1. Relative Pronouns
A. Who, Which, That
Who is used when the antecedent is a person, while which is used when the antecedent is not a person. However, that as a relative pronoun can replace either who or which, and it is preferred especially after all, everything, nothing, the only, and superlatives. - The man who/that is in the next cubicle is our graphic designer.
- The printer which/that broke was bought three months ago.
- All that I need is an efficient office assistant to organize my schedule.
B. Which is also used to refer to the entire preceding clause that is separated by a comma. - This workshop, which is only held once a year, is mandatory for all staff. (NOT that or what)
C. Whose
Possession can be expressed by whose whether or not the antecedent is a person. When the antecedent is not a person, of which may also be used. - The man whose car broke down is my supervisor.
- Brian introduced a new system, the name of which I have forgotten.
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2. Relative Adverbs
A. When: Use when for day, month, year, time, etc.
B. Where: Use where or preposition + which for place.
C. How: Use how to replace the way.
D. Why: Use why for reason. - Nobody knows the date when registration closes.
- Is this the building where (= in which) you two work?
- This is how (= the way) we should submit our travel expense report.
- This is the reason (why) summer vacation dates are assigned randomly.
Note: The way and how cannot be used together. |
