A pronoun is a word that can take the place of a noun. Based on different form and function in the sentence, pronouns fall into several major categories such as personal pronouns, compound personal pronouns (reflexive), possessive pronouns, relative and interrogative pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, and indefinite pronouns.

When the pronouns who, whom, whose, which, and that are used to introduce an adjective clause, they are called relative pronouns. A relative pronoun always follows the noun it refers to.

Examples

In revising your writing, keep in mind the following rules about the correct usage of relative pronouns:

Who is used only to refer to people.

That and which refer to things.

Which is generally used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses. These clauses are set off by commas and provide information about the noun they describe.

That is used to introduce restrictive clauses. These clauses are not set off by commas. They give information about a noun that is essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Whose refers to both people and things.

When the pronouns who, whom, which, whose, and what are used to begin a question, they are called interrogative pronouns.

Examples