Relative Pronouns
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What are Relative Pronouns? Examples & Usage | Tips and Tricks
Introduction
In grammar, a pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun. Relative pronouns, on the other hand, are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. They serve as a link between the two clauses and make sentences more concise and precise.
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- 1 What are Relative Pronouns? Examples & Usage | Tips and Tricks
Explanation of Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns are words that refer to a noun or pronoun that comes before them. They are used to introduce a relative clause, which describes or gives more information about the noun or pronoun that they refer to.
The most common relative pronouns in English are who, whom, whose, that, and which. Who and whom refer to people, while whose refers to possession. That and which refer to things.
Table of Relative Pronouns
Importance of Understanding Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns are crucial in making sentences more concise and precise. Without them, sentences can be long and confusing, making it hard for the reader or listener to understand the message. Understanding relative pronouns can also help writers and speakers communicate their thoughts more effectively, making them more convincing and persuasive.
Example in Simple Sentences
The boy who is playing with the ball is my neighbor.
The cake, which was baked by my mother, is delicious.
The shirt, that I bought last week, is my favorite.
Examples in Complicated Sentences
The people, whom I met at the conference, were very friendly.
The company, whose profits have increased, is expanding.
The school, that my sister attended, is known for its excellent teachers.
Tips and Tricks for Using Relative Pronouns
Identify the noun or pronoun that the relative pronoun refers to.
Use who and whom for people, that and which for things.
Use who for the subject of the dependent clause, whom for the object.
Use that for essential information and which for non-essential information.
Use whose to show possession
Using Relative Pronouns in Writing
Relative pronouns are an essential part of writing, especially when constructing complex sentences. When writing, it’s important to use the appropriate relative pronoun to connect ideas and make the sentence flow smoothly. A common mistake is to misuse relative pronouns, leading to confusion and unclear meaning.
Using Relative Pronouns in Speech
While relative pronouns are more commonly used in writing, they are also useful in a speech to connect ideas and create a more coherent flow of speech. In the speech, it’s important to use the appropriate relative pronoun to avoid confusion and ensure that the listener understands the intended meaning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using “that” instead of “who” or “whom” when referring to a person
Using “which” instead of “that” when referring to a restrictive clause
Using “who” instead of “whom” as the object of a preposition
Failing to use a comma to separate the relative clause from the main clause
Overusing relative pronouns, leads to wordiness and confusion
Correct: The book which I read last night was very interesting.”
Explanation: In the correct example, the relative pronoun “which” is used to refer to the noun “book”. “Which” is the appropriate relative pronoun to use when referring to inanimate objects.
Incorrect: The book who I read last night was very interesting.
In the incorrect example, the relative pronoun “who” is used instead of “which”. “Who” is a relative pronoun used to refer to people, not inanimate objects. So, the correct relative pronoun “which” should have been used to refer to the book.
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