What Are Relative Pronouns in ELA?

Relative Pronouns often confuse students because the word choices look small, but they change how a sentence is built. In many classrooms, students can recognize “who” or “that,” but struggle to explain what those words are doing in the sentence. This article explains what relative pronouns are, how they connect ideas, and how to avoid the most common errors in school writing.

What Are Relative Pronouns? Core Definition

Relative pronouns are pronouns used to introduce a relative clause, which is a part of a sentence that describes a noun. They help combine information so writing sounds smoother and less repetitive. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, and that.

In plain terms, a relative pronoun points back to a person, place, or thing mentioned earlier and “hooks” an extra description onto it.

Quick definition: Relative pronouns (like who or which) connect a noun to a describing phrase in the same sentence.

Key Explanation & Simple Examples

Relative pronouns usually appear right after the noun they describe. The words that come after the relative pronoun form the relative clause (the describing part). In school writing, this skill matters because it helps students add details without starting a brand-new sentence each time.

Example 1

Sentence: “The girl who won the science fair thanked her teacher.”

Explanation: “Who” refers back to “the girl.” The relative clause is “who won the science fair,” and it gives extra information about which girl is meant.

Example 2

Sentence: “The laptop that the class used for the project stopped working.”

Explanation: “That” refers back to “the laptop.” The relative clause “that the class used for the project” identifies which laptop is being discussed.

A quick guide to which word to choose

In most K–12 classrooms, these guidelines cover the majority of assignments:

• Who = for people (subject): “The coach who called was helpful.”
• Whom = for people (object, more formal): “The coach whom we called was helpful.”
• Whose = shows possession (people or things): “The student whose backpack is missing went to the office.”
• Which = for things/animals; often used with extra, nonessential information: “The bike, which was brand new, got a flat tire.”
• That = for people or things in many school contexts; often used when the information is essential: “The bike that has a basket is mine.”

Real-World & Classroom Uses

Relative pronouns show up constantly in school reading and writing because they help authors add detail efficiently. Teachers also use them to assess sentence variety and clarity, especially from late elementary through middle school.

• Reading comprehension: Spotting a relative clause can help students keep track of which person or object a text is describing. Example: “The scientist who discovered the cure…” tells readers which scientist matters in the passage.
• Writing assignments: Relative pronouns help students combine short sentences into stronger ones. Example: “I read a book. It was exciting.” becomes “I read a book that was exciting.”
• Tests and worksheets: Grammar questions often ask students to pick the correct word (who/whom/which/that) or to identify the underlined relative pronoun and what it refers to.

Common Misconceptions to Avoid

• Mixing up “who” and “which”: Many teachers expect who for people and which for things. If the noun is a person (“the teacher”), who is usually the safe choice.
• Thinking “that” is always wrong for people: In everyday American English, that is sometimes used for people (“the person that called”). Some teachers prefer who for people in formal writing, so it helps to follow the class style expectations.
• Using “whom” everywhere to sound formal: Whom is only correct when it is the object in the clause (roughly, when “him” or “them” would fit). Example: “The student whom the principal praised…”

Key takeaway: A relative pronoun should clearly point back to the noun it describes, and the clause that follows should add correct, specific information.

Grade-Level Learning Breakdown

Grade band	What it usually means in class	What strong work looks like
K–2	Recognize common pronouns (often “who” and “that”) in shared reading and simple sentences.	Identifies the word and explains it points to a person or thing: “Who means the girl.”
3–5	Use relative pronouns in writing and expand sentences with describing clauses (a common language arts standard focus).	Writes clear sentences like “The dog that barked ran away,” and can underline the relative clause.
6–8	Improve sentence variety; choose among who/whom/whose/which/that based on grammar and style.	Uses relative clauses to add detail without run-ons; uses whose correctly for possession.
9–12	Edit for precision and tone; avoid unclear references; handle formal usage (including “whom” where expected).	Revises sentences so the relative clause is close to the noun it describes and fits the writing style.

Basic Practice Problems

These short items reflect common school tasks: choosing the best relative pronoun or identifying what it refers to.

1. Choose the best relative pronoun: “The student _____ forgot the homework emailed the teacher.”
   Answer: who (refers to “student,” a person).
2. Choose the best relative pronoun: “The painting _____ hangs in the hallway was made by eighth graders.”
   Answer: that or which (many classes accept either; that is common in essential information).
3. Choose the best relative pronoun: “The author _____ books we read visited the school.”
   Answer: whose (shows possession: the author’s books).
4. More formal option: “The counselor _____ the family thanked later retired.”
   Answer: whom (object of “thanked”).
5. Identify the reference: “The team that won the tournament celebrated on Monday.” What does “that” refer to?
   Answer: “that” refers to “the team.”

Visit our program page for more practice resources at this grade level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “that” a relative pronoun?

Yes. In many grammar lessons, that is taught as a relative pronoun when it introduces a clause describing a noun: “The book that I lost…” Some teachers also discuss that that can function in other ways, but for most K–12 writing practice, recognizing it as a relative pronoun in this structure is the key skill.

When should “whom” be used?

“Whom” is used when the pronoun is the object in its clause, meaning it receives the action. A practical classroom check is to replace it with “him” or “them.” If “him/them” fits, “whom” is likely correct: “Whom did the coach call?” → “The coach called him.”

Do relative pronouns always need commas?

Not always. Commas depend on whether the clause is essential to identifying the noun. Example without commas: “Students who arrive early can review notes” (not all students). Example with commas: “My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting” (extra information about a specific brother). Many schools introduce this idea gradually, so it helps to follow the grade-level expectations and teacher notes.

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