Hello, fellas. In this session we will learn the use of relative clauses to modify pronouns.
According to Betty Schrampfer Azar, a relative clause is a dependent clause modifying a noun. Further information about a noun is described, identified, or given by the clause. It is also called an adjective clause.
(More on relative clauses: https://englishtips4u.com/2011/11/08/engclass-relative-clause/ and https://englishtips4u.com/2011/11/09/engclass-relative-clause-2/)
Relative clauses can also be used to modify indefinite pronouns (everyone, everybody, everything, someone, somebody, something, anyone, anybody, anything, no one, nobody, nothing)
Example:
1) There is somebody whom she wants to see.
2) Anything which they said was irrelevant.
Pronouns such as the one(s) and those can be modified by relative clauses, too.
Example:
1) Catherine was the only one whom I talked to in the class.
2) The governments provide scholarships for those who are unable to pay their tuition fees.
Relative clauses are extremely rarely used to modify personal pronouns (I, you, she, he, it, we, they). Even though it is possible, it is very formal and uncommon.
Example:
It is I who help the students.
Source:
Betty Schrampfer Azar, Understanding and Using English Grammar: Third Edition
Compiled and written by @fathrahman for @EnglishTips4U on Friday, July 19, 2019