What is a relative pronoun? How is it used in a relative clause?

A relative pronoun is a type of pronoun that is used to introduce a relative clause. Relative pronouns include words such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that."

In a relative clause, the relative pronoun serves as a link between the main clause and the subordinate clause. It connects the clause to a noun or pronoun in the main clause, which is known as the antecedent. The relative pronoun not only introduces the relative clause but also functions as a subject, object, or possessive pronoun within the clause.

For example, consider the sentence: "The woman who is sitting next to me is my sister." In this sentence, the relative pronoun "who" introduces the relative clause "who is sitting next to me." The antecedent of the relative pronoun is "woman" from the main clause. Within the relative clause, "who" functions as the subject pronoun, referring to the woman.

Another example is: "I have a dog that loves to play fetch." Here, the relative pronoun "that" introduces the relative clause "that loves to play fetch." The antecedent of the relative pronoun is "dog" from the main clause. Within the relative clause, "that" functions as the subject pronoun, referring to the dog.

In summary, a relative pronoun is used to introduce a relative clause and connects it to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. It functions as a subject, object, or possessive pronoun within the relative clause.