Relative Pronouns Uses, Definition and Examples


Relative Pronouns Definition and Examples

A pronoun is a word that replaces a noun in a sentence. We use pronouns in our writing when we do not want to write the exact words over and over again.

What are relative pronouns? A pronoun that connects groups of words to another idea in the same sentence is called a relative pronoun. The relative pronouns act as conjunctions, join two sentences, and are used for nouns that go before them. The nouns to which relative pronouns refer are called antecedents.

Uses of Relative Pronouns

Relative Pronouns Definition and Examples

We use relative pronouns to begin adjective clauses. The relative and interrogative are almost the same, but their uses are different. We do not use them to ask a question, and they do not come at the beginning of a sentence.

Relative Pronoun List

The relative pronouns are that, which, who, whom, and whose.

  • Who, Whom, and Whose: It refers to a person.
  • That: It is used to refer to either persons or things.
  • Which: It refers to a thing
Case‘who’ for persons‘which’ for things‘that’ for persons and things
NominativeWhoWhichThat
ObjectiveWhomWhichThat
PossessiveWhoseOf which 

Relative Pronouns Example Sentences

  • This is the girl who won the speech competition.
  • We don’t know the man who has just gone out.
  • Have you found the parcel which you lost yesterday?
  • That is the boy whom I saw a few days ago.
  • This is the purse that my mother gave me.
  • I spoke to the woman whose son had died.
  • The phone that is on the sofa is yours.
  • That is the building which collapsed a month ago.
  • Do you like the boy who helps people experiencing poverty?
  • This is the purse which she bought last month.
  • I don’t know all the men who were involved in the case.
  • The man that made the accident died.
  • All the students who were admitted here are happy.
  • The boy that she spoke to is my brother.
  • This is the child whose father has died.
  • The bus that stands on the road is mine.
  • A baby boy whose hair is curly looks fantastic.
  • The phone which I purchased yesterday is not good.
  • My friend, who is an engineer, just came back from KSA.
  • The red deer which was caught by us has died.
  • She has a dog that barks all night.
  • Does someone know who that man on the roof is?
  • The boy who is speaking now was my pupil before.
  • The first boy whom 1gave the prize was my son.
  • Those trees whose branches are long look lovely.
  • Where is the book which she has translated?
  • It is the most expensive food that I have ever eaten.
  • The man that left the bag was my father.

Note that: Note. We sometimes omit the relative pronoun as being understood.

Related Articles:


Leave a Comment