Relative Pronouns

Definition

Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses, connecting a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. They help provide more information about a person, thing, or idea mentioned in the sentence, and commonly include words like 'who,' 'whom,' 'whose,' 'which,' and 'that.' Understanding relative pronouns is essential for proper pronoun use, maintaining subject-verb agreement, and achieving clarity and conciseness in writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Relative pronouns can serve different grammatical roles in a sentence, such as subject, object, or possessive.
2. 'Who' and 'whom' are used for people, while 'which' and 'that' are used for animals or things.
3. The choice between 'which' and 'that' depends on whether the clause is restrictive (essential to the meaning) or non-restrictive (additional information).
4. Using relative pronouns correctly enhances clarity by linking ideas in a sentence without creating run-on sentences.
5. In writing, overusing relative clauses can lead to wordiness; therefore, it's important to balance their use with concise language.

Review Questions

• How do relative pronouns function in sentences, and what impact do they have on subject-verb agreement?
  • Relative pronouns connect clauses to nouns or pronouns, which helps clarify relationships in sentences. When using relative pronouns, it's important to ensure that the antecedent agrees with the verb in terms of number and person. For instance, if the antecedent is plural, the verb must also reflect that plural form, helping maintain subject-verb agreement throughout the sentence.
• Discuss the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses introduced by relative pronouns and how they affect writing clarity.
  • Restrictive clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify and are critical for understanding the meaning of the sentence. These clauses typically use 'that' without commas. Non-restrictive clauses add extra information but can be omitted without losing the core meaning of the sentence; they usually employ 'which' and are set off by commas. Recognizing this difference enhances writing clarity by ensuring that readers understand which information is necessary versus supplementary.
• Evaluate how improper use of relative pronouns can lead to ambiguity in writing, providing examples to illustrate your points.
  • Improper use of relative pronouns can create confusion or ambiguity. For example, saying 'The dog that chased the cat was barking loudly' is clear; however, if one said 'The dog which chased the cat was barking loudly,' it could imply a different nuance if a non-restrictive clause was intended. Additionally, mixing up 'who' and 'whom' can lead to awkwardness in sentences. Therefore, careful selection of relative pronouns is crucial for clear communication in writing.

Related terms

Antecedent:

The noun or pronoun that a relative pronoun refers back to within a sentence.

Subordinate Clause: A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and is dependent on a main clause; often initiated by relative pronouns.

Restrictive Clause: A type of relative clause that provides essential information about the noun it modifies and is not set off by commas.