NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What is the role of a relative pronoun in a sentence?

1. To express a question

2. To connect clauses or phrases

3. To replace a noun

4. To add emphasis to a statement

The correct answer is: To connect clauses or phrases

A relative pronoun serves the essential function of connecting clauses or phrases within a sentence. By doing so, it helps to add additional information about a noun, thereby creating a more complex and descriptive sentence structure. For example, in the sentence "The book that I borrowed was fascinating," the relative pronoun "that" links the two clauses—"The book" and "I borrowed." This connection clarifies which book is being discussed, enhancing the overall meaning. The roles of relative pronouns are distinct from the other options. While a question is typically introduced by interrogative pronouns, and nouns are usually replaced by personal pronouns, relative pronouns specifically focus on relating information within the sentence. Additionally, emphasis in a statement is commonly achieved through different grammatical structures or devices, rather than through the use of relative pronouns.