Home
Free Guide
Programs
Basic Grammar & Diagramming Exercises
Parts of Speech
Word Lists
Diagram Index
Quizzes
Lesson Plans
Sentence Stuff Sentences
Sentence Types
Phrases
Clauses
Usage Proper Grammar
Verb Tenses
Extras Grammar Games
Cool Quotes
Poetry
Interviews
Site Stuff About Elizabeth
Testimonials
Contact
Sitemap

[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

Chapter 9: Diagramming
Relative Pronouns

relative pronouns sentence diagram

There are only five relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, that, which). They introduce adjective clauses.

* Get the coolest sentence diagramming ebook around. Okay, it's the only sentence diagramming ebook around, but it's also very cool. *

An adjective clause is a subordinate clause that is used as an adjective. (That means that it modifies a noun or pronoun.) They can also be introduced by relative adverbs.

Your Mini Lesson on Adjective Clauses

A relative pronoun links an adjective clause with a word in the independent clause that it modifies. It also acts as a subject, direct object, object of the preposition, or a modifier within the adjective clause.

For example, let's look at the sentence that is diagrammed at the top of this page:

This is the house that Jack built.
  • Independent clause = This is the house

  • Dependent adjective clause = that Jack built

  • Relative pronoun = that

  • Adjective clause is modifying = house

There is also one more piece of information that we need to find out. What is the relative pronoun's job in the adjective clause that Jack built?

You can see from the diagram that it is acting as the direct object. Think of it as Jack built that.

See these pages for help:

Ready? You can do this! The answers are at the bottom of the page.


9.0 Diagramming Adjective Clauses

Directions: When diagramming adjective clauses, follow these steps:

1. Identify the independent clause, dependent clause, and the relative pronoun.

2. Figure out which word in the independent clause the adjective clause is modifying.

3. Decide how the relative pronoun is acting in the adjective clause.

4. Diagram each clause as you would on its own, but put a dotted line connecting the relative pronoun with the word in the independent clause that it is modifying.

Example 1: The book that I read was great!

Example 2: Mark swam in the lake which was cold.

relative pronoun diagram

1. I love the person who cleaned the house!

2. Colin walked into the house that had been sold.

3. Are teachers who are extra nice paid double?

4. The boy with whom I spoke drew that picture.

5. Teachers whose students are motivated happily work overtime.


Answers!

9.0 Diagramming Adjective Clauses

adjective clause sentence diagram
5. This answer is only available in the ebook.


Download These Exercises



Download the 70 page PDF ebook with all 10 chapters of instructions, exercises, and answer keys. It's perfect for homeschool and classroom teachers and students.


Add to Cart




Finished Chapter 9: Diagramming Subordinating Conjunctions?
Move on to Chapter 10.

Back to Exercises Page

Back to English Grammar Home Page


I am studying for the GMAT and have found your website and diagramming ebooks to be invaluable!

- Karen-Kim


I am so glad to have found your site! I've ordered your Get Smart program, and I look forward to using your materials this semester!

- Patty


The way that Elizabeth teaches is so impressive that I have no words to describe it. It realy inspired me and my kids.

- Drinayat


Read more testimonials here!