Relative Pronouns - Examples, Exercises and List

A relative pronoun is a word used to introduce a relative clause, which provides more information about a noun mentioned in the sentence. It connects the clause to the noun and helps specify which noun is being talked about.

The most common relative pronouns in English are: Who, Whom, Whose, Which and That.

Relative Pronouns Examples

Here are some common relative pronouns examples.

• Who – used for people.
  Example: The woman who called you is here.

• Whom – used for people, typically in formal contexts.
  Example: The person whom you met yesterday is my colleague.

• Whose – used to show possession.
  Example: The student whose book was missing found it in the library.

• Which – used for animals and things.
  Example: The car which was parked outside is mine.

• That – used for people, animals, or things.
  Example: The book that she borrowed is on the table.

• Whoever – used to refer to anyone who.
  Example: Whoever finishes first will win the prize.

• Whomever – used to refer to anyone whom.
  Example: Give the tickets to whomever you choose.

• Whosever – used to indicate possession by anyone.
  Example: Whosever idea this was, it was brilliant.

• Whichsoever – used to refer to any one of a specific set.
  Example: Choose whichsoever option you prefer.

• Whatever – used to refer to anything that.
  Example: Take whatever you need from the box.

Relative Pronouns List

Here is a Relative Pronouns list with examples for each.

Test your Knowledge: Relative Pronouns Exercises with Answers

1. Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete the sentence:

• The book _____ I borrowed from the library was fascinating.

• a) who

• b) which

• c) whom

2. Select the correct relative pronoun for the sentence:

• She is the artist _____ painting won the award.

• a) who

• b) which

• c) whose

3. Fill in the blank with the appropriate relative pronoun:

• The house _____ we used to live in was demolished.

• a) where

• b) that

• c) whom

4. Choose the right relative pronoun:

• The students _____ participated in the survey received certificates.

• a) who

• b) which

• c) whom

5. Complete the sentence with the correct relative pronoun:

• The movie _____ we watched last night was excellent.

• a) where

• b) which

• c) who

Find out if you got them all right from the answers below.

1. b) which

2. c) whose

3. b) that

4. a) who

5. b) which

Takeaways from this Page

Relative pronouns are used to link clauses and provide additional information about a noun in a sentence. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Common Relative Pronouns: The most frequently used relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, which, and that.

2. Omission of Relative Pronouns: In some cases, the relative pronoun can be omitted, especially in defining clauses when it is the object of the clause (e.g., "The book (that) I read was interesting").

3. Agreement: Ensure the relative pronoun agrees in number and gender with the noun it refers to, though this is more relevant in languages with gendered pronouns.

4. Functions:

• Subject: "The teacher who inspires me" (the pronoun who is the subject of the relative clause).

• Object: "The book that I read" (the pronoun that is the object of the verb read).

Relative pronouns are words like "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that" used to connect clauses or phrases to a noun or pronoun. They help give more detail or clarify which person or thing we're talking about. In short, they make sentences more specific and informative.