What are the functions of relative pronouns?

Relative pronouns are the glue that connects a dependent clause (a clause that can't stand alone) to an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone). Their primary function is to:

1. Introduce a relative clause:

Relative pronouns introduce a relative clause, which modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. For example:

* The woman who lives next door is a doctor.

- "who lives next door" is a relative clause modifying the noun "woman."

2. Act as the subject or object of the relative clause:

Within the relative clause, the relative pronoun acts as the subject or object.

* The book that I read was very interesting.

- "that" is the subject of the verb "read."

* The man whom I met at the party is a lawyer.

- "whom" is the object of the verb "met."

3. Refer to a noun or pronoun in the main clause (the antecedent):

Relative pronouns always refer back to a noun or pronoun in the main clause, called the antecedent.

* The cat that chased the mouse is now asleep.

- "that" refers back to the antecedent "cat."

4. Specify or restrict the meaning of the antecedent:

Relative clauses can be restrictive or non-restrictive:

* Restrictive relative clauses provide essential information about the antecedent, narrowing down its meaning.

- The house that is on the corner is for sale. (We need the information about the corner to know which house is for sale.)

* Non-restrictive relative clauses add extra, non-essential information about the antecedent. They are usually set off by commas.

- The house, which is on the corner, is for sale. (We already know which house is for sale, this just adds extra information.)

5. Create a relationship between clauses:

Relative pronouns establish a relationship between the relative clause and the main clause, providing additional information or clarifying the antecedent.

In summary, relative pronouns are essential for building complex sentences by connecting clauses and providing more detailed information about nouns and pronouns.

Here are some examples of relative pronouns:

* who, whom, whose (refer to people)

* which (refer to things or animals)

* that (refer to people, things, or animals)

* what (can act as the subject and object, usually referring to things or situations)

* where (refers to a place)

* when (refers to a time)

* why (refers to a reason)