Relative Pronoun - Definition, Types and Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Relative Pronoun?
• How to Form Sentences with Relative Pronouns
• Relative Pronouns Examples

Using relative pronouns in sentences can make writing more informative and interesting. Let's learn more in this relative pronoun lesson!

What Is a Relative Pronoun?

A relative pronoun is a word used to connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. It helps provide more information about the noun it follows. 

Common relative pronouns include "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that." These pronouns make sentences more descriptive and complete.

Sentences with Relative Pronouns Examples

1. The girl who sang beautifully won the prize.
2. The movie which we watched was thrilling.
3. This is the dog that always chases cats.
4. The man whom you called is my uncle.
5. She is the artist whose paintings are famous.

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How to Form Sentences with Relative Pronouns

Step 1: Identify the Noun to Describe

Choose the noun that you want to give more information about. This noun will connect to the clause introduced by the relative pronoun.

In this step, the goal is to select the noun (person, place, thing, or idea) that will be described further in the sentence. This noun is usually the subject or object of the relative clause introduced by a relative pronoun (like "who," "which," "that," etc.).

For example:

• The boy is playing outside.
  • In this sentence, the boy is the noun to describe, and the relative clause (e.g., "who is playing outside") will give more information about him.

Identifying the noun to describe helps set up the context for the additional details provided by the relative clause.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Relative Pronoun

Pick a relative pronoun that fits both the type of noun and the function of the clause. A relative pronoun introduces the descriptive clause.

• Use "who" when referring to people.
• Use "which" when referring to things or animals (that are not specifically people).
• Use "that" for both people and things in more informal sentences, or when you want to give an alternative to "who" or "which."
  
  For example:

• "The teacher who helps us is very kind." (Referring to a person)
• "The book which you gave me is amazing." (Referring to a thing)
• "The dog that lives next door is friendly." (Referring to a thing, but in this case, an animal)
  Choosing the correct relative pronoun helps the sentence flow and ensures the information fits logically.

Step 3: Add the Descriptive Clause

Now, you will need to create a clause after the relative pronoun that gives additional information about the noun you selected. 

The clause should explain, describe, or add important details that make the sentence clearer or more interesting.

For example:

• Sentence: "The woman who lives next door is my aunt."
• Descriptive clause: "who lives next door"

The descriptive clause should help the reader understand more about the noun, making the sentence more informative. Make sure this clause adds valuable or meaningful information to the overall sentence.

Step 4: Complete the Sentence

Finally, complete the sentence so that it makes full sense and communicates the main idea clearly. 

The relative clause should fit naturally into the sentence and provide helpful details about the noun.

For example:

• "The boy who won the race is my friend.

This step is about making sure that the sentence ends with a meaningful thought. It is important to double-check that the relative clause fits logically and that the sentence flows smoothly.

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Relative Pronouns Examples