Relative pronouns are used to introduce relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun or pronoun that has already been mentioned. They can be used to identify, describe, or quantify the noun or pronoun they refer to.
The most common relative pronouns are who, which, and that.
Who is used to refer to people.
The man who saved the cat is a hero.
Which is used to refer to things or animals.
The car which is parked outside is mine.
That can be used to refer to people, things, or animals. It is often used instead of who or which in informal speech or writing.
The person that I saw yesterday was your friend.
Other relative pronouns include:
Where refers to places.
When refers to times.
Why refers to reasons.
What refers to things or actions.
Relative clauses can be defining or non-defining.
Defining clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun they refer to. They are not set off by commas.
The man who saved the cat is a hero.
Non-defining clauses provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they refer to, but they are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are set off by commas.
The cat, which was a stray, was very grateful to the man who saved it.
Here are some examples of how relative pronouns can be used in sentences:
The book that I am reading is very interesting.
The car that is parked outside is my neighbor's.
The woman who is talking to the man is my sister.
The place where I grew up is very beautiful.
The time when I met you was unforgettable.
The reason why I am late is because I had to work late.
The thing that I want most in the world is to be happy.
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Nov 23 - 2023