English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Use relative pronouns: who and whom
Use relative pronouns: who and whom
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify relative pronouns in sentences.
Differentiate between 'who' and 'whom' based on their grammatical function.
Correctly use 'who' as a subject relative pronoun in a sentence.
Correctly use 'whom' as an object relative pronoun in a sentence.
Revise sentences to correct errors in 'who' and 'whom' usage.
Explain the role of relative pronouns in connecting ideas within complex sentences.
Ever wonder if you should say 'Who is it?' or 'Whom is it?' 🤔 Don't worry, you're not alone! These tricky words can confuse even grown-ups.
In this lesson, you'll learn the secrets to using 'who' and 'whom' correctly every time. Understanding these relat...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Relative PronounA word that connects a dependent clause (a group of words with a subject and verb that can't stand alone) to an independent clause (a complete sentence). It also refers to a noun or pronoun mentioned earlier in the sentence.The student, *who* aced the test, studied hard.
Relative ClauseA type of dependent clause that begins with a relative pronoun (like 'who' or 'whom') and describes a noun or pronoun. It adds more information to the sentence.The girl *who wore the red hat* is my sister.
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a relative pronoun refers back to. It's the person or thing being described by the relative clause.The teacher, *who* loves reading, recommended a new book. (The antecedent for 'who' is 't...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule for 'Who' (Subject Form)
Use 'who' when the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb in its own clause.
Think of 'who' as doing the action. If you can replace 'who' with 'he,' 'she,' or 'they' and the sentence still makes sense, then 'who' is correct. 'Who' always acts as the subject of the verb in the relative clause.
Rule for 'Whom' (Object Form)
Use 'whom' when the relative pronoun is the object of the verb or a preposition in its own clause.
Think of 'whom' as receiving the action or following a preposition. If you can replace 'whom' with 'him,' 'her,' or 'them' and the sentence still makes sense, then �...
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Challenging
Read the passage: '(1) The coach, whom was a great motivator, gave a speech. (2) He praised the players whom he had trained all season. (3) He gave special thanks to the parents to who he was very grateful.' Which sentences contain an error?
A.Sentence 2 only
B.Sentences 2 and 3
C.Sentences 1 and 3
D.Sentence 1 only
Challenging
An author writes in an argumentative essay, 'We must empower the students who, we hope, will become our future leaders.' Which statement provides the best grammatical justification for the use of 'who'?
A.'who' is correct because it refers to 'students', which is plural.
B.'who' is less formal than 'whom' and better for persuasive writing.
C.'who' is correct because it is the object of the verb 'hope'.
D.'who' is correct because it is the subject of the verb 'will become'; the phrase 'we hope' is parenthetical.
Challenging
Deconstruct this sentence: 'The scientist whom the university hired is a leading expert in her field.' Which analysis is correct?
A.Independent Clause: 'The scientist is a leading expert in her field.' Dependent Clause: 'whom the university hired.' Pronoun Role: 'whom' is the object of the verb 'hired'.
B.Independent Clause: 'The scientist whom the university hired.' Dependent Clause: 'is a leading expert in her field.' Pronoun Role: 'whom' is the subject of 'hired'.
C.Independent Clause: 'The university hired.' Dependent Clause: 'The scientist is a leading expert.' Pronoun Role: 'whom' is an adjective.
D.Independent Clause: 'The scientist is a leading expert.' Dependent Clause: 'who the university hired.' Pronoun Role: 'who' is the subject of 'is'.
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Use relative pronouns: who and whom
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