “The detective, who solved the case, received a promotion.”
  • In this example, “who” introduces the relative clause, and it refers to the detective, who is the subject of the clause (“solved the case”).
• “The woman whom the students admired was their teacher.”
  • Here, “whom” introduces the relative clause and represents the woman, who is the object of the verb “admired” in the clause.
• “The person who arrived late missed the opening ceremony.”
  • “Who” in this sentence serves as the subject of the relative clause, and it refers to the person who arrived late.

Understanding the distinction between “who” and “whom” is essential for using relative pronouns accurately when referring to people in your writing and speech.

Using “Who” (as the subject):

1. She is the one who helped me with my homework.
2. The artist who painted that mural is incredibly talented.
3. The doctor who treated the patient is highly respected in the field.
4. Who is the person who won the prestigious award?
5. The team who won the championship celebrated all night.

Using “Whom” (as the object):

1. The woman whom I met at the conference is a renowned scientist.
2. To whom did you give the letter?
3. The student whom the teacher praised earned a scholarship.
4. Whom should I contact for further information?
5. The manager, whom the employees admire, is retiring.

Understanding the distinction between “who” and “whom” can help you use them correctly in various contexts when referring to people.

B. Which

1. Use in Referring to Things:

The relative pronoun “which” is primarily used when referring to things, animals, or concepts. It connects the main clause to a relative clause that provides additional information about a specific item or idea.

2. Examples:

Here are 10 examples using “which” when referring to things:

Using “Which” as a subject:

1. The book, which is on the top shelf, is my favorite novel.
2. The car, which was parked in the driveway, wouldn’t start.
3. The laptop, which I bought last year, is already outdated.
4. The dress, which she wore to the party, received many compliments.
5. The movie, which we watched last night, was a thriller.

Using “Which” as an object:

1. I need a new phone, which I can use for work.
2. The necklace, which she lost, was a family heirloom.
3. The decision, which we made together, had a significant impact.
4. He showed me his new painting, which impressed me.
5. The computer, which the company provided, is quite powerful.

Using “Which” in non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information):

1. The Eiffel Tower, which is located in Paris, is an iconic symbol of France.
2. The car, which I borrowed from my friend, broke down on the highway.
3. The project, which we’ve been working on tirelessly, is almost complete.
4. The cat, which my neighbor adopted, is very friendly.
5. The concert, which was held at the stadium, drew a huge crowd.

Understanding the usage of “which” is crucial when referring to things, as it helps provide clarity and detail in your writing and speech.

C. That

1. Use in Referring to People or Things:

The relative pronoun “that” is versatile and can be used when referring to both people and things. It connects the main clause to a relative clause that provides essential information about a specific person or item.

2. Examples:

Here are some examples using “that” when referring to both people and things:

Referring to People:

1. The doctor that saved my life is a remarkable individual.
2. The teacher that inspired me to pursue art retired last year.
3. The student that won the scholarship is my cousin.
4. The neighbor that helps us with gardening is very kind.
5. The friend that supported me throughout my journey is invaluable.

Referring to Things:

1. The book that I’m reading is a classic.
2. The car that I drive to work is fuel-efficient.
3. The laptop that I use for work is getting slow.
4. The painting that hung on the wall is a masterpiece.
5. The house that we bought last year is in a great neighborhood.

In both cases, “that” serves to connect the main clause with a relative clause, providing specific details about either a person or a thing. Understanding when to use “that” is important for constructing clear and concise sentences.

D. Whose

1. Use in Showing Possession:

The relative pronoun “whose” is used to indicate possession or ownership. It connects the main clause to a relative clause that provides information about the possessor or owner of something.

2. Examples:

Here are examples using “whose” to demonstrate possession:

1. The woman whose purse was stolen reported the incident to the police.
2. The company, whose products are known for their quality, is expanding rapidly.
3. The student whose essay received the highest grade was praised by the professor.
4. The team, whose performance was outstanding, won the championship.
5. The house, whose windows were broken during the storm, needed repairs.

In each of these examples, “whose” is used to indicate possession or ownership, connecting the main clause to a relative clause that provides additional information about the possessor or owner of something. Understanding the usage of “whose” is essential for expressing possession accurately in your writing and speech.

III. Relative Clauses

A. What Are Relative Clauses?

Relative clauses, also known as adjective clauses, are a type of dependent clause that provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. They serve to give more context or detail about the noun they modify. Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns (e.g., who, whom, whose, that, which) or relative adverbs (e.g., when, where, why).

B. The Function of Relative Clauses

Relative clauses serve several important functions:

1. Adding Information: They provide extra details about a noun, making the sentence more informative and descriptive.
2. Avoiding Repetition: Relative clauses help avoid repetition by allowing you to refer back to a noun without restating it.
3. Defining and Non-defining: Relative clauses can be either defining (restrictive) or non-defining (non-restrictive). Defining clauses are essential to the sentence’s meaning and aren’t set off by commas, while non-defining clauses provide additional, non-essential information and are set off by commas.

C. Examples of Relative Clauses

Here are some examples of relative clauses in both defining and non-defining contexts:

Defining Relative Clauses:

1. The car that I bought last week is blue. (defining the specific car)
2. The book that is on the shelf is mine. (identifying a particular book)
3. The woman who is speaking is our CEO. (narrowing down which woman)

Non-defining Relative Clauses:

1. My brother, who is an architect, designed our house. (extra information about your brother)
2. The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is a famous landmark. (additional details about the tower)
3. My cat, whose name is Whiskers, is very playful. (providing the cat’s name)

In defining clauses, the relative clause is essential to understand the noun it modifies. In non-defining clauses, the information is extra and can be omitted without altering the main message. Understanding the distinction between these types of relative clauses is crucial for effective communication.

IV. Using Relative Pronouns in Sentences

A. Restrictive Relative Clauses

1. Definition:

Restrictive relative clauses, also known as defining relative clauses, provide essential information that is needed to identify or specify the noun in the main clause. They restrict or define the noun they modify, and omitting them would result in a less clear or incomplete sentence. Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas.

2. Examples:

Here are examples of restrictive relative clauses:

1. The car that I bought last week is blue. (This clause specifies which car is being referred to; without it, the sentence would be unclear.)
2. The book that is on the shelf is mine. (This clause identifies the specific book, eliminating ambiguity.)
3. The student who missed the exam is worried about his grade. (This clause specifies the student in question.)

B. Non-Restrictive Relative Clauses

1. Definition:

Non-restrictive relative clauses, also known as non-defining relative clauses, provide additional information about the noun in the main clause. However, this information is not essential to understand the main message of the sentence. Non-restrictive clauses are set off by commas.

2. Examples:

Here are examples of non-restrictive relative clauses:

1. My brother, who is an architect, designed our house. (The clause provides additional information about your brother but does not change the main point of the sentence.)
2. The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is a famous landmark. (This clause gives extra details about the Eiffel Tower without altering the main idea.)
3. My cat, whose name is Whiskers, is very playful. (The clause adds the cat’s name as extra information.)

C. Punctuation Rules for Non-Restrictive Clauses:

Non-restrictive relative clauses are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. It’s important to use commas correctly to indicate that the information provided is not essential for understanding the main message. Failure to use commas properly can lead to confusion or ambiguity in your writing.

Understanding the distinction between restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses and their associated punctuation rules is crucial for clear and effective communication.

V. Common Mistakes to Avoid

A. Avoiding Dangling Modifiers

Dangling modifiers are misplaced words or phrases that can lead to confusion or humorous misunderstandings in a sentence. They often occur when the subject of the main clause doesn’t match the introductory phrase or clause. To avoid dangling modifiers, ensure that the subject and the modifying phrase are logically connected.

B. Proper Usage of Whom vs. Who

Using “whom” and “who” correctly can be challenging, but it’s important to get it right in formal writing. “Who” is used as the subject of a verb, while “whom” is used as the object. To determine whether to use “who” or “whom,” you can rephrase the sentence in your mind, replacing the relative pronoun with “he/she” or “him/her.” If “he” or “she” fits, use “who”; if “him” or “her” fits, use “whom.”

C. Avoiding Ambiguity

Ambiguity occurs when a sentence can be interpreted in multiple ways, making it unclear or confusing. To avoid ambiguity, ensure that your sentences are structured and punctuated in a way that leaves no room for misinterpretation. Consider the placement of relative clauses, modifiers, and other elements in your sentences to enhance clarity.

Addressing these common mistakes will help you communicate more effectively and produce clear, error-free writing.

A. Avoiding Dangling Modifiers:

Incorrect: Running to catch the bus, my phone fell out of my pocket.

• In this sentence, it sounds like “my phone” is running to catch the bus, which is a humorous and confusing interpretation. The modifier “Running to catch the bus” is not clearly connected to the correct subject.

Corrected: While I was running to catch the bus, my phone fell out of my pocket.

• This revision clarifies that “I” was running to catch the bus, and the modifier is now properly connected to the subject.

B. Proper Usage of Whom vs. Who:

Incorrect: The person who I met yesterday was very friendly.

• In this sentence, “who” is incorrectly used as the object of the verb “met.” It should be “whom.”

Corrected: The person whom I met yesterday was very friendly.

• This revision uses “whom” correctly as the object of the verb “met.”

C. Avoiding Ambiguity:

Incorrect: I saw the man with the telescope.

• This sentence is ambiguous because it could mean that either “I” or “the man” has the telescope.

Corrected: Using the telescope, I saw the man.

• This revision removes the ambiguity by specifying that “I” is the one with the telescope.

By addressing these common mistakes, you can improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing and avoid misunderstandings or confusion.

VI. Practice Exercises

A. Sentences with Gaps for Relative Pronouns

In this exercise, you will be provided with sentences with gaps where relative pronouns should be inserted. Your task is to choose the appropriate relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, that, or which) to complete the sentence correctly. Pay attention to whether the relative clause is defining (restrictive) or non-defining (non-restrictive).

Example:

• The person ______ helped us is my cousin.
  • You would choose the appropriate relative pronoun to complete the sentence.

B. Identifying Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Clauses

In this exercise, you will be given sentences containing relative clauses. Your task is to identify whether each relative clause is restrictive (defining) or non-restrictive (non-defining). You should also determine if the punctuation (commas) is used correctly for non-restrictive clauses.

Example:

• My dog, which is a Labrador, loves to play fetch.
  • You would identify that this is a non-restrictive clause because it adds additional information about the dog but is not essential for understanding the sentence.

These exercises will help you practice and reinforce your understanding of relative pronouns and clauses.

A. Sentences with Gaps for Relative Pronouns

Exercise 1:

• The book __________ I borrowed from the library was excellent. Explanation: You need to choose the correct relative pronoun for the sentence.

Exercise 2:

• The man __________ I spoke to is my uncle. Explanation: Determine the appropriate relative pronoun for the sentence.

Exercise 3:

• The restaurant __________ we had dinner last night had delicious food. Explanation: Select the suitable relative pronoun to complete the sentence.

Exercise 4:

• The car __________ was parked in front of the house was mine. Explanation: Choose the correct relative pronoun.

Exercise 5:

• The movie __________ we watched on Saturday was a comedy. Explanation: Find the right relative pronoun for the sentence.

Answers for Exercise A:

1. that
2. whom
3. where
4. that
5. which

B. Identifying Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Clauses

Exercise 1:

• My friend, who is a doctor, lives in the city. Explanation: Is this a restrictive or non-restrictive clause?

Exercise 2:

• The car that I bought last week is blue. Explanation: Determine whether this is a restrictive or non-restrictive clause.

Exercise 3:

• The cat, which is very playful, belongs to my neighbor. Explanation: Is this clause restrictive or non-restrictive?

Exercise 4:

• My grandmother who lives in the countryside grows her own vegetables. Explanation: Identify the type of clause used.

Exercise 5:

• The book, which I borrowed from the library, was excellent. Explanation: Determine if the clause is restrictive or non-restrictive.

Answers for Exercise B:

1. Non-restrictive
2. Restrictive
3. Non-restrictive
4. Non-restrictive
5. Non-restrictive

These exercises should help you practice using relative pronouns correctly and identifying the types of relative clauses in sentences.

VII. Recap and Conclusion

A. Summary of Key Points

In this lesson on relative pronouns and clauses, we covered the following key points:

• Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, that, which) connect main clauses to relative clauses, providing additional information about nouns.
• Relative clauses can be restrictive (defining) or non-restrictive (non-defining), with the latter set off by commas.
• Relative pronouns help avoid redundancy and improve sentence clarity.
• Common mistakes to avoid include dangling modifiers, improper usage of “whom” and “who,” and ambiguity in sentences.

B. Importance of Using Relative Pronouns Correctly

Using relative pronouns correctly is essential for effective communication in both written and spoken language. Accurate usage of relative pronouns and clauses enhances the clarity and coherence of your writing, making your ideas more precise and engaging. Proper usage also prevents misunderstandings and ensures that your message is conveyed accurately.

C. Encouragement to Practice and Improve Relative Clause Usage

As with any aspect of language, practice is crucial for improvement. To become proficient in using relative pronouns and clauses, it’s essential to apply the knowledge gained in this lesson to real-world writing and communication. With practice, you’ll develop a stronger command of these structures, leading to more sophisticated and compelling language use.

Remember that mastering relative pronouns and clauses takes time and effort, so don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. The more you practice, the more confident and effective you’ll become in using them to enhance your communication.

Exercise

Fill in the blank with the appropriate relative pronoun:

1. The person __________ I admire is my teacher.
2. The cake, __________ is on the table, looks delicious.
3. He is the one __________ won the first prize.
4. The dog, __________ name is Max, is very friendly.
5. I know the woman to __________ you are referring.
6. The student __________ essay was excellent received an award.
7. The car __________ you parked in the driveway is mine.
8. The book, __________ cover is torn, is still worth reading.
9. The person to __________ the award goes is very talented.
10. The movie, __________ we watched last night, was a thriller.
11. The teacher __________ the students adore is retiring.
12. This is the place __________ we used to go for picnics.
13. The company, __________ products are well-known, is expanding.
14. The artist, __________ paintings are on display, will give a talk.
15. The restaurant, __________ we dined at last week, has great food.
16. The car, __________ he drove to the party, was red.
17. The friend __________ you mentioned is my cousin.
18. The book, __________ author is famous, is a classic.
19. The person to __________ I spoke is my boss.
20. The house, __________ we visited, was beautiful.
21. The cat, __________ you adopted, is very playful.
22. The manager, __________ employees admire, is retiring.
23. The project, __________ we’ve been working on tirelessly, is almost complete.
24. The game, __________ we played, was exciting.
25. The doctor, __________ treated the patient, was very kind.
26. The student __________ essay received the highest grade was happy.
27. The car, __________ you drove, needs repairs.
28. The laptop, __________ I use for work, is getting slow.
29. The city, __________ I live, is peaceful.
30. The team, __________ performance was outstanding, won the championship.
31. The woman __________ purse was stolen reported the incident.
32. The woman, __________ I met at the conference, is a renowned scientist.
33. The decision, __________ we made together, had a significant impact.
34. The neighbor, __________ house is next to mine, has a lovely garden.
35. The movie, __________ we watched on Saturday, was a comedy.
36. The dog, __________ barked loudly, frightened the cat.
37. The company, __________ products are eco-friendly, is growing rapidly.
38. The dress, __________ she wore to the party, received many compliments.
39. The cat, __________ name is Whiskers, is very friendly.
40. The company, __________ logo is distinctive, is successful.
41. The car, __________ you bought last week, is fuel-efficient.
42. The friend, __________ supported me, is invaluable.
43. The athlete, __________ won the gold medal, is a hero.
44. The event, __________ took place last night, was spectacular.
45. The painting, __________ hung on the wall, is a masterpiece.
46. The book, __________ I borrowed from the library, was excellent.
47. The student, __________ the teacher praised, earned a scholarship.
48. The movie, __________ we saw at the cinema, was a thriller.
49. The person, __________ you invited to the party, is my best friend.
50. The restaurant, __________ we had dinner last night, had delicious food.

Answers:

1. whom
2. which
3. who
4. whose
5. whom
6. whose
7. that
8. whose
9. whom
10. which
11. whom
12. where
13. whose
14. whose
15. where
16. whom
17. whom
18. whose
19. whom
20. which
21. whom
22. whose
23. which
24. which
25. who
26. whose
27. which
28. which
29. where
30. whose
31. whose
32. whom
33. which
34. whose
35. which
36. which
37. whose
38. which
39. whose
40. which
41. which
42. who
43. who
44. which
45. which
46. which
47. whom
48. which
49. whom
50. which

These questions and answers should help reinforce your understanding of how to use relative pronouns in various contexts.

Further Reading

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=52&v=ZHzKQkX3IxI&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Feducationbe.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjQsMjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo