Pronouns Possessive/Relative

Transcription

1 Pronouns Possessive/Relative Possessive Pronouns It is important to learn the difference between possessive pronouns and other words that sound like them. 1. its possessive pronouns it s contraction of it is It s time to go to the movies now, Mom. Our house looks shabby because its paint is peeling. 2. your possessive pronoun you re contraction for you are You re in the right frame of mind to write the exam. Is this your dog, Joan? 3. their possessive pronoun they re contraction for they are there location Relative Pronouns This is their favourite book. They re involved in many projects this year. Please take the groceries over there. Who, whom, which, what, that

2 These pronouns relate or refer to other nouns or pronouns in the sentence. which - refers to things who - refers to people whom - refers to people what - has no word to refer to that - refers to persons, animals, things Who Subjective Case o always a subject (doer) o predicate pronoun OR Problems are most common with inverted order sentences (questions). subject Who do they think will win the Stanley Cup? The best thing to do is to arrange the question into a statement. subject of the predicate "will win." predicate pronoun They think who (i.e., they) will win the Stanley Cup. Whom Objective Case o object of the verb o object of a preposition OR object of the verb "loved" The child (whom he loved) went away. Change the order of the clause to: He loved whom (him)

3 object of preposition him Whom did you watch the game with? Change to: (him) You did watch the game with whom? Sometimes there is confusion when a clause is the object of a preposition. clause To (whom it may concern) to = preposition In this case, the entire clause is the object, not the who/whom. a) Use who if the verb follows immediately S V O Give this to (whoever needs it). S V O This trophy is for (whoever hits the ball). b) Change the order of the clause O S V To whom it may concern (it may concern whom) O These bandages are for whomever. S V The ball hits (ball hits whomever). Which o asks - questions about things o separates one object from another Which is larger - the eagles or the vulture? What o asks questions about things.

4 What are the differences in the work schedule? That This o demonstrative pronoun o shows locations Is that a new dress? This is my new dress. Exercises Circle the correct form 1. (Who, Whom) would you say is better? 2. I ve seen people (who, whom) thought Calgary was cold. 3. (Who, Whom) did you ask for a date? 4. Do you know any students (who, whom) the company might hire? 5. Jess (who, whom) we think is capable, will do fine. 6. Don Nelson is the guy (who, whom) thinks up practical jokes. 7. Wasn t it he (who, whom) pulled a joke on Iris? 8. We don t know another person (who, whom) is a bigger joker. 9. The head instructor says she will show movies to (whoever, whomever) is interested. 10. The boss, (who, whom) in my opinion is a tough lady, works hard. 11. The school directors, (who, whom) were worried, made a film about the school s image. 12. The science instructor, (who, whom) we have met, is an odd bird. 13. (Who, Whom) do you blame for poor marks? 14. (Who, Whom) can we see about better grades?

5 15. Many students (who, whom) try to pass often do. 16. Teachers claim there is a pass for (whoever, whomever) works hard. 17. A student who is skillful can learn the plays from (whoever, whomever) is in charge. 18. (Who, Whom) has the best opportunity to pass. 19. Is there anyone in the class (who, whom) you know does the homework? 20. The students must listen to the instructors (who, whom) give the lessons. 21. The students (who, whom) study their notes will pass the exam. 22. (Who, Whom) have you asked for essays? 23. (Who, Whom) has the best chance to pass? 24. As instructors, we (who, whom) teach the class can listen to the students. 25. With (who, whom) do you go to class? Answer Key 1. Who 6. who 11. who 16. whoever 21. who 2. Who 7. who 12. whom 17. whoever 22. whom 3. Whom 8. who 13. Whom 18. Who 23. who 4. Whom 9. whomever 14. Whom 19. who 24. who 5. Who 10. who 15. who 20. who 25. whom