Relative pronouns

Relative

What does this word make you think of?

A relative is someone who is related to us, or part of our family.

But another meaning for related is connected. In today’s lesson we are going to learn about relative pronouns, which are pronouns that connect parts of sentences.

Tom is the boy who always wears blue.

What does the WHO refer to in the sentence?

Right. To the boy, whose name’s Tom.

This is the book that I read last summer.

What word in the sentence is THAT related to?

To the word – book.

The morning is when I eat breakfast.

What does WHEN refer to in the sentence?

To the morning.

The gym is where we go to play basketball.

What word is WHERE related to?

Where is related to the word – gym.

Why do you think these words are called relative pronouns?

Relative pronouns are used to connect sentences, and give more details about the noun they describe.

Relative pronouns can refer to something or someone in either singular or plural. Some relative pronouns can be used only with people, others only with things and some can be used with both. Here is a list of the relative pronouns and their uses.

We use WHO or THAT for people.

For example:

I know the girl. She lives in this house.

I know the girl who lives in this house.

I know the girl that lives in this house.

Warning:

We don’t use that to introduce a non-defining relative clause:

The girl, who is walking the dog, lives in this house.

NOT: The girl, that is walking the dog, lives in this house.

We use WHOM or people when the person is the object of the verb.

He is a famous singer. I had known and loved him since his first appearance on the radio.

He is a famous singer whom I had known and loved since his first appearance on the radio.

We use WHICH or THAT for animals and things.

For example:

The book is about computers. Dora is reading it.

The book which Dora is reading is about computers.

The book that Dora is reading is about computers.

We use WHERE for place, WHEN for time and WHY for reasons.

For example:

That’s the house where I grew up.

The day when the concert takes place is Sunday.

This is why I asked you to be careful!

We use WHOSE to show possession both for people and things.

For example:

That’s the girl. Her scooter has been broken.

That’s the girl whose scooter has been broken.

That’s the scooter. Its tire needs to be changed.

That’s the scooter whose tire needs to be changed.

Warning:

We don’t use WHAT as a relative pronoun:

Another activity which/that she has chosen is photography.

NOT: Another activity what she has chosen is photography.

Now it’s time to practice!

In this movie, Dora and John are making a video for new students at their school.

While watching the movie, pay attention to the relative pronouns.

John: Can you see me through the camera, Dora?

Dora: Yes, perfectly.

John: Don’t hold the camera upside down, Dora! Turn it the other way.

This movie is very important. New students will view it when they arrive. We are used to this school but new kids may feel nervous. The movie that we’re making will show them what the school is like from our point of view.

Ok, let’s start filming. Is the camera recording?

Dora: …I’m not sure.

John: Push the button that is on the side of the camera!

Good…. Lights! Camera! Action!

John: Hi kids,

Welcome to my school! This is the place where you’ll be getting your education.

My name’s John and I’m a student here.

Let’s continue…

This is where all the younger kids have their classes. This chair, which is way too small for me now, is where I used to sit.

Ok, let’s move on. Next stop is the Science Laboratory. The Science Lab is where we do experiments. Our Biology teacher, who is my favourite teacher, always says that the Lab is the place where we investigate the mysteries of life. We use microscopes and other instruments. We look for clues and evidence that help us understand how thing work in nature.

Dora: John, let’s go to the gym.

John: Great idea! The gym is the place where we have physical education. The kids who play sports spend a lot of time here.

Dora: Ouch!!!

John: Are you okay, Dora? This is why you have to be very careful in the gym!

You know, we can rest for a minute. Let’s look at what we’ve filmed so far.

Hmm…Dora, where’s all the staff, you’ve filmed? Oh, it’s all gone! Ok, let’s do this again.

Complete the sentences with relative pronouns.

1. Push the button that is on the side of the camera!

2. This is the place where you’ll be getting your education.

3. This chair, which is way too small for me now, is where I used to sit.

4. Our Biology teacher, who is my favourite teacher, always says that the Lab is the place where we investigate the mysteries of life.

5. We look for clues and evidence that help us understand how thing work in nature.

6. The gym is the place where we have physical education.

7. The kids who play sports spend a lot of time here.

8. This is why you have to be very careful in the gym!

That’s all for today!

Hopefully, the lesson was useful and informative to you.

Try to make your own short video about your school and always remember to be kind and friendly to the new students.