Final answer:
A relative pronoun is used to introduce a relative clause that clarifies who or what the sentence is talking about, such as 'who,' 'whom,' 'whose,' 'which,' or 'that.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The element used to introduce a relative clause that is clarifying who or what the sentence is talking about is a relative pronoun. Relative pronouns are words like “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” and “that.” They are used to connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun, providing more information about it.
For example, in the sentence “Janis spent her vacation in Goa, which is on the west coast of the Indian subcontinent,” the word “which” is the relative pronoun linking the dependent clause to “Goa,” thereby giving more details about Goa.
A relative pronoun serves as a crucial link in connecting dependent clauses to main clauses in a sentence, particularly when providing additional information about a noun.
Examples include "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that." When introducing a relative clause, these pronouns clarify the identity or attributes of the noun in focus. For instance, in the sentence "The person who called is waiting outside," the relative pronoun "who" introduces the clause clarifying which person is being referred to.
This grammatical structure enhances precision and clarity in communication, allowing for a more detailed and nuanced expression of ideas. Understanding the role of relative pronouns contributes to effective writing, ensuring that additional information is seamlessly integrated into the sentence structure.