English Language Arts
Grade 8
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 (who, whom, whose, which, that) in various sentence structures.
Differentiate between the subjective (who) and objective (whom) cases of relative pronouns and use them correctly.
Correctly use 'whose' to indicate possession within a relative clause.
Distinguish between 'which' and 'that' for essential and non-essential clauses, applying appropriate punctuation.
Construct grammatically correct complex sentences using relative pronouns to introduce relative clauses.
Analyze the function of relative clauses in adding detail and clarity to their own writing and others'.
Ever wonder how to smoothly combine two sentences into one powerful statement, adding rich detail without sounding clunky? 🤔 Rela...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Relative PronounA word that introduces a dependent (relative) clause and connects it to an antecedent (a noun or pronoun) in the main clause. It acts as a pronoun within its own clause.The student *who* won the award is brilliant.
Relative ClauseA type of dependent clause that begins with a relative pronoun and describes a noun or pronoun (the antecedent). It functions like an adjective, adding more information about the noun.The book *which I read yesterday* was fascinating.
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a relative pronoun refers back to and modifies or describes.The dog, *which* barked loudly, chased the squirrel. (The antecedent for 'which' is 'dog').
Subjective Case (Who)Used when the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb within its...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Who vs. Whom Rule
Use 'who' when the relative pronoun is the subject of the relative clause. Use 'whom' when it is the object of a verb or preposition in the relative clause.
To decide, isolate the relative clause and replace the relative pronoun with 'he/she' (for who) or 'him/her' (for whom). If 'he/she' fits, use 'who'. If 'him/her' fits, use 'whom'.
Whose for Possession Rule
Use 'whose' to indicate possession or ownership by the antecedent. It functions like a possessive adjective within the relative clause.
'Whose' shows that something belongs to the antecedent. Do not confuse it with 'who's', which is a contraction for 'who is' or 'who has&#...
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Challenging
Analyze this sentence from a student's essay: 'The main character, who the author portrays as a hero, has a hidden flaw.' What is the grammatical error?
A.'who' should be 'whom' because it is the object of the verb 'portrays'.
B.The clause should use 'that' instead of 'who' because it is essential.
C.The commas should be removed to make the clause essential.
D.'who' should be 'whose' to show the character possesses the portrayal.
Challenging
A writer wants to combine these sentences to add a critical detail: 'The company released a new phone. The phone's battery life is a major concern.' Which revision uses a relative clause most effectively to create a concise and sophisticated sentence?
A.The company released a new phone that has a battery life that is a major concern.
B.The company released a new phone, whose battery life is a major concern.
C.The company, which is concerned about battery life, released a new phone.
D.The company released a new phone, and its battery life is a major concern.
Challenging
Analyze the sentence for errors: 'The team, that won the championship, celebrated with their coach, who's strategy was brilliant.' Which revision corrects all the errors?
A.The team that won the championship celebrated with their coach, whose strategy was brilliant.
B.The team, which won the championship, celebrated with their coach, whose strategy was brilliant.
C.The team, which won the championship, celebrated with their coach, who's strategy was brilliant.
D.The team that won the championship celebrated with their coach, who's strategy was brilliant.
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