Relative pronouns! Following is a list of common relative pronouns in English with ESL pictures and example sentences to help you master your English grammar.
Table of Contents
Relative Pronouns
What is a Relative Pronoun?
A relative pronoun functions as a word that links two clauses into a single complex clause. It is similar in function to a subordinating conjunction. Unlike a conjunction, however, a relative pronoun stands in place of a noun.
In English, relative pronouns are who, whom, which, that, where, whose, when, why, what.
List of Relative Pronouns
Learn relative pronouns with their usages and examples.
WHICH
- “Which” refers to animals and objects.
- Can act as the subject or the object of the relative clause
Examples:
- The wisdom of nations lies in their proverbs, which are brief and pithy.
- Laws are like cobwebs, which may catches small flies, but let wasps and horns break through.
- Never leave that until tomorrow which you can do today.
- He was unwilling to make a prediction about which books would sell in the coming year.
THAT
- “That” refers to people, things, and animals (who and which can be replaced by that, which we use commonly in spoken English)
- Can act as the subject or the object of the relative clause
Examples:
- It’s a poor mouse that has only on hole.
- The love that is too violent will not last long.
- It is a good horse that never stumbles; and a good wife that never grumbles.
- Think about the misforture of others that you may be satisfied with your own lot.
WHO
- “Who” refers to people
- Can act as the subject or the object of the relative clause
Examples:
- He who overcomes his anger subdues his greatest enemy.
- I don’t know who my grandfather was. I’ m much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.
- He who is ashamed of asking is ashamed of learning.
- The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.
WHOM
- “Whom” refers to person when the person is the object of the verb
Examples
- She’s the woman whom I met in Greece.
- From whom did you receive these flowers?
- They demanded a huge ransom for the return of the little girl whom they had kidnapped.
- The author whom you criticized in your review has written a reply.
WHOSE
- “Whose” refers to possessions of people, animals
Examples:
- Whose keys are on the kitchen counter?
- Choose a stylist recommended by someone whose hair you like.
- She’s the student whose handwriting is the best in my class.
- I felt great pity for the woman whose baby died.
WHERE
- “Where” refers to places
Examples:
- The moon is not seen where the sun shines.
- Love will creep where it may not go.
- Sign your name on the form where I’ve put a cross.
- My leg is still very tender where it was bruised.
- With a nod of his head he indicated to me where I should sit.
WHEN
- “When” refers to time
Examples:
- He is wise that knows when he’s well enough.
- The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
- The wolf has a winning game when the shepherds quarrel.
- Let’s cross the bridge when we come to it.
WHY
- “Why” refers to reasons
Examples:
- She cited three reasons why people get into debt.
- Everyone was curious as to why Mark was leaving.
- I think you’d better tell us why you’re asking these questions.
- I’d like to know the reason why you’re so late.
WHAT
- “That” refers to things
Examples
- Don’t put off what you can do today till tomorrow.
- Never trust another what you should do yourself.
- It is no use doing what you like ; you have got to like what you do.
- Pardon me – I didn’t hear what you said.
Zayn
Friday 6th of May 2022
I think these kinds of examples help because it's not boring so it makes it ridiculously more enticing.
zearn
Monday 2nd of November 2020
I LOVE THIS
Yosito
Friday 3rd of July 2020
Love the way every topic is made easy to understand and remember by the examples provided
zearn
Monday 2nd of November 2020
I LOVE NAME CALL YOSITO