English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Use relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, and that
Use relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, and that
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify relative pronouns and their antecedents in complex sentences from world literature.
Differentiate between the subjective case 'who' and the objective case 'whom' in their own writing.
Correctly use 'whose' to indicate possession for both people and things.
Distinguish between essential clauses (using 'that') and non-essential clauses (using 'which') by applying comma rules.
Construct sophisticated complex sentences by combining ideas with appropriate relative clauses.
Analyze the function of relative clauses in formal academic and research-based writing.
Revise sentences to correct common errors in relative pronoun usage.
How do you add critical details to a sentence without starting a new one?...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Relative PronounA pronoun that introduces a dependent (relative) clause and connects it to an antecedent (the noun it modifies). The five main relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, which, and that.The author, *who* won the Nobel Prize, wrote about social justice. ('who' connects the clause to 'author').
Relative Clause (Adjective Clause)A dependent clause that functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. It begins with a relative pronoun.The book *that is on the table* belongs to me. (The clause describes the book).
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a relative pronoun refers to or replaces.The *student* who aced the exam studied for weeks. ('student' is the antecedent of 'who').
Essential (Restrictive) ClauseA rel...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Subject/Object Test (Who vs. Whom)
Use 'who' when the pronoun is the subject of the relative clause. Use 'whom' when it is the object of the verb or a preposition.
To check, isolate the relative clause and substitute 'he/she' or 'him/her'. If 'he' or 'she' fits, use 'who'. If 'him' or 'her' fits, use 'whom'. Example: The student (who/whom) I tutored. -> I tutored *him*. -> Use 'whom'.
The Comma Rule (That vs. Which)
Use 'that' to introduce essential (restrictive) clauses, which are not set off by commas. Use 'which' to introduce non-essential (non-restrictive) clauses, which are always set off by commas.
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Challenging
Evaluate this sentence from a literary analysis essay: "The author uses symbolism, which is a technique that gives objects deeper meaning, to explore themes of mortality." How does the pair of nested relative clauses function?
A.The first clause is essential, and the second is non-essential, creating a contradiction.
B.Both clauses are essential and necessary to understand the term 'symbolism.'
C.The first clause ('which is a technique...') is non-essential, defining symbolism, while the second ('that gives objects...') is essential, defining the specific technique.
D.Both clauses are non-essential, providing extra information that could be removed.
Challenging
A researcher is writing about two groups of participants in a study. One group read Shakespeare, and the other read modern prose. Which sentence most clearly and correctly distinguishes the first group?
A.The participants that read Shakespeare showed increased empathy.
B.The participants, who read Shakespeare, showed increased empathy.
C.The participants whom read Shakespeare showed increased empathy.
D.The participants whose reading was Shakespeare showed increased empathy.
Challenging
Which of the following complex sentences is grammatically flawless and most stylistically appropriate for a formal research paper?
A.The manuscript, the origins of which are unknown, contains a previously undiscovered poem.
B.Dr. Evans is the professor whom, my advisor said, is the leading expert on this topic.
C.This is the principle on that the entire experiment is based.
D.The theorist, for who the school of thought is named, was a controversial figure.
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