Here's why:
* Relative pronouns introduce dependent clauses that modify a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They act as connectors, showing the relationship between the two parts of the sentence.
* Examples of relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, that, what.
Here are some examples:
* The book that I read was very interesting. ("That" connects the dependent clause "that I read" to the noun "book" in the main clause.)
* The woman who lives next door is a doctor. ("Who" connects the dependent clause "who lives next door" to the noun "woman" in the main clause.)
Relative pronouns are essential for creating complex and varied sentence structures. They help to add detail and clarity to writing.