Identify the function of the relative pronoun in the adjective clause.
We all enjoyed the play that you wrote.
Thomas Edison, whose accomplishments are legendary, will be our focus next week.
On the Internet, we researched our ancestors about whom we know almost nothing.
I did one for you. Now it's your turn. What do you think the functions of the pronouns are in these sentences? I'll be glad to check your answers.
1. "that you wrote" is the direct object of the subject "you"
2. "whose accomplishments are legendary" is the subject of "Thomas Edison
3. "whom we know" is the object of the preposition "about"
1. No. Subjects don't take direct objects; only verbs have direct objects. You're right that it's a direct object -- but for which verb?
2. No. Check this site.
http://grammar.about.com/od/basicsentencegrammar/a/relpradjcl02.htm
3. Right.
The relative pronoun in each of these sentences introduces an adjective clause, which provides additional information about a noun in the sentence. Here are the functions of the relative pronouns in each example:
1. "that" is the relative pronoun in the first sentence. It introduces the adjective clause "that you wrote" and functions as the direct object of the verb "enjoyed." The clause modifies the noun "play," giving more information about which play was enjoyed.
2. "whose" is the relative pronoun in the second sentence. It introduces the adjective clause "whose accomplishments are legendary" and functions as the possessor or owner of the noun "accomplishments." The clause gives more details about the noun "Thomas Edison."
3. "whom" is the relative pronoun in the third sentence. It introduces the adjective clause "about whom we know almost nothing" and functions as the object of the preposition "about." The clause provides additional information about the noun "ancestors" by specifying the limited knowledge about them.
To identify the function of a relative pronoun in an adjective clause, you can follow these steps:
1. Find the relative pronoun that begins the adjective clause.
2. Determine the role of the relative pronoun within the clause (e.g., subject, object, possessor).
3. Analyze how the adjective clause modifies or provides more information about the noun it relates to.