Final answer:
Relative clauses add extra information about a noun using relative pronouns like 'which', 'who', 'where', 'whose', and 'whom'. These clauses function similarly to adjectives, and the pronoun used depends on whether the information added is about the subject, object, or possession, as well as where or whom it relates to.
Step-by-step explanation:
Relative clauses are used to provide additional information about a noun, often functioning like an adjective to give more details about that noun. These clauses typically begin with relative pronouns such as which, who, where, whose, and whom. The choice of relative pronoun depends on the role the noun plays in the sentence and the type of information being added. For example:
- Pass me the dictionary, which I put on the shelf. - 'Which' refers back to the dictionary, and its clause gives more information about where it was put.
- They sent me a postcard of the hotel, where they stayed on holiday. - 'Where' introduces the place associated with the hotel.
- We haven't met Mr. Smith yet, whose daughter studies with Paul. - 'Whose' shows a possessive relationship, indicating that the daughter belongs to Mr. Smith.
- This is my best friend, who I met at school ten years ago. - 'Who' introduces information about the person, indicating how the speaker knows them.
The pronoun 'who' is used for the subject case, while 'whom' is used for the object case, similar to 'he' and 'him' or 'they' and 'them' respectively. For instance, "To whom should I give the extra concert tickets?" uses 'whom' because it is the object of the preposition 'to'. In contrast, "who is going to the concert?" uses 'who' as it serves as the subject of the sentence.