Relative Pronouns in English with Exercises

Table of Contents

Introduction
What Are Relative Pronouns?
Common Relative Pronouns
Using Relative Pronouns Correctly
Omitting Relative Pronouns
Using “Whose,” “Where,” “When,” and “Why”
Defining and Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Common Mistakes with Relative Pronouns
Relative Pronouns Exercises
Answers
Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on relative pronouns in English! Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun without starting a new sentence. Understanding how to use relative pronouns is essential for connecting ideas and adding detail to your speech and writing.

This guide is designed specifically for ESL students. We’ll explain what relative pronouns are, list the common ones, discuss how to use them correctly, and explore defining and non-defining relative clauses. We’ll also highlight common mistakes and offer exercises to help you practice. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using relative pronouns in your everyday English conversations and writing.

What Are Relative Pronouns?

Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses, which are clauses that provide more information about a noun (antecedent). They help connect sentences and avoid repetition by combining related ideas into one sentence.

Common relative pronouns include: who, whom, whose, which, that.

The man who lives next door is a doctor.
She bought a dress that was on sale.
This is the book which I told you about.

Common Relative Pronouns

Here are the most commonly used relative pronouns and their typical uses:

Who — used for people (subject).
Whom — used for people (object).
Whose — used to show possession.
Which — used for animals and things.
That — used for people, animals, and things (in defining clauses).
Where — used for places.
When — used for times.
Why — used for reasons.

Using Relative Pronouns Correctly

Using “Who” and “Whom”

Who is used as the subject of a relative clause, while whom is used as the object.

She is the teacher who inspires me. (Subject)
The student whom I taught last year won an award. (Object)

Note: In modern English, “whom” is often replaced by “who,” especially in spoken language.

Using “Which” and “That”

Which and that are used for animals and things.

This is the car which I bought. (Non-defining clause)
This is the car that I bought. (Defining clause)

Defining vs. Non-Defining Clauses

We use “that” in defining clauses (essential information) and “which” in non-defining clauses (additional information).

Defining: The book that you lent me was fascinating.
Non-defining: The book, which you lent me, was fascinating.

Omitting Relative Pronouns

In some cases, the relative pronoun can be omitted when it is the object of the clause.

The movie that we watched was exciting. ➔ The movie we watched was exciting.
The cake which she baked was delicious. ➔ The cake she baked was delicious.

Using “Whose,” “Where,” “When,” and “Why”

Using “Whose”

Whose is used to show possession and can refer to people, animals, or things.

The man whose car was stolen reported it to the police.
That’s the house whose roof needs repair.

Using “Where”

Where is used to refer to places.

This is the city where I was born.
Do you remember the restaurant where we met?

Using “When”

When is used to refer to times.

Do you remember the day when we first met?
Summer is the season when I feel happiest.

Using “Why”

Why is used to give reasons.

I don’t know the reason why she left early.
That’s the reason why I’m calling.

Defining and Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Defining Relative Clauses

Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun. They are not separated by commas.

The woman who is wearing a red dress is my aunt.
The book that you gave me is interesting.

Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses provide extra information that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. They are separated by commas.

My brother, who lives in Canada, is coming to visit.
Paris, which is the capital of France, is a beautiful city.

Common Mistakes with Relative Pronouns

1. Using “Which” Instead of “Who” for People

❌ The girl which won the prize is my friend.

✅ The girl who won the prize is my friend.

Tip: Use “who” or “that” for people.

2. Omitting Necessary Relative Pronouns

❌ The man lives next door is a doctor.

✅ The man who lives next door is a doctor.

Tip: Include the relative pronoun when it is the subject of the clause.

3. Using “Whose” Incorrectly

❌ That’s the woman who’s car was stolen.

✅ That’s the woman whose car was stolen.

Tip: “Whose” indicates possession.

4. Confusing “Where” and “Which”

❌ This is the house which I grew up.

✅ This is the house where I grew up.

Tip: Use “where” for places.

5. Misusing Commas in Relative Clauses

❌ The car, that is parked outside, is mine.

✅ The car that is parked outside is mine.

Tip: Do not use commas in defining relative clauses.

Relative Pronouns Exercises

Now it’s time to practice! Complete the following exercises to test your understanding of relative pronouns.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete each sentence: (who, whom, whose, which, that, where)

The teacher _______ taught me English is retiring.
Do you know the man _______ car is parked outside?
This is the restaurant _______ we first met.
The movie _______ we saw last night was thrilling.
She is the person _______ I admire the most.

Exercise 2: Combine the Sentences

Combine each pair of sentences using a relative pronoun.

I have a friend. He lives in Spain.
The book is on the table. It belongs to Sarah.
She met a man. His sister is a famous artist.
This is the place. We had our picnic here.
They are the students. I taught them last year.

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

The woman which lives next door is a writer.
That’s the dog who bit me.
I know the reason why she left early.
The house, that has a red door, is mine.
Do you know the boy whom broke the window?

Exercise 4: Decide if the Relative Pronoun Can Be Omitted

Indicate whether the relative pronoun in each sentence can be omitted. Write “Yes” or “No”.

The book that you lent me was fascinating.
She is the woman who won the lottery.
The cake which he baked was delicious.
This is the place where we got married.
I met a man whose brother is a musician.

Exercise 5: Write Sentences

Use the given relative pronouns to write sentences.

Who
Which
Whose
Where
When

Answers

Exercise 1

The teacher who taught me English is retiring.
Do you know the man whose car is parked outside?
This is the restaurant where we first met.
The movie which we saw last night was thrilling.
She is the person whom I admire the most.

Exercise 2

I have a friend who lives in Spain.
The book which is on the table belongs to Sarah.
She met a man whose sister is a famous artist.
This is the place where we had our picnic.
They are the students whom I taught last year.

Exercise 3

The woman who lives next door is a writer.
That’s the dog that bit me.
I know the reason why she left early. (Sentence is correct; no correction needed.)
The house, which has a red door, is mine.
Do you know the boy who broke the window?

Exercise 4

The book that you lent me was fascinating. Yes
She is the woman who won the lottery. No
The cake which he baked was delicious. Yes
This is the place where we got married. No
I met a man whose brother is a musician. No

Exercise 5

Your sentences may vary. Here are some examples:

She is the teacher who inspired me.
The movie which won the award was fantastic.
The girl whose laptop was stolen reported it to the police.
Do you know a café where we can have coffee?
I remember the day when we first met.

Conclusion

Understanding and using relative pronouns correctly is essential for connecting ideas and adding detail to your English sentences. By familiarizing yourself with the common relative pronouns and practicing their usage, you’ll enhance your communication skills significantly.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or would like to share your own sentences using relative pronouns, please leave a comment below. Happy learning!