Previous
Next

1. Grammar

1.1. Relative pronouns and adverbs

We use relative pronouns and adverbs to add a new clause (relative clause) to a sentence. We choose a relative pronoun or adverb that refers to the noun before the relative clause.

who | whose | which | where| when | that

We use who and that to refer to people.

  • The girl [who | that] works at the library is very friendly.

We can also use whom, but only in a very formal language, and only when the person is the object of the sentence. It is usually used only by older people.

  • The young lady whom I met at the library was most helpful (formal)
  • The girl (who / that) I met at the library was really helpful (informal)

We use whose to express possession.

  • Whose bag is this? NOT of who is this bag?
  • That's the boy whose mobile was stolen yesterday.

We use which and that to refer to things.

  • I'm returning some of the clothes [which | that] I bought last week.
  • I'm only keeping the clothes [which | that] fit me.

We use the adverb where to refer to spaces and places.

  • This is the are where they're building the new school.
  • Norwich is the place (where) I was born.

We use the adverb when to refer to time.

  • Do you remember that time (when) we all went to the river?
  • Friday is the day (when) I'm usually free.

* Who's is the contracted form of who is or who has.

  • Who's that boy? (= who is) 
  • That's the boy who's just bought my bike. (=who has)


   
Previous
Next