Introduction to

Relative Pronouns and Adverbs

Ever felt like your sentences were missing that extra sprinkle of magic? Look no further than relative pronouns and adverbs, your secret weapons for crafting clear, vibrant writing!

Think of relative pronouns as tiny bridges, connecting clauses like islands of meaning. They’re the “who, what, where, when, why, and how” that bring your sentences to life. For example, instead of saying “The book was interesting,” you can say “The book that I read yesterday was fascinating,” adding detail and intrigue.

Now, imagine adverbs as dazzling dancers, swirling around verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, adding color and movement. They tell you “how, when, where, and to what extent” things happen. For example, instead of saying “She spoke,” you can say “She spoke eloquently,” revealing her skill and confidence.

Relative pronouns serve as essential elements in constructing coherent and meaningful sentences. For ESL learners, understanding these pronouns holds immense importance as they facilitate the linkage between different parts of a sentence. By mastering relative pronouns, individuals can elevate their English proficiency to a more sophisticated level.

Relative pronouns are a special type of pronoun that connect clauses and phrases within a sentence. They act as a bridge, introducing a dependent clause that provides additional information about the noun or pronoun in the main clause. Some common relative pronouns include:

• who, whom, whose (for people)
• which, that (for things or animals)
• where, when, why (for places, times, or reasons)

Here are some examples of how relative pronouns are used:

• The book that I read was fascinating. (The pronoun “that” connects the clause “that I read” to the noun “book” in the main clause.)
• The woman who lives next door is a famous writer. (“who” connects the clause “who lives next door” to the noun “woman”)
• **I visited the city where I was born. (“where” connects the clause “where I was born” to the noun “city”)

 

Learn about: Relative Pronouns Exercises with Answers

The Role of Relative Adverbs in Sentence Connections

Relative Adverbs: These are “when,” “where,” and “why.” They function similarly to relative pronouns but instead modify adverbial phrases or clauses. For instance, “I remember the day when we first met” or “This is the reason why she left.”

Relative adverbs, similar to relative pronouns, serve to connect clauses or phrases within a sentence. They operate as a link between the main clause and a dependent clause, offering additional information related to time, place, or reason. Common relative adverbs encompass:

When: Refers to a specific time or period. Where: Specifies a particular place or location. Why: Indicates the reason or cause for something.

Here are examples illustrating the usage of relative adverbs:

She remembers the day when she first met her best friend. (“when” connects the clause “when she first met her best friend” to the main clause.) This is the place where I found the lost keys. (“where” connects the clause “where I found the lost keys” to the noun “place.”) He explained the reason why he couldn’t attend the meeting. (“why” connects the clause “why he couldn’t attend the meeting” to the main clause.)

 

Common Relative Pronouns

Definition and Function of Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns are a special type of pronoun that connect clauses within a sentence, acting as a bridge between a main clause and a dependent clause. They provide essential information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause, adding detail and clarity.

Here are some key functions of relative pronouns:

• Connecting clauses: They introduce a dependent clause that modifies the noun or pronoun in the main clause.
• Providing additional information: They specify which noun or pronoun is being referred to, preventing ambiguity.
• Adding variety and complexity: They enable the construction of more complex sentences, enhancing the writer’s style.

 

Examples of Common Relative Pronouns:

Who and Whom:

• Who: Used for the subject of a relative clause referring to people.
  • Example: The teacher who inspired me is now retired.
• Whom: Used for the object of a relative clause referring to people.
  • Example: The student whom I helped scored well on the exam.

Which and That:

• Which: Used for the subject or object of a relative clause referring to things and animals.
  • Example: The book which I borrowed is very interesting.
  • Example: The dog which barked all night belongs to my neighbor.
• That: Can be used for both people and things in both subject and object positions.
  • Example: The woman that I met was very kind.
  • Example: The reason that I am here is to learn more.

Whose and Where:

• Whose: Used as a possessive pronoun, referring to ownership of a person or thing.
  • Example: The man whose car is broken down needs help.
• Where: Used to introduce a relative clause referring to a place.
  • Example: The city where I was born is a beautiful place.

Explore more: What is Indefinite Pronouns? Examples, and More

Relative Pronouns in Sentence Structure

The Vital Role of Relative Pronouns in Sentence Construction: Connecting Clauses and Adding Precision

Relative pronouns are not mere grammatical ornaments; they are instrumental tools for building clear, precise, and sophisticated sentences. Their primary function lies in connecting clauses, weaving together independent and dependent clauses to form a cohesive whole.

Imagine a sentence as a building:

• The independent clause forms the foundation of the building, expressing a complete thought.
• The dependent clause, introduced by a relative pronoun, acts as an extension or addition to the foundation, providing additional information about the main clause.
• The relative pronoun itself becomes the bridge, connecting the two clauses and ensuring a smooth flow of information.

Here’s how relative pronouns connect different types of clauses:

1. Restrictive Clauses:

• These clauses define or restrict the meaning of a noun in the main clause.
• The relative pronoun acts as a crucial link, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.
  • Example: The students who studied diligently achieved excellent results.
  • Explanation: The relative pronoun “who” identifies the specific group of students who achieved good grades.

2. Non-Restrictive Clauses:

• These clauses provide additional information about a noun in the main clause but are not essential for its meaning.
• They are often set off by commas and add descriptive details.
  • Example: My grandmother, who lives in Florida, enjoys baking cookies.
  • Explanation: The relative clause “who lives in Florida” provides additional information about the grandmother, but it is not necessary for understanding the main clause.

Common Relative Adverbs

Adding Dimension to Your Sentences

While relative pronouns are the workhorses connecting clauses, relative adverbs are the secret sauce that adds depth and flavor to your writing. These versatile words provide additional information about the place, time, manner, reason, or degree of an action or event.

Here are some of the most common relative adverbs and their functions:

Where	Indicates place	I visited the city where I was born.
When	Indicates time	I will do it when I have time.
Why	Indicates reason	I don’t know why he did it.
How	Indicates manner	She did it how I told her to.
To what extent	Indicates degree	I am not sure to what extent I agree with you.

These adverbs function similarly to relative pronouns, introducing an adjective clause that modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. For example, in the sentence “The house where I grew up is now a museum,” the relative adverb “where” introduces the clause “I grew up,” which modifies the noun “house.”

Benefits of Using Relative Adverbs:

• Enhanced clarity and precision: They provide specific details that prevent ambiguity and enrich understanding.
• Increased sentence variety and complexity: They enable the construction of sophisticated sentence structures and add depth to your writing.
• Improved conciseness and flow: They can replace repetitive phrases, ensuring brevity and maintaining the flow of information.

Tips for Using Relative Adverbs:

• Choose the appropriate adverb based on the type of information you want to convey.
• Pay attention to the grammatical structure of the sentence.
• Use commas to set off non-restrictive clauses introduced by relative adverbs.
• Practice using relative adverbs in your writing to improve your fluency and skill.

Learn about: Unlock the Power of Possessive Pronouns | The Ultimate Guide

Exercises for Understanding Relative Pronouns

Structured Exercises for Mastering Relative Pronouns:

Exercise 1: Identifying the Correct Relative Pronoun

Instructions: Choose the correct relative pronoun from the options in parentheses to complete each sentence.

1. The book (that/which) I borrowed from the library is overdue.
2. The woman (who/whom) I admire most is a doctor.
3. The city (where/which) I grew up is a small town.
4. The dog (which/that) barked all night kept me awake.
5. The reason (why/which) I am here is to learn more about relative pronouns.

Exercise 2: Constructing Sentences Using Relative Pronouns

Instructions: Use the following relative pronouns to construct your own sentences.

• who
• which
• that
• whose
• where

Example: The car (which) broke down belongs to my friend.

1. The student (who) always studies hard usually gets good grades.
2. The restaurant (whose) food is delicious is always crowded.
3. The town (where) I was born is located near the beach.
4. The book (that) I am reading is about a fascinating journey.
5. The reason (why) I am learning English is to communicate with more people.

Complex Sentence Formations with Relative Pronouns

 Adding Depth and Nuance to Your Writing

Relative pronouns are more than just grammatical tools; they are powerful instruments for constructing complex and sophisticated sentences. By harnessing their potential, writers can elevate their style and imbue their writing with depth and nuance.

Here are some ways to utilize relative pronouns to create intricate sentence formations:

1. Nested Relative Clauses

These involve embedding one relative clause within another, further enriching the sentence structure and adding layers of detail.

• Example: The author, whose book I read last week, who is also a renowned poet, will be giving a lecture tomorrow.
  • This sentence employs two relative clauses:
    • “whose book I read last week” specifies the author
    • “who is also a renowned poet” provides additional information about the author

2. Relative Clauses with Participles

Using present participles (“ing”) or past participles (“ed”) within relative clauses adds dynamism and creates a more active voice.

• Example: The student, having studied diligently, achieved a perfect score on the test.
  • The present participle “having studied” modifies the subject “student” and emphasizes the student’s effort

3. Relative Clauses with Adjectives

Incorporating adjectives within relative clauses allows for precise and nuanced descriptions.

• Example: The painting, depicting a vibrant landscape, evoked a sense of peace and tranquility.
  • The adjective “depicting” modifies the object “painting” and provides a specific visual detail

4. Relative Clauses with Gerunds

Utilizing gerunds (verb forms ending in “-ing” used as nouns) adds flexibility and allows for expressing actions within relative clauses.

• Example: The athlete, dreaming of Olympic glory, trained relentlessly.
  • The gerund “dreaming” modifies the subject “athlete” and expresses the athlete’s desire

5. Combining Relative Clauses with Other Constructions

Combining relative clauses with other sentence structures, such as appositives or parenthetical phrases, can further enhance the complexity and sophistication of your writing.

• Example: The concert, which I had been eagerly anticipating for months (ever since I heard the new album), exceeded all my expectations.
  • This sentence combines a relative clause (“which I had been eagerly anticipating for months”) with a parenthetical phrase for added detail and emphasis

Relative Pronouns in Formal Writing

In formal writing, mastering relative pronouns is crucial for crafting polished and precise prose. Here are some key points to remember:

• Favor restrictive clauses over non-restrictive clauses. Restrictive clauses provide essential information and avoid unnecessary ambiguity.
• Use formal language and avoid informal contractions.
• Maintain sentence clarity and avoid convoluted structures.
• Vary sentence length and structure to create rhythm and flow.

 

Learn More: Unveiled: A to Z Adverbs Meaning, Usage and More Now!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Errors in relative pronoun usage are common among learners. Addressing these mistakes involves thorough analysis and providing strategies to overcome them. Often, errors arise due to confusion between similar-sounding pronouns or incorrect placement within a sentence.

Importance of Relative Pronouns in Fluency

Fluency in English heavily relies on the mastery of relative pronouns. The ability to seamlessly incorporate these pronouns into speech or writing significantly enhances communication skills and overall fluency.

 

ESL Relative Pronouns through Practical Exercises

Refine Your English Skills with some Challenging Sentences on Relative Pronouns for ESL Learners

Following each sentence, you’ll find the accurate solution along with a detailed explanation, serving as a guiding light to reinforce your understanding and application of relative pronouns.

1. She is the one ___ won the singing competition.
   • Answer: who
   • Explanation: “who” refers to a person, indicating the subject of the sentence.
2. The book ___ I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
   • Answer: that
   • Explanation: “that” introduces a restrictive clause about the specific book borrowed.
3. This is the house ___ my grandparents lived in during their childhood.
   • Answer: where
   • Explanation: “where” specifies the place where the grandparents lived.
4. The person ___ helped me yesterday is my teacher.
   • Answer: who
   • Explanation: “who” refers to a person, indicating the subject of the sentence.
5. The car ___ belongs to my brother needs repairs.
   • Answer: that
   • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific car needing repairs.
6. The place ___ I visited last summer was breathtaking.
   • Answer: where
   • Explanation: “where” specifies the place visited, indicating a location.
7. The movie ___ we watched last night was fantastic.
   • Answer: that
   • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific movie watched.
8. The person ___ house was robbed called the police.
   • Answer: whose
   • Explanation: “whose” signifies possession, indicating the person’s ownership of the house.
9. The company ___ I work for is expanding its operations.
   • Answer: that
   • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific company.
10. The reason ___ I didn’t attend the meeting was my illness.
    • Answer: why
    • Explanation: “why” introduces a clause explaining the reason for not attending the meeting.
11. The day ___ we met was unforgettable.
    • Answer: when
    • Explanation: “when” refers to the specific time when the meeting occurred.
12. The dog ___ barks loudly belongs to my neighbor.
    • Answer: that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific dog.
13. The person ___ I spoke to was very helpful.
    • Answer: whom
    • Explanation: “whom” refers to a person, indicating the object of the sentence.
14. The country ___ I was born has beautiful landscapes.
    • Answer: where
    • Explanation: “where” specifies the place of birth.
15. The book ___ cover is torn needs to be replaced.
    • Answer: whose
    • Explanation: “whose” indicates possession of the book.
16. The artist ___ painted this masterpiece is renowned.
    • Answer: who
    • Explanation: “who” refers to a person, indicating the subject of the sentence.
17. The reason ___ she left early remains unknown.
    • Answer: why
    • Explanation: “why” introduces a clause explaining the reason for her early departure.
18. The store ___ sells organic produce is across the street.
    • Answer: that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific store.
19. The project ___ I am working on is challenging but rewarding.
    • Answer: that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific project.
20. The restaurant ___ we dined at had exceptional service.
    • Answer: where
    • Explanation: “where” specifies the place where dining occurred.

Explore more: Relative Pronouns Exercises with Answers

Relative Pronouns Exercise

25 Engaging Sentences for ESL Learners

Unlock the potential to wield relative pronouns with confidence and precision. Each sentence presented here is meticulously crafted to challenge and reinforce your comprehension of relative pronouns, ensuring a deeper understanding through practical application. Engage in this exercise to elevate your language skills and fortify your ability to construct grammatically correct and eloquent sentences.

1. The student ___ sits in the front row scored the highest marks.
   • a) which
   • b) whom
   • c) who
   • Answer: c) who
   • Explanation: “who” refers to a person, indicating the subject of the sentence.
2. The house ___ is painted blue belongs to my aunt.
   • a) where
   • b) whose
   • c) that
   • Answer: c) that
   • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific house.
3. The movie ___ I watched last night was thrilling.
   • a) which
   • b) whom
   • c) that
   • Answer: c) that
   • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific movie.
4. The woman ___ is wearing a red dress is my sister.
   • a) where
   • b) who
   • c) which
   • Answer: b) who
   • Explanation: “who” refers to a person, indicating the subject of the sentence.
5. The reason ___ I am late is traffic on the road.
   • a) why
   • b) whom
   • c) which
   • Answer: a) why
   • Explanation: “why” introduces a clause explaining the reason for being late.
6. The book ___ cover is torn belongs to the library.
   • a) whose
   • b) that
   • c) where
   • Answer: a) whose
   • Explanation: “whose” indicates possession of the book.
7. The store ___ sells organic fruits is around the corner.
   • a) that
   • b) which
   • c) who
   • Answer: a) that
   • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific store.
8. The person ___ I met yesterday was very friendly.
   • a) whom
   • b) where
   • c) whose
   • Answer: a) whom
   • Explanation: “whom” refers to a person, indicating the object of the sentence.
9. The park ___ we usually play soccer is closed today.
   • a) where
   • b) whose
   • c) that
   • Answer: a) where
   • Explanation: “where” specifies the place of playing soccer.
10. The dog ___ barks loudly is my neighbor’s pet.
    • a) that
    • b) whom
    • c) where
    • Answer: a) that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific dog.
11. The reason ___ she is upset remains unclear.
    • a) why
    • b) whose
    • c) whom
    • Answer: a) why
    • Explanation: “why” introduces a clause explaining the reason for her being upset.
12. The girl ___ won the race is wearing a blue shirt.
    • a) who
    • b) that
    • c) where
    • Answer: a) who
    • Explanation: “who” refers to a person, indicating the subject of the sentence.
13. The car ___ speed is impressive belongs to my uncle.
    • a) whose
    • b) which
    • c) whom
    • Answer: b) which
    • Explanation: “which” introduces a clause about the specific car.
14. The city ___ we live in is vibrant and diverse.
    • a) that
    • b) where
    • c) who
    • Answer: b) where
    • Explanation: “where” specifies the place of living.
15. The reason ___ we won the game is teamwork.
    • a) why
    • b) whom
    • c) whose
    • Answer: a) why
    • Explanation: “why” introduces a clause explaining the reason for winning the game.
16. The woman ___ is talking to the principal is my teacher.
    • a) that
    • b) who
    • c) whom
    • Answer: b) who
    • Explanation: “who” refers to a person, indicating the subject of the sentence.
17. The laptop ___ I use for work is brand new.
    • a) that
    • b) whose
    • c) where
    • Answer: a) that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific laptop.
18. The reason ___ he got the award is his dedication.
    • a) why
    • b) whose
    • c) that
    • Answer: a) why
    • Explanation: “why” introduces a clause explaining the reason for receiving the award.
19. The bird ___ sings beautifully is a nightingale.
    • a) where
    • b) who
    • c) that
    • Answer: c) that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific bird.
20. The restaurant ___ we had lunch has delicious food.
    • a) that
    • b) where
    • c) whom
    • Answer: b) where
    • Explanation: “where” specifies the place of having lunch.
21. The reason ___ she is smiling is her success.
    • a) why
    • b) that
    • c) whom
    • Answer: a) why
    • Explanation: “why” introduces a clause explaining the reason for her smile.
22. The cat ___ is sleeping on the couch is mine.
    • a) where
    • b) who
    • c) that
    • Answer: c) that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific cat.
23. The person ___ called you left a message.
    • a) whom
    • b) that
    • c) where
    • Answer: b) that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific person.
24. The reason ___ I bought this phone is its camera.
    • a) whom
    • b) why
    • c) whose
    • Answer: b) why
    • Explanation: “why” introduces a clause explaining the reason for buying the phone.
25. The building ___ is painted red is a school.
    • a) where
    • b) that
    • c) whose
    • Answer: b) that
    • Explanation: “that” introduces a clause about the specific building.

 

30 Relative Adverbs Sentences with Multiple Choice Questions:

Whether you are a seasoned writer seeking to refine your craft or a language learner eager to expand your vocabulary and grammatical knowledge, this book offers valuable insights and practical tools. By unlocking the power of relative pronouns and adverbs, you can elevate your communication skills to a new level, express yourself with greater precision and confidence, and captivate your audience with your writing.

So, prepare to embark on a journey of linguistic discovery. Let us open the doors to the world of relative pronouns and adverbs and unleash their full potential!

1. The place where I found my lost phone was under the sofa.
   • a) where
   • b) in which
   • c) that
   • d) when
2. The time when the train arrives is 7:30 PM.
   • a) why
   • b) since
   • c) at which
   • d) so that
3. The reason why I love traveling is to experience new cultures.
   • a) for which
   • b) because
   • c) such as
   • d) although
4. The city where we spent our honeymoon was breathtakingly beautiful.
   • a) therefore
   • b) in which
   • c) even though
   • d) in that
5. He didn’t know when his flight would be cancelled.
   • a) whether
   • b) since
   • c) at what time
   • d) as soon as
6. I met the woman who gave me directions to the museum.
   • a) that
   • b) whom
   • c) which
   • d) where
7. This is the car which I bought last year.
   • a) that
   • b) whom
   • c) which
   • d) where
8. The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue.
   • a) who
   • b) which
   • c) that
   • d) where
9. The house where we used to live is for sale.
   • a) although
   • b) so that
   • c) in which
   • d) that
10. The reason why I came here is to learn English.
    • a) while
    • b) because
    • c) for which
    • d) since
11. I don’t know where I left my keys.
    • a) which
    • b) that
    • c) where
    • d) whom
12. The day when I met my best friend was unforgettable.
    • a) since
    • b) on which
    • c) where
    • d) which
13. The restaurant where we had dinner last night was very expensive.
    • a) which
    • b) that
    • c) in which
    • d) why
14. The book that I am reading is about a fascinating journey.
    • a) whom
    • b) which
    • c) that
    • d) where
15. The woman who helped me cross the street was very kind.
    • a) which
    • b) that
    • c) who
    • d) where
16. The movie that I watched last week was very disappointing.
    • a) whom
    • b) which
    • c) that
    • d) where
17. The reason why I am learning French is to travel to Paris.
    • a) that
    • b) which
    • c) for which
    • d) where
18. The town where I grew up is located near the beach.
    • a) which
    • b) that
    • c) where
    • d) why
19. The athlete who won the gold medal trained relentlessly.
    • a) that
    • b) which
    • c) who
    • d) where
20. The man whose car is broken down needs help.
    • a) that
    • b) which
    • c) whose
    • d) where

Reference:

1. Amazon – ESL Relative Pronouns Books: Explore a wide range of books catering to ESL learners focusing on relative pronouns and adverbs available on Amazon.
2. Barnes & Noble – ESL Grammar Books: Barnes & Noble offers an assortment of ESL grammar books, including resources specifically dedicated to relative pronouns and adverbs.
3. Oxford University Press – ESL Learning Materials: Oxford University Press provides ESL learning materials, including grammar courses covering relative pronouns and adverbs in their English Grammar series.
4. Cambridge University Press – ESL Pronouns: Cambridge University Press offers resources like “English Grammar in Use” series that cover pronouns, including relative pronouns and adverbs, for ESL learners.
5. TESOL – Teaching Resources: The TESOL website provides teaching resources, lesson plans, and books aimed at ESL educators that often include sections or books focusing on relative pronouns and adverbs in English grammar.