What is a relative pronoun and how does it introduce a relative clause?

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What is a relative pronoun and how does it introduce a relative clause?

A relative pronoun is a type of pronoun that is used to introduce a relative clause in a sentence. Relative pronouns include words such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that." These pronouns are used to connect a dependent clause (relative clause) to a main clause in order to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause.

When a relative pronoun is used to introduce a relative clause, it serves as a link between the main clause and the dependent clause. The relative pronoun not only introduces the relative clause but also functions as a subject, object, or possessive pronoun within that clause.

For example, consider the sentence: "The girl who is sitting next to me is my best friend." In this sentence, the relative pronoun "who" introduces the relative clause "who is sitting next to me." The relative clause provides additional information about the noun "girl" in the main clause. The relative pronoun "who" acts as the subject of the relative clause, referring to the girl.

Similarly, in the sentence: "I have a dog that loves to play fetch," the relative pronoun "that" introduces the relative clause "that loves to play fetch." The relative clause provides more information about the noun "dog" in the main clause. The relative pronoun "that" acts as the subject of the relative clause, referring to the dog.

In summary, a relative pronoun is a pronoun that introduces a relative clause and connects it to a main clause. It serves as a subject, object, or possessive pronoun within the relative clause, providing additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause.