PRONOUNS Relative

What is a relative pronoun? A relative pronoun is a pronoun that introduces a relative clause. It is called a "relative" pronoun because it "relates" to the word that it modifies. A relative clause can also be called an adjective clause that (like an adjective) describes the subject.

What do you know about clauses? They contain a subject and a verb There are two types, dependent and independent Dependent clauses can’t stand on their own Sooooooo that means that when you use a relative pronoun in a sentence, you have a complex sentence.

Relative Pronouns: Who Whom Whose Which That Whoever What Whomever Whatever Whichever

Example: The person who phoned me last night is my teacher. In the above example, "who“: 1. relates to "person", which it modifies, or describes 2. introduces the relative clause "who phoned me last night"

Watch out though! Some of the words on the relative pronoun list can also act as other types of pronouns. Make sure to look and see how a pronoun is functioning in a sentence before you assume it’s a certain type. Example: Who is going to the store? This who is an interrogative pronoun. The girl who is my friend lives next door. This who is a relative pronoun.

When do you use commas? Punctuating adjective clauses can be tricky. For each sentence, you will have to decide if the adjective clause is essential or nonessential and then use commas accordingly.

Essential Clauses Essential clauses do not require commas. An adjective clause is essential when you need the information it provides. Look at this example: The vegetables that people leave uneaten are often the most nutritious. Vegetables is nonspecific. To know which ones we are talking about, we must have the information in the adjective clause. Thus, the adjective clause is essential and requires no commas.

Nonessential Clauses So if we eliminate vegetables and choose a more specific noun instead, the adjective clause becomes nonessential and does require commas to separate it from the rest of the sentence. Read this revision: Broccoli, which people often leave uneaten, is very nutritious.

Here’s another example: The children who skateboard in the street are especially noisy in the early evening. The clause is essential because otherwise we don’t know what children are skateboarding. Matthew and his sister Loretta, who skateboard in the street, are especially noisy in the early evening. Here the clause is nonessential because we know exactly who is doing the skateboarding.

Here are some more examples or relative clauses: The man who left his wallet is coming back for it. Lisa, who takes ballet with Jan, is my best friend. I do not remember the day that my cousin was born. I won first prize, which was a blue ribbon. The time when I go to bed changes in the summer. My grandfather, who lives on a farm, said he would teach me to ride a horse. I want the dog that is black and white. The school library, which is next to the cafeteria, is my favorite place in the school! Could you bring me the cup that is on the table? Mary, whose mom is a nurse, sits behind me in class.

Combine the following simple sentences, using relative pronouns, to create a complex sentence: 1. I met a man. He had just lost his job. 2. You need something. I will give you that. 3. We got into a train. It was crowded. 4. This is my friend. I was speaking of him. 5. The officer has informed the police. His car was stolen.

On your own: Choose three more simple sentence pairs and change them to complex sentences. You may choose any three you like and may work with your table. Remember to use the relative pronouns to begin the adjective clause.

1. The man betrayed me. I trusted him. 2. The boy was very happy. He won a prize. 3. Give me the book. The book is on the table. 4. We praised John. His performance was remarkable. 5. The boys came late. They were punished.