English Language Arts
Grade 4
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 the relative pronouns who, whom, whose, which, and that in sentences.
Explain the function of a relative pronoun in connecting a clause to a noun.
Differentiate between pronouns used for people (who, whom, whose) and those for things (which, that).
Use 'whose' to show possession.
Combine two simple sentences into one complex sentence using an appropriate relative pronoun.
Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete a sentence.
Ever wanted to describe your amazing friend and their super cool backpack in just ONE sentence? 🦸♂️ Let's learn a secret trick to connect your ideas like a superhero!
Today, we're learning about special connecting words called relative pronouns. These words (who, whom, whose, which, and that) help...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Relative PronounA special word that starts a description (a clause) and connects it to a noun in the main part of the sentence.The dog THAT chased the ball is friendly. ('that' connects 'the dog' to the description 'chased the ball').
WhoA relative pronoun used for a person when they are the one doing the action (the subject).The artist WHO painted the mural is very talented.
WhomA relative pronoun used for a person when they are receiving the action (the object). It's a bit formal!The student WHOM the teacher praised was very happy.
WhoseA relative pronoun that shows ownership or that something belongs to someone or something.That is the girl WHOSE dog can do tricks.
WhichA relative pronoun used for animals or things.The bike WHICH...
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Key Rules & Conventions
People vs. Things Rule
Use 'who', 'whom', and 'whose' for people. Use 'which' for things or animals. Use 'that' for either people or things.
This is the most important rule! To choose the right pronoun, first look at the noun you are describing. Is it a person or a thing?
The Possession Rule
Use 'whose' to show that something belongs to someone or something.
When you want to connect a noun to something it owns, 'whose' is the perfect tool. It replaces words like 'his', 'her', 'its', or 'their'.
The 'Who' vs. 'Whom' Test
Use 'who' if you can replace it with 'he' or 'she'. Use 'whom' if you can replace i...
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Challenging
Combine these sentences to make one complex sentence: 'The girl is my best friend. The girl won the science fair.'
A.The girl is my best friend who won the science fair.
B.The girl who won the science fair is my best friend.
C.The girl whose won the science fair is my best friend.
D.The girl is my best friend, and she won the science fair.
Challenging
Which is the BEST and most formal way to combine these two sentences? 'The artist is famous. The museum displayed her paintings.'
A.The artist whom the museum displayed her paintings is famous.
B.The artist who the museum displayed her paintings is famous.
C.The artist whose paintings the museum displayed is famous.
D.The artist that the museum displayed her paintings is famous.
Challenging
Read the sentences below. Which one uses the wrong relative pronoun?
A.The park that we play in is getting new swings.
B.The firefighter whom rescued the kitten is a hero.
C.I have a friend whose dad is an astronaut.
D.The cookies which my grandma baked are delicious.
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