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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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the function of a relative pronoun in a complex sentence.
Differentiate between subject (who) and object (whom) case relative pronouns and use them correctly.
Distinguish between pronouns for people (who, whom, whose) and those for things/animals (which, that).
Correctly use 'whose' to indicate possession, avoiding confusion with the contraction 'who's'.
Analyze clauses to determine if they are restrictive (using 'that') or non-restrictive (using 'which') and apply appropriate punctuation.
Construct sophisticated sentences for analytical and research writing by effectively combining ideas with relative clauses.
Ever written a sentence and felt something was slightly off, like a puzzle piece in the wron...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Relative PronounA word that introduces a dependent (or relative) clause and connects it to an independent clause. It refers to a noun that came before it.The student WHO aced the exam studied diligently. ('Who' introduces the clause 'who aced the exam' and connects it to 'The student').
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a relative pronoun refers to or replaces.Chinua Achebe is the author WHOM we are studying. ('author' is the antecedent of 'whom').
Relative ClauseA type of dependent clause that starts with a relative pronoun. It functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun.The book, WHICH is on the table, belongs to the library. ('which is on the table' is the relative clause modifying 'book&...
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Key Rules & Conventions
People vs. Things/Animals
Use 'who', 'whom', and 'whose' for people. Use 'which' and 'that' for things or animals.
This is the first and most fundamental distinction. Never use 'which' to refer to a person in formal writing. While 'that' is sometimes used for people in informal speech, it should be avoided in academic and formal contexts.
Subject vs. Object Case: Who vs. Whom
'Who' is a subject pronoun (performs the action). 'Whom' is an object pronoun (receives the action).
To decide, isolate the relative clause and substitute 'he/she' or 'him/her'. If 'he' or 'she' fits, use 'who'. If 'him' or 'her' fits, use '...
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Challenging
The lead researcher, for ______ the team had gathered extensive data, was the one ______ ultimately analyzed the results.
A.who, whom
B.whom, who
C.whom, which
D.who, that
Challenging
Which of the following revisions most effectively uses a relative clause to subordinate one idea to another? Original: 'The policy was controversial. It was implemented last year.'
A.The policy that was implemented last year was controversial.
B.The policy was controversial, which was implemented last year.
C.The policy was controversial, and it was implemented last year.
D.The policy, being implemented last year, was controversial.
Challenging
Analyze the sentence: 'The report, which cited an expert whose research I have followed for years, confirmed the hypothesis.' What is the antecedent of 'whose'?
A.The report
B.I
C.an expert
D.research
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