Use relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, and that

Design by Delta publications

Key Notes:

📝 Relative Pronouns: Who, Whom, Whose, Which, That

Relative pronouns are words that connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. They give us more information about a person, thing, or animal.

Who 👤

Refers to people.

Acts as the subject of the relative clause.

Example:

  • The girl who sings beautifully won the prize. 🎤🏆

✅ Tip: Use who when the relative pronoun is doing the action.

Whom 👥

Refers to people.

Acts as the object of the relative clause.

Example:

  • The teacher whom we met yesterday is very kind. 🍎✏️

✅ Tip: If you can replace it with “him” or “her,” use whom.

Whose 🔑

Shows possession.

Can refer to people, animals, or things.

Example:

  • I met a boy whose dog is very cute. 🐶❤️

✅ Tip: Always shows ownership of something.

Which 🐱📚

Refers to animals or things.

Can add extra information (non-essential clause) or specify (essential clause).

Example:

  • I bought a book which is full of pictures. 📖🎨

✅ Tip: Avoid using which for people.

That 💡

Can refer to people, animals, or things.

Often used in essential clauses (information needed to identify the noun).

Example:

  • The dog that barked loudly scared everyone. 🐕😱

✅ Tip: That is more flexible but not used in non-essential clauses.

🌟 Quick Tips
PronounRefers toUsage
WhoPeopleSubject
WhomPeopleObject
WhosePossessionOwner of something
WhichThings/AnimalsSubject or object
ThatPeople/Things/AnimalsEssential info only
🔹 Examples Together
  • The woman who called you is my aunt. 👩‍🦰📞
  • The boy whom you helped is very smart. 🧑‍🎓💡
  • I know a man whose car is red. 🚗❤️
  • The cat which climbed the tree is mine. 🐱🌳
  • I saw the movie that won the award. 🎬🏆
🎨 Fun Trick to Remember
  • Who → Subject (doing it)
  • Whom → Object (receiving it)
  • Whose → Possession (own it)
  • Which → Thing/Animal (extra info)
  • That → Essential info (must-have info)

Let’s practice!🖊️