Relative Pronoun

Definition:

Pronoun that refer to a noun or pronoun going before and as well as do the work of conjunction,are called Relative Pronoun; as,

1. Which
2. Whom
3. Whose
4. Who
5. That

For example,

1. I like spinach. Spinach is my favourite dish.
2. I like spinach. It is my favourite dish.
3. I like spinach and it is my favourite dish.
4. I like spinach which is my favourite dish.

Explanation:

In first sentence there are two sentences, in second sentence (it) is used in place of Spinach, in third sentence (and) is used to join both sentences, and in number four sentence Relative Pronoun (Which) has been used which plays two functions as a pronoun and a conjunction.

Who Examples of Relative Pronoun

1. This is the boy who broke my pen.
2. Mr. Aslam who is my friend got first position in M.A.
3. I met Mr. James who was going to Europe.
4. God help those who help themselves.
5. The man who hesitates is lost.

Whom Examples of Relative Pronoun

1. This is the girl whom I saw doing her homework.
2. The man whom we met yesterday has died.
3. These are the boys whom you saved from drowning.

Which Examples of Relative Pronoun

1. The moment which is lost is lost for ever.
2. The pens which are broken are on the table.
3. The books which help you are useful.
4. The book which is new is very dear.
5. The dogs which were mad died yesterday.
6. The hen which is black lays one egg every day.

That Examples of Relative Pronoun

1. The man that stood there was a robber.
2. The dogs that were killed were mad.
3. I lost the watch that you gave me.
4. We know the house that you live in.
5. Happy are the man that find wisdom.

Whose Examples of Relative Pronoun

1. This is the boy whose father is ill.
2. The dog whose tail is long is mine.
3. The bicycle, whose color is black has no lock.

Remember!

1. Who: is used only in "Nominative case".

2. Whose: is used only in the "Possessive case".

3. Whom: is used only in the "Objective case".

4. That and which: are used in "Nominative and Objective case".

Relative Pronoun Position

The Relative Pronoun is placed as near its Antecedent as possible; as,

The boy who stood first in the class is a friend of my brother.

But if we change the position of (Who), the sense of the sentence should be changed altogather; as,

The boy is a friend of my brother who stood first in the class.

Compound Relative Pronoun

Definition:

Pronoun formed by adding ever, so or soever to Who, which and what are called Compound Relative Pronoun; as,

i. Who ever.
ii. Who so.
iii. Whosoever.
iv. Which ever.
v. Whichsoever.
vi. Whatever.
vii. Whatsoever.

For example,

1. Whosoever comes first is welcome.
2. Whoso digs a pit shall fall there in.
3. Take which ever you like.
4. Whatever he does he does well.