English Language Arts
Grade 9
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
Differentiate between the functions of who, whom, whose, which, and that.
Identify the antecedent that a relative pronoun refers to within a complex sentence.
Construct sentences using restrictive (essential) and non-restrictive (non-essential) clauses with the correct relative pronouns and punctuation.
By the end of of this lesson, students will be able to apply the subject/object test to correctly choose between 'who' and 'whom' in formal writing.
Analyze sentences from literature to identify and explain the function of relative pronouns.
Revise their own writing to eliminate common errors in relative pronoun usage, enhancing clarity and sophistication.
Ever wonder how to connect ideas in a sentence without sounding repetitive? 🤔 Re...
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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 for weeks. ('Who' is the relative pronoun connecting the clause 'who aced the exam' to 'student').
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').
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, is my favorite. ('which is on the table' is the relative clause).
Restrictive ClauseAn esse...
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Key Rules & Conventions
People vs. Objects
Use 'who', 'whom', and 'whose' for people. Use 'which' and 'that' for animals and objects.
This is the first and most fundamental distinction. 'Who' and its forms are reserved for human subjects and objects, while 'which' and 'that' are for everything else.
Subject vs. Object: Who vs. Whom
Use 'who' when the pronoun is the subject of the clause. Use 'whom' when it is the object.
To test this, substitute 'he/she' for 'who' and 'him/her' for 'whom'. If 'he/she' fits, use 'who'. If 'him/her' fits, use 'whom'. Example: The artist (who/whom) I admire is famous. -> I admire him. -&g...
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Challenging
Consider the sentence: 'The system, which was designed by engineers whom the company hired from a rival firm, is revolutionary.' Which statement provides the most accurate analysis of the relative pronouns used?
A.'Which' is correct, but 'whom' should be 'who' because the engineers are the subject of 'hired'.
B.'Which' correctly introduces a non-restrictive clause, and 'whom' correctly serves as the object of the verb 'hired'.
C.'Which' should be 'that' because the information is essential, and 'whom' is correct.
D.'Which' is correct, but 'whom' should be 'whose' to show the engineers belong to the company.
Challenging
A student is writing a literary analysis essay and wants to combine these two points: 'The protagonist is a character. We feel both sympathy and frustration for this character.' Which of the following sentences uses a relative pronoun most effectively and formally to create a sophisticated thesis?
A.The protagonist is a character that we feel both sympathy and frustration for.
B.The protagonist is a character for who we feel both sympathy and frustration.
C.The protagonist is a character for whom we feel both sympathy and frustration.
D.The protagonist, for whom we feel both sympathy and frustration, is a complex character.
Challenging
In which sentence does the relative pronoun refer to the entire independent clause that precedes it, rather than a single noun antecedent?
A.He missed the final shot, which was a disappointment to the whole team.
B.The car, which was brand new, already had a flat tire.
C.The person who called you left a message on the table.
D.I read the book that you recommended to me last week.
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Use relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, and that is a Grade 9 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
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Use relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, and that
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