Relative pronouns are used to join two clauses or connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. Consider the following sentence:
The title game, which was attended by thousands of people, drew record ratings on television.
The relative pronoun in this sentence is which. It takes the place of game and allows the writer to include more non-essential information about the game without adding another sentence like:
The title game drew record ratings on television.
The title game was attended by thousands of people.
Relative Pronouns (that you need to know for the ACT test)
who
when
which
whom
where
that
How Will the Test Try to Trick You?
The test will include items that require you to decide between commonly confused relative pronouns.
which vs. that
Which introduces a clause providing nonessential but instructive information and is offset by commas or em dashes.
The shark, whichhad just eaten a seal, slowly swam into the depths.
The shark—which had just eaten a seal—slowly swam into the depths.
That introduces a restrictive clause—information that is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
The player thatscored the most goals won the award.
If you are unsure whether to use which or that, ask yourself whether the phrase is essential to the meaning of the sentence and is NOT preceded by a comma or dash.
Remember:
If removing the clause will change the meaning of the sentence, then use that.
If removing the clause has no major effect on the sentence and just adds extra details, then use which.
who vs. whom
Who replaces a subject noun or pronoun (I/you/he/she/they)
Who is my teacher? ➜ He is my teacher.
Whom replaces an object noun or pronoun (me/you/him/her/them)
To whom will you report in the morning? ➜ I will report to him.
When you’re unsure whether to use who or whom, try rewriting the sentence with alternate object and subject pronouns, as in the examples above. Which one is correct? That will tell you whether you need who or whom. Here’s another example:
I have no idea to (who/whom) this belongs.
It belongs to she. ➜ Subject pronoun 🚫
It belongs to her. ➜ Object pronoun ✅
Since the object pronoun is correct, the answer is whom.
where vs. when
Where is used for place.
The park is where the boy took his dog.
When is used for time.
Alina enjoyed doing yoga in the morningwhen her children were still asleep.
If you are unsure whether to use where or when, ask yourself whether the noun refers to time (when) or place (where).
Tips and Strategies
The following additional tips can help you determine when to use different relative pronouns.
Who should almost always be used before a verb.
Whomshould always be used after a preposition.
Which always requires a comma.
Thatnever requires a comma.
Where can only be used to refer to place.
When can only be used to refer to time.
Remember to use the process of elimination and cross off answer options that don’t follow the rules.
