Relative Pronouns
List the relative pronouns mainly used for people.
who, whom, that
What is a defining relative clause?
A defining relative clause specifies which noun we are talking about and is essential to the sentence.
What is a non-defining relative clause?
A non-defining relative clause adds extra information about a noun, which is not essential to the sentence’s meaning.
Which relative pronoun is used for things and sometimes animals?
which/that
Create a sentence with a defining relative clause about "the book you read last month."
The book that/which I read last month was thrilling.
Create a sentence with a non-defining relative clause about your best friend."
My best friend, who lives in New York, is visiting me next week.
Provide an example using "whose" for possession.
The man whose car was stolen was devastated.
Explain how defining relative clauses affect the meaning of a sentence.
They provide essential information to identify the subject or object being referred to.
Discuss the importance of commas in non-defining relative clauses.
They are separated by commas to indicate that the information is additional.
When can "whom" be correctly used in a sentence?
Whom is used as the object of a verb or preposition.
Tip: A trick to determine whether to use "who" or "whom" is to try to answer the question with "he" or "him." If "he" fits, use "who." If "him" fits, use "whom." (Remember, "him" and "whom" both end with "m.")
Why can't we use commas in defining relative clauses?
Commas are not used because the information is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Can "that" be used in non-defining relative clauses? Why or why not?
No, "that" cannot be used because it is reserved for defining relative clauses.
Write a sentence using "whom" and "whose" correctly.
The professor, to whom I gave my assignment, is the person whose opinion I value most.
Write a complex sentence that includes a defining relative clause.
The artist who painted this masterpiece spent years perfecting his technique.
Write a complex sentence that includes a non-defining relative clause.
William Shakespeare, who is considered the greatest playwright of all time, wrote numerous plays and sonnets.