Adjective clauses are a type of dependent clause that act as adjectives in a sentence, modifying nouns or pronouns. These clauses contain a subject and a verb and are introduced by a relative pronoun. Object relative pronouns are a type of relative pronoun that are used to introduce adjective clauses that modify the object of a sentence. In this article, we will explore what object relative pronouns are, how they are used, and provide some examples to help you understand their function.
What are Object Relative Pronouns?
Object relative pronouns are a type of relative pronoun that are used to introduce adjective clauses that modify the object of a sentence. The most common object relative pronouns are whom, which, and that.
- Whom: is used to refer to people in formal English, often as the object of a preposition. For example, “The woman whom I spoke to was very helpful.”
- Which: is used to refer to things, animals, or groups of people. For example, “The book which I read last night was very interesting.”
- That: is used to refer to people, things, and animals. For example, “The dog that barked at me scared me.”
How are Adjective Clauses with Object Relative Pronouns Used?
Adjective clauses with object relative pronouns are used to provide additional information about the object of a sentence. They follow the noun or pronoun they modify and contain a subject and a verb. The relative pronoun that introduces the clause is used to refer to the noun or pronoun being modified.
Here are some examples of sentences with adjective clauses containing object relative pronouns:
- The car that I bought last year is very reliable.
- The man whom she married is a doctor.
- The book which is on the shelf is very old.
In each of these sentences, the object relative pronoun (that, whom, or which) introduces the adjective clause, which provides more information about the object of the sentence (car, man, or book).
In some cases, the relative pronoun can be omitted from the adjective clause when it is the object of the verb. For example:
- The dog she adopted from the shelter is very friendly.
In this sentence, “she adopted from the shelter” is an adjective clause that modifies the object “dog”, but the relative pronoun “which” is omitted.
Object Relative Pronouns vs. Subject Relative Pronouns
They are often confused with subject relative pronouns, which are used to introduce adjective clauses that modify the subject of a sentence. The most common subject relative pronouns are who, which, and that.
Here are some examples of sentences with adjective clauses containing subject relative pronouns:
- The woman who is standing over there is my sister.
- The book that I read last night was very interesting.
- The car which is parked in the driveway belongs to my brother.
In each of these sentences, the subject relative pronoun (who, that, or which) introduces the adjective clause, which provides more information about the subject of the sentence (woman, book, or car).
Key Takeaways
- Adjective clauses are dependent clauses that modify nouns or pronouns in a sentence.
- Object relative pronouns are used to introduce adjective clauses that modify the object of a sentence.
- The most common object relative pronouns are whom, which, and that.
- Adjective clauses with object relative pronouns provide additional information about the object of a sentence.
- Object relative pronouns can be omitted from an adjective clause when they are the object of the verb.
- Object relative pronouns should not be confused with subject relative pronouns, which introduce adjective clauses that modify the subject of a sentence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, object relative pronouns are a useful tool in English grammar for providing more information about the object of a sentence. By understanding how to use them properly, you can enhance your writing and make your sentences more precise and informative. When using object relative pronouns, be sure to identify the noun or pronoun being modified and choose the appropriate relative pronoun accordingly. With practice, you’ll be able to use object relative pronouns with ease and clarity.
Example Exercises
