Relative Pronoun

What are relative pronouns? This is a question that often confuses people. Simply put, relative pronouns are words that connect dependent clause to the independent clause. They are used to introduce a relative clause, which provides additional information about the noun or pronoun that they follow. In this blog post, we will discuss what is relative pronouns, relative pronoun examples and discuss how to use them correctly. We will also answer the question: “What is a relative pronoun?” 

So if you’re curious to learn more, keep reading!

What is a relative pronoun?

A relative pronoun is a word that connects or combines clauses together. It is used to identify or refer to a noun or pronoun in the other clause. There are five relative pronouns: who, which, whom, whose, and that.

When is a relative pronoun used?

 A relative pronoun is used to join two clauses together. The relative pronoun acts like a subject or object in the subordinate clause. 

Here are some uses and relative pronoun examples:

– To introduce a relative clause that modifies a noun:

I saw the man who you were talking to.

The book that I’m reading is very interesting.

– To join two independent clauses together:

I was tired after running, but I went to the party anyway.

She didn’t know how to swim, so she stayed on the beach.

– To replace a personal pronoun:

Do you know the person whose car this is?

I gave some money to the man who was begging.

– To replace a demonstrative pronoun:

This is the house in which I was born.

The store where I bought my dress is in the sale.

Types of a relative pronoun:

Possessive Relative Pronouns:

These words express possession and are used to modify a noun or pronoun. The possessive relative pronouns are “whose,” “of which,” and “of whom.”

– Whose is used to indicate possession by someone. For example, “The book whose cover was ripped was thrown away.”

– Of which is used to indicate possession by something. For example, “The computer of which I am writing this sentence is new.”

– Of whom is used to indicate possession by someone. For example, “The professor of whom I am speaking is absent today.”

Reflexive Relative Pronouns:

These words are used when the antecedent and the relative pronoun are the same. The reflexive relative pronouns are “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” and “themselves.”

– Himself refers to the subject of the sentence when it is a male. For example, “The athlete himself was surprised by his own results.”

– Herself refers to the subject of the sentence when it is a female. For example, “The athlete herself was surprised by her own results.”

– Itself refers to the subject of the sentence when it is not a person. For example, “The table itself was too heavy to move.”

– Themselves refers to the subject of the sentence when it is a group of people. For example, “The athletes themselves were surprised by their own results.”

Grammar Rules for using Relative Pronoun:

Here are some grammar rules for using relative pronouns:

-A relative pronoun links a dependent clause to the main clause.

-The most common error while using relative pronouns is to use the wrong pronoun.

-The relative pronoun must agree with the noun it refers to in terms of number (singular or plural) and gender (masculine, feminine or neuter).

-When the relative pronoun is the subject of the dependent clause, it can be omitted.

Conclusion

Relative Pronoun is a word that introduces an adjective clause. It stands for the noun or pronoun that is being modified by the adjective clause. Relative pronouns can be divided into two categories: restrictive and nonrestrictive. It is important to remember the rules and their differences in both writing and speaking to avoid committing any mistake in communication.