A relative pronoun is one which is used to refer to nouns mentioned previously, whether they are people, places, things, animals, or ideas. Relative pronouns can be used to join two sentences.
There are only a few relative pronouns in the English language. The most common are which, that, whose, whoever, whomever, who, and whom. In some situations, the words what, when, and where can also function as relative pronouns. Because there are only a few of them, there are also just a few rules for using relative pronouns. Keep them in mind as you write.
- Relative clauses are typically introduced by relative pronouns, and that the relative pronoun can function as a possessive pronoun, an object, or a subject.
- When relative pronouns introduce restrictive relative clauses, no comma is used to separate the restrictive clause from the main clause.
- In American English, the relative pronoun whom is used rarely. You may notice this in conversations, but it is best to use the term when writing to ensure that your work is grammatically correct.
Relative Pronouns Examples
The following sentences contain examples of relative pronouns. The relative pronoun in each example is italicized.
- The cyclist who won the race trained hard.
- The pants that I bought yesterday are already stained.
- The four team leaders, whoever the committee selects, will be at tomorrow’s meeting.
- Spaghetti, which we eat at least twice a week, is one of my family’s favorite meals.
- Where did you buy the dress that you wore last week?
- The book, when it was finally returned, was torn and stained.
- The store on the corner, where we usually buy all of our art supplies, burned to the ground.
Relative Pronouns Exercises
The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how relative pronouns work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
Fill grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6 children in on a key aspect of pronouns with our printable relative pronouns worksheets! The purpose of a relative pronoun is to introduce a dependent clause and to connect it to the independent clause. The exercises include completing a sentence using correct relative pronouns, combining two sentences with suitable relative pronouns, identifying relative pronouns in a sentence, and more. An engrossing, transportive learning experience awaits you in our free relative pronouns worksheet with answers!
Completing Sentences Using Relative Pronouns
This worksheet on relative pronouns is a loving ode to the unique learning cachet of pronouns! Children in 4th grade complete each sentence with suitable relative pronouns like "who", "that", and "whose".
Choosing Relative Pronouns to Complete Sentences
Deciding if a sentence will do well with "that" or "which" is easier said than done! Pick from the relative pronouns given and complete the sentences correctly. Watch how relative pronouns grow on you!
Combining Clauses Using Suitable Relative Pronouns
Join the elite league that boasts mastery of relative pronouns with this relative pronoun exercise pdf! Two clauses are given – a dependent clause and an independent clause. Combine the clauses using correct relative pronouns.
Fill in the Blanks with Relative Pronouns
Deep-diving into the intricacies of relative pronouns feels like heaven! Choose an apt relative pronoun from the word box and complete each sentence. Don't worry if you use a relative pronoun more than once.
Identifying Relative Pronouns and Relative Clauses
Help 5th grade and 6th grade students to demystify the defining and non-defining clauses! While the former are not set off with commas, the latter are. Scout out the relative pronoun and clause; write if the clause is defining or non-defining.