Relative Pronouns and Relative Adverbs

Who, whom, whose, which, that Relative Pronouns A relative pronoun is a word that relates to a noun. Example: The person in the blue suit is who you need to meet today. The five relative pronouns that we will discuss are: Who, whom, whose, which, that

Who is used to give information about people Who is used to give information about people. In the dependent clause, who can be replaced by a subject pronoun (he, she, or they). Example: This is the lady who saved our little brother. Whom is used to give information about people. In the dependent clause, whom can be replaced by an object pronoun (him, her, or them). Example: This is the lady whom we need to thank. Whose is used to show possession. Whose is used to show possession. Example: This is the lady whose arms were scratched when she climbed up the tree.

Which adds extra information about an object Which adds extra information about an object. It is always set off by commas. Example: The tree, which has no leaves, is hard to climb. That gives necessary information about an object. It is not set off by commas. Example: The lady carried a stick that was long and pointy.

Let’s Practice! Underline the relative pronoun in each sentence. Whose blanket was left in the family room last night? That woman is a bear to deal with. Which of you is going to the field trip?

Relative Adverbs A relative adverb joins parts or clauses of a sentence. Example: Susan became excited when she received a gift. The three relative adverbs that we will discuss are: Why, when, where

Where The relative adverb where describes a place Where The relative adverb where describes a place. Example: Dominique goes to the store where they sell ice cream cupcakes. When: The relative adverb when describes a time. Example: It was cold when I left the house. Why: The relative pronoun why gives a reason. Example: Sheila does not know why Mira left town.