Relative Pronoun: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Relative Pronouns in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Relative Pronoun?
Relative Pronoun Definition: A relative pronoun is a word that introduces a relative clause and connects it to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, that.
Why are Relative Pronouns Important? They help us add extra information about a noun without starting a new sentence, making our writing clearer and more interesting.
Function in Grammar
Relative pronouns connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. They introduce relative clauses, which give more information about someone or something mentioned in the main clause. For example:
- The boy who won the race is my friend.
- This is the book that I borrowed.
- She has a dog which loves to play.
Relative Pronoun vs Personal Pronoun: Relative pronouns connect clauses, while personal pronouns replace nouns.
Common Relative Pronouns
| Relative Pronoun | Used For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| who | People (subject) | The girl who called you is my sister. |
| whom | People (object) | The man whom you met is my uncle. |
| whose | Possession | The boy whose bike was stolen is sad. |
| which | Things/Animals | The car which is red is mine. |
| that | People/Things/Animals | The book that you gave me is interesting. |
Relative pronouns help connect extra information to nouns in a sentence.
Relative Pronoun Challenge!
Can you identify the relative pronouns in these sentences?
- The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
- This is the cake that I baked.
- He has a friend whose father is a pilot.
Show Answers
- who
- that
- whose
Examples of Relative Pronouns in Sentences
- The teacher who helped me was kind.
- This is the house that Jack built.
- The dog which barked all night is tired.
- The student whose homework was late apologized.
- The man whom you saw is my uncle.
- She wore a dress that she made herself.
- The movie which we watched was exciting.
- The girl who won the prize is my cousin.
- The car that is parked outside is new.
- The book which I borrowed is interesting.
Notice how each relative pronoun connects extra information to a noun in the sentence.
Types of Relative Pronouns
- Who: Refers to people (subject)
- Whom: Refers to people (object)
- Whose: Shows possession
- Which: Refers to things/animals
- That: Refers to people, things, or animals (in defining clauses)
Special Rules and Notes
- Use "who" for people, "which" for things/animals, and "that" for both in defining clauses.
- "Whom" is formal and often replaced by "who" in spoken English.
- "Whose" shows possession and can refer to people or things.
- Do not use "that" after a comma or a preposition.
- Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses that describe or identify nouns.
- Some relative pronouns can be omitted in informal speech (e.g., "The book (that) I read was good.")
Quick Quiz: Spot the Relative Pronoun!
Which words are relative pronouns in these sentences?
- The girl who won the race is my friend.
- This is the book that I borrowed.
- The car which is red is mine.
- The man whom you met is my uncle.
- The boy whose bike was stolen is sad.
Answers: who, that, which, whom, whose
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a relative pronoun?
A relative pronoun is a word that introduces a relative clause and connects it to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, and that.
What are examples of relative pronouns?
Examples include who, whom, whose, which, and that.
How do you use a relative pronoun in a sentence?
Relative pronouns connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. For example: The boy who won the race is my friend.
What is the difference between who and whom?
Who is used as the subject of a clause, while whom is used as the object.
Can "that" be used for people and things?
Yes, "that" can be used for people, things, or animals in defining clauses.
When do you use "whose" as a relative pronoun?
"Whose" is used to show possession and can refer to both people and things. For example: "The boy whose bike was stolen" or "The house whose roof is red".
Can relative pronouns be omitted from sentences?
Yes, in informal speech, some relative pronouns can be omitted when they function as objects. For example: "The book (that) I read was good."
Why are relative pronouns important?
Relative pronouns help us add extra information about a noun without starting a new sentence, making our writing clearer and more interesting.
Conclusion
Understanding relative pronouns is key to writing and speaking English clearly and accurately. Relative pronouns help you connect ideas and add detail to your sentences. Practice identifying and using them in everything you read or write. The more you practice, the easier it gets!