Relative Pronouns: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Understanding relative pronouns is crucial for constructing complex and coherent sentences in English. These pronouns connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, adding depth and detail to your writing and speech.

Mastering their usage not only improves grammatical accuracy but also enhances your ability to express nuanced ideas. This article provides a comprehensive guide to relative pronouns, covering their definitions, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications.

Whether you are a student, a language learner, or simply someone looking to refine your English skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use relative pronouns.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Relative Pronouns
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Relative Pronouns
  • Who
  • Whom
  • Which
  • That
  • Whose
  • When
  • Where
• Examples of Relative Pronouns
  • Examples with “Who”
  • Examples with “Whom”
  • Examples with “Which”
  • Examples with “That”
  • Examples with “Whose”
  • Examples with “When”
  • Examples with “Where”
• Usage Rules for Relative Pronouns
  • Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Clauses
  • Relative Pronouns with Prepositions
  • Omitting Relative Pronouns
• Common Mistakes with Relative Pronouns
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
  • Complex Embedded Clauses
  • Varying Sentence Structure
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Definition of Relative Pronouns

A relative pronoun is a type of pronoun that introduces a relative clause, also known as an adjective clause. This clause modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause of a sentence. In simpler terms, relative pronouns connect a descriptive phrase to the noun it describes. These pronouns act as a bridge, linking two related ideas into a single, more detailed sentence. Understanding their function is essential for constructing grammatically correct and sophisticated sentences.

Relative pronouns serve two primary functions: they replace a noun or pronoun in the relative clause and connect the relative clause to the main clause. Without a relative pronoun, the sentence would either be grammatically incorrect or would consist of two separate, less informative sentences. They add depth and clarity to writing by providing additional information about a noun or pronoun.

The most common relative pronouns in English are who, whom, which, that, and whose. Additionally, when and where can function as relative adverbs, introducing clauses that modify nouns related to time and place. Each relative pronoun has specific usage rules, depending on the noun it modifies and the type of clause it introduces. Choosing the correct relative pronoun is crucial for ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of a sentence containing a relative pronoun typically involves two main components: the main clause and the relative clause. The main clause is an independent clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. The relative clause, on the other hand, is a dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause.

The relative pronoun always appears at the beginning of the relative clause. It refers back to a noun or pronoun in the main clause, known as the antecedent. The relative clause immediately follows the antecedent, providing more detail or description.

For example, in the sentence “The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting,” “The book is very interesting” is the main clause, and “that I borrowed from the library” is the relative clause. The relative pronoun “that” refers back to the antecedent “book.” The relative clause adds specific information about which book is being discussed.

The placement of the relative clause can affect the meaning of the sentence. Relative clauses can be either restrictive (essential to the meaning of the sentence) or non-restrictive (providing additional, non-essential information). Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas, while non-restrictive clauses are.

Types and Categories of Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns are categorized based on their function and the type of noun or pronoun they refer to. The main categories include pronouns that refer to people (who, whom, whose), things (which, that), and possessive relationships (whose). Additionally, when and where function as relative adverbs indicating time and place, respectively. Understanding these categories helps in selecting the correct relative pronoun for each situation.

Who

Who is used to refer to people. It functions as the subject of the relative clause. This pronoun is used when the person being referred to is performing the action in the relative clause.

Example: “The woman who lives next door is a doctor.” In this sentence, “who” refers to “woman” and acts as the subject of the verb “lives.”

Whom

Whom is also used to refer to people, but it functions as the object of a verb or preposition in the relative clause. While “who” is increasingly used in informal contexts, “whom” is still preferred in formal writing and speech when the pronoun is the object.

Example: “The man whom I saw yesterday is my professor.” Here, “whom” refers to “man” and is the object of the verb “saw.”

Which

Which is used to refer to things or animals. It can function as the subject or object of the relative clause. “Which” is typically used in non-restrictive clauses, which provide additional, non-essential information and are set off by commas.

Example: “The car, which is parked outside, belongs to my neighbor.” In this case, “which” refers to “car” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.

That

That can refer to people, things, or animals. It is often used in restrictive clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence and are not set off by commas. “That” is generally considered more informal than “who” or “which.”

Example: “The book that I ordered online arrived today.” Here, “that” refers to “book” and introduces a restrictive clause.

Whose

Whose indicates possession. It can refer to people, things, or animals. “Whose” always precedes a noun, showing that the noun belongs to the person, thing, or animal being referred to.

Example: “The student whose essay won the competition is very talented.” In this sentence, “whose” indicates that the essay belongs to the student.

When

When is used to refer to a time or occasion. It introduces a relative clause that modifies a noun related to time, such as “day,” “year,” or “moment.” “When” functions as a relative adverb.

Example: “I remember the day when I first met her.” Here, “when” refers to “day” and introduces a clause describing the time of the meeting.

Where

Where is used to refer to a place. It introduces a relative clause that modifies a noun related to location, such as “city,” “house,” or “country.” “Where” also functions as a relative adverb.

Example: “This is the park where we used to play as children.” In this sentence, “where” refers to “park” and introduces a clause describing the location of their childhood games.

Examples of Relative Pronouns

To further illustrate the usage of relative pronouns, the following sections provide extensive examples for each type. These examples are organized into tables to clearly demonstrate the context and function of each pronoun.

Each table contains a variety of sentences showcasing different applications of the relative pronoun.

Examples with “Who”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the relative pronoun “who.” These examples demonstrate how “who” is used to refer to people and act as the subject of a relative clause.

Sentence	Explanation
The teacher who taught us history is retiring.	“Who” refers to “teacher” and is the subject of “taught.”
The students who study hard usually succeed.	“Who” refers to “students” and is the subject of “study.”
My sister, who is a nurse, works at the local hospital.	“Who” refers to “sister” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The man who helped me with my luggage was very kind.	“Who” refers to “man” and is the subject of “helped.”
The artist who painted this picture is famous.	“Who” refers to “artist” and is the subject of “painted.”
The chef who created this dish is highly skilled.	“Who” refers to “chef” and is the subject of “created.”
The author who wrote that book is giving a lecture tonight.	“Who” refers to “author” and is the subject of “wrote.”
The musician who played the piano was incredibly talented.	“Who” refers to “musician” and is the subject of “played.”
The scientist who discovered the new element won a Nobel Prize.	“Who” refers to “scientist” and is the subject of “discovered.”
The athlete who won the gold medal is a national hero.	“Who” refers to “athlete” and is the subject of “won.”
The lawyer who defended him is highly respected.	“Who” refers to “lawyer” and is the subject of “defended.”
The engineer who designed the bridge is very innovative.	“Who” refers to “engineer” and is the subject of “designed.”
The architect who designed the building is world-renowned.	“Who” refers to “architect” and is the subject of “designed.”
The programmer who developed the software is very skilled.	“Who” refers to “programmer” and is the subject of “developed.”
The doctor who treated me was very professional.	“Who” refers to “doctor” and is the subject of “treated.”
The librarian who helped me find the book was very helpful.	“Who” refers to “librarian” and is the subject of “helped.”
The volunteer who organized the event did an amazing job.	“Who” refers to “volunteer” and is the subject of “organized.”
The journalist who reported the story won an award.	“Who” refers to “journalist” and is the subject of “reported.”
The activist who fought for human rights is an inspiration.	“Who” refers to “activist” and is the subject of “fought.”
The politician who promised change was elected.	“Who” refers to “politician” and is the subject of “promised.”

Examples with “Whom”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the relative pronoun “whom.” These examples demonstrate how “whom” is used to refer to people and act as the object of a verb or preposition in a relative clause.

Sentence	Explanation
The person whom I admire most is my grandmother.	“Whom” refers to “person” and is the object of “admire.”
The candidate whom the committee selected is highly qualified.	“Whom” refers to “candidate” and is the object of “selected.”
The employee whom the manager promoted is very hardworking.	“Whom” refers to “employee” and is the object of “promoted.”
The author whom everyone praises is very humble.	“Whom” refers to “author” and is the object of “praises.”
The artist whom the gallery showcased is very talented.	“Whom” refers to “artist” and is the object of “showcased.”
The musician whom the audience applauded was incredible.	“Whom” refers to “musician” and is the object of “applauded.”
The scientist whom the university honored is a genius.	“Whom” refers to “scientist” and is the object of “honored.”
The athlete whom the team supported won the championship.	“Whom” refers to “athlete” and is the object of “supported.”
The lawyer whom the client hired is very experienced.	“Whom” refers to “lawyer” and is the object of “hired.”
The engineer whom the company recruited is very innovative.	“Whom” refers to “engineer” and is the object of “recruited.”
The architect whom the city commissioned is world-renowned.	“Whom” refers to “architect” and is the object of “commissioned.”
The programmer whom the startup employed is very skilled.	“Whom” refers to “programmer” and is the object of “employed.”
The doctor whom the hospital appointed is very professional.	“Whom” refers to “doctor” and is the object of “appointed.”
The librarian whom the school hired is very helpful.	“Whom” refers to “librarian” and is the object of “hired.”
The volunteer whom the organization recognized did an amazing job.	“Whom” refers to “volunteer” and is the object of “recognized.”
The journalist whom the newspaper promoted won an award.	“Whom” refers to “journalist” and is the object of “promoted.”
The activist whom the community supported is an inspiration.	“Whom” refers to “activist” and is the object of “supported.”
The politician whom the voters elected promised change.	“Whom” refers to “politician” and is the object of “elected.”
The professor whom I had for English was excellent.	“Whom” refers to “professor” and is the object of “had.”
The girl whom he met at the party became his wife.	“Whom” refers to “girl” and is the object of “met.”

Examples with “Which”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the relative pronoun “which.” These examples demonstrate how “which” is used to refer to things or animals and can act as the subject or object of a relative clause. Note the use of commas in non-restrictive clauses.

Sentence	Explanation
The house, which is located on the hill, has a beautiful view.	“Which” refers to “house” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The car, which I bought last year, is already having problems.	“Which” refers to “car” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The book, which I found at the library, is very interesting.	“Which” refers to “book” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The dog, which is a golden retriever, is very friendly.	“Which” refers to “dog” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The painting, which was created by a famous artist, is priceless.	“Which” refers to “painting” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The computer, which I use for work, is very reliable.	“Which” refers to “computer” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The phone, which I just bought, has a great camera.	“Which” refers to “phone” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The city, which is known for its history, attracts many tourists.	“Which” refers to “city” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The restaurant, which serves delicious food, is very popular.	“Which” refers to “restaurant” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The movie, which won several awards, is a must-see.	“Which” refers to “movie” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The song, which was released last year, became a hit.	“Which” refers to “song” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The game, which I play every day, is very addictive.	“Which” refers to “game” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The project, which I’m working on, is very challenging.	“Which” refers to “project” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The course, which I’m taking this semester, is very interesting.	“Which” refers to “course” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The event, which is happening next week, is highly anticipated.	“Which” refers to “event” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The article, which I read online, was very informative.	“Which” refers to “article” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The recipe, which I found in a cookbook, is easy to follow.	“Which” refers to “recipe” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The tool, which I bought at the store, is very useful.	“Which” refers to “tool” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The plant, which I grew in my garden, is blooming beautifully.	“Which” refers to “plant” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.
The gift, which I received for my birthday, was very thoughtful.	“Which” refers to “gift” and introduces a non-restrictive clause.

Examples with “That”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the relative pronoun “that.” These examples demonstrate how “that” can refer to people, things, or animals and is typically used in restrictive clauses.

Sentence	Explanation
The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.	“That” refers to “book” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The car that I want to buy is very expensive.	“That” refers to “car” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The person that helped me was very kind.	“That” refers to “person” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The movie that we watched last night was fantastic.	“That” refers to “movie” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The song that is playing on the radio is my favorite.	“That” refers to “song” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The phone that I lost was brand new.	“That” refers to “phone” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The house that is for sale is very old.	“That” refers to “house” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The computer that I use for work is very slow.	“That” refers to “computer” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The restaurant that we went to last night was excellent.	“That” refers to “restaurant” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The game that I play every day is very addictive.	“That” refers to “game” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The course that I’m taking is very challenging.	“That” refers to “course” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The event that is happening next week is highly anticipated.	“That” refers to “event” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The article that I read online was very informative.	“That” refers to “article” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The recipe that I found in the cookbook is easy to follow.	“That” refers to “recipe” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The tool that I bought at the store is very useful.	“That” refers to “tool” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The plant that I grew in my garden is blooming beautifully.	“That” refers to “plant” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The gift that I received for my birthday was very thoughtful.	“That” refers to “gift” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The project that I submitted was approved.	“That” refers to “project” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The idea that I had was innovative.	“That” refers to “idea” and introduces a restrictive clause.
The solution that I found was effective.	“That” refers to “solution” and introduces a restrictive clause.

Examples with “Whose”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the relative pronoun “whose.” These examples demonstrate how “whose” is used to indicate possession and can refer to people, things, or animals.

Sentence	Explanation
The student whose essay won the competition is very talented.	“Whose” indicates that the essay belongs to the student.
The car whose engine is broken is being repaired.	“Whose” indicates that the engine belongs to the car.
The dog whose tail is wagging is very happy.	“Whose” indicates that the tail belongs to the dog.
The house whose roof is leaking needs repairs.	“Whose” indicates that the roof belongs to the house.
The company whose profits are increasing is expanding.	“Whose” indicates that the profits belong to the company.
The artist whose paintings are famous is very successful.	“Whose” indicates that the paintings belong to the artist.
The author whose books are bestsellers is giving a lecture.	“Whose” indicates that the books belong to the author.
The musician whose songs are popular is performing tonight.	“Whose” indicates that the songs belong to the musician.
The scientist whose research is groundbreaking is being honored.	“Whose” indicates that the research belongs to the scientist.
The athlete whose performance is outstanding is being celebrated.	“Whose” indicates that the performance belongs to the athlete.
The lawyer whose arguments are persuasive is highly respected.	“Whose” indicates that the arguments belong to the lawyer.
The engineer whose designs are innovative is being recognized.	“Whose” indicates that the designs belong to the engineer.
The architect whose buildings are iconic is world-renowned.	“Whose” indicates that the buildings belong to the architect.
The programmer whose code is efficient is highly valued.	“Whose” indicates that the code belongs to the programmer.
The doctor whose patients are recovering is very skilled.	“Whose” indicates that the patients belong to the doctor.
The librarian whose knowledge is vast is very helpful.	“Whose” indicates that the knowledge belongs to the librarian.
The volunteer whose efforts are appreciated is being thanked.	“Whose” indicates that the efforts belong to the volunteer.
The journalist whose reporting is accurate is being commended.	“Whose” indicates that the reporting belongs to the journalist.
The activist whose advocacy is effective is being supported.	“Whose” indicates that the advocacy belongs to the activist.
The politician whose policies are popular is being praised.	“Whose” indicates that the policies belong to the politician.

Examples with “When”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the relative adverb “when.” These examples demonstrate how “when” is used to refer to time or occasions.

Sentence	Explanation
I remember the day when I first met her.	“When” refers to “day” and describes the time of the meeting.
There was a time when I used to play the piano.	“When” refers to “time” and describes a past period.
The year when they got married was very memorable.	“When” refers to “year” and describes the time of the marriage.
The moment when I realized my dream was unforgettable.	“When” refers to “moment” and describes the time of the realization.
The period when I lived in Paris was the best of my life.	“When” refers to “period” and describes the time of living in Paris.
The era when jazz music was popular was very exciting.	“When” refers to “era” and describes the time of jazz popularity.
The age when dinosaurs roamed the earth was long ago.	“When” refers to “age” and describes the time of dinosaurs.
The season when the flowers bloom is very beautiful.	“When” refers to “season” and describes the time of blooming.
The week when I went on vacation was very relaxing.	“When” refers to “week” and describes the time of the vacation.
The month when I was born is in the summer.	“When” refers to “month” and describes the time of birth.
The hour when the sun sets is very peaceful.	“When” refers to “hour” and describes the time of sunset.
The minute when the clock struck midnight was magical.	“When” refers to “minute” and describes the time of midnight.
The second when the ball crossed the goal line was thrilling.	“When” refers to “second” and describes the time of the goal.
The occasion when we celebrated our anniversary was special.	“When” refers to “occasion” and describes the time of celebration.
The festival when the town comes alive is very vibrant.	“When” refers to “festival” and describes the time of activity.
The ceremony when they exchanged vows was beautiful.	“When” refers to “ceremony” and describes the time of vows.
The concert when my favorite band played was unforgettable.	“When” refers to “concert” and describes the time of the band.
The conference when I learned so much was very valuable.	“When” refers to “conference” and describes the time of learning.
The seminar when the expert spoke was very informative.	“When” refers to “seminar” and describes the time of speaking.
The workshop when I improved my skills was very helpful.	“When” refers to “workshop” and describes the time of improvement.

Examples with “Where”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the relative adverb “where.” These examples demonstrate how “where” is used to refer to places.

Sentence	Explanation
This is the park where we used to play as children.	“Where” refers to “park” and describes the location of their games.
The city where I was born is very beautiful.	“Where” refers to “city” and describes the location of birth.
The house where I grew up is still standing.	“Where” refers to “house” and describes the location of childhood.
The school where I studied is now a museum.	“Where” refers to “school” and describes the location of study.
The country where I want to travel is Japan.	“Where” refers to “country” and describes the desired location.
The island where we vacationed was very peaceful.	“Where” refers to “island” and describes the vacation location.
The mountain where we hiked had stunning views.	“Where” refers to “mountain” and describes the hiking location.
The river where we fished was full of trout.	“Where” refers to “river” and describes the fishing location.
The forest where we camped was very serene.	“Where” refers to “forest” and describes the camping location.
The beach where we swam had clear water.	“Where” refers to “beach” and describes the swimming location.
The restaurant where we ate dinner was excellent.	“Where” refers to “restaurant” and describes the dining location.
The store where I bought the gift was very helpful.	“Where” refers to “store” and describes the shopping location.
The office where I work is located downtown.	“Where” refers to “office” and describes the working location.
The library where I study is very quiet.	“Where” refers to “library” and describes the studying location.
The museum where I saw the art was fascinating.	“Where” refers to “museum” and describes the art viewing location.
The stadium where the game was held was packed.	“Where” refers to “stadium” and describes the game location.
The theater where the play was performed was historic.	“Where” refers to “theater” and describes the play location.
The venue where the concert took place was modern.	“Where” refers to “venue” and describes the concert location.
The hotel where we stayed was luxurious.	“Where” refers to “hotel” and describes the staying location.
The apartment where I live is very comfortable.	“Where” refers to “apartment” and describes the living location.

Usage Rules for Relative Pronouns

Using relative pronouns correctly involves understanding several key rules. These rules govern the choice of pronoun based on the antecedent, the type of clause being introduced, and the overall structure of the sentence.

This section covers the essential usage rules, including the distinction between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses, the use of relative pronouns with prepositions, and when it is appropriate to omit relative pronouns.

Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Clauses

One of the most important distinctions in relative pronoun usage is between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses. These types of clauses serve different functions and require specific punctuation.

Restrictive clauses (also called essential clauses) are necessary to identify the noun they modify. They provide essential information that narrows down the noun’s identity. Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas.

Non-restrictive clauses (also called non-essential clauses) provide additional, non-essential information about the noun they modify. This information is interesting but not crucial for identifying the noun. Non-restrictive clauses are always set off by commas.

The choice between “that” and “which” often depends on whether the clause is restrictive or non-restrictive. “That” is typically used in restrictive clauses, while “which” is used in non-restrictive clauses.

Relative Pronouns with Prepositions

Relative pronouns can be used with prepositions in a few different ways. The preposition can come either before the relative pronoun or at the end of the relative clause, depending on the formality and structure of the sentence.

Preposition before the relative pronoun (Formal)

In formal writing, the preposition usually precedes the relative pronoun. When the preposition comes before the relative pronoun, use “whom” for people and “which” for things.

Preposition at the end of the relative clause (Informal)

In more informal contexts, the preposition is often placed at the end of the relative clause. In this case, “who” can be used instead of “whom,” and “that” or “which” can be used for things.

Note that when using “that” as a relative pronoun, the preposition must always come at the end of the clause. You cannot say “The project on that we worked was a success.”

Omitting Relative Pronouns

In certain situations, relative pronouns can be omitted from a sentence without affecting its grammatical correctness or clarity. This is most common when the relative pronoun is the object of the verb in the relative clause.

Omitting “that,” “who,” or “which”

When the relative pronoun is the object of the verb in the relative clause, it can often be omitted, especially in informal writing and speech.

When not to omit

It is generally not appropriate to omit the relative pronoun when it is the subject of the relative clause or when it follows a preposition.

Common Mistakes with Relative Pronouns

Even with a solid understanding of the rules, it’s easy to make mistakes when using relative pronouns. This section highlights some common errors and provides guidance on how to avoid them.

Recognizing these pitfalls can significantly improve the accuracy and clarity of your writing.

Incorrect use of “who” and “whom”

One of the most common mistakes is using “who” when “whom” is required, or vice versa. Remember that “who” is used as the subject of a clause, while “whom” is used as the object of a verb or preposition.

Confusing “that” and “which”

Another common mistake is using “that” and “which” interchangeably. Remember that “that” is typically used in restrictive clauses (no commas), while “which” is used in non-restrictive clauses (with commas).

Misplacing relative clauses

A misplaced relative clause can create confusion and change the meaning of the sentence. The relative clause should be placed as close as possible to the noun it modifies.

Incorrect use of “whose”

Using “whose” incorrectly, especially by confusing it with “who’s” (who is), is a common error. “Whose” indicates possession and does not require an apostrophe.

Omitting necessary relative pronouns

While relative pronouns can sometimes be omitted, it is incorrect to do so when they are essential for the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of relative pronouns, try the following exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate relative pronoun (who, whom, which, that, or whose).

Identify whether the clause is restrictive or non-restrictive.

Rewrite the following sentences to include a relative clause, using the provided relative pronoun.