Determinative Pronoun vs. Relative Pronoun

Attribute	Determinative Pronoun	Relative Pronoun
Function	Points to a specific noun or noun phrase	Introduces a relative clause and relates it to a noun in the main clause
Usage	Used to specify or identify a noun	Used to introduce a clause that provides additional information about a noun
Examples	this, that, these, those	who, whom, whose, which, that

Introduction

Determinative pronouns and relative pronouns are both types of pronouns that play important roles in the English language. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are key differences between the two that are worth exploring. In this article, we will compare the attributes of determinative pronouns and relative pronouns to gain a better understanding of how they function in sentences.

Determinative Pronouns

Determinative pronouns are pronouns that are used to point to specific nouns or to determine which noun is being referred to. Examples of determinative pronouns include "this," "that," "these," and "those." These pronouns are used to indicate proximity or distance in relation to the speaker. For example, "this" and "these" are used for objects that are close to the speaker, while "that" and "those" are used for objects that are farther away.

Determinative pronouns can also be used to indicate possession. For example, "my," "your," "his," "her," "its," "our," and "their" are all determinative pronouns that show ownership. These pronouns are essential for clarifying who owns or possesses a particular object or idea in a sentence.

Another important attribute of determinative pronouns is that they are typically used before a noun to specify which noun is being referred to. For example, in the sentence "This book is mine," the determinative pronoun "this" is used to indicate which book belongs to the speaker. Without the determinative pronoun, the sentence would be ambiguous and unclear.

Determinative pronouns are essential for providing clarity and specificity in sentences. They help to identify and differentiate between objects, people, or ideas, making it easier for readers or listeners to understand the intended meaning of a sentence.

In summary, determinative pronouns are used to point to specific nouns, indicate possession, and provide clarity and specificity in sentences.

Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns, on the other hand, are pronouns that are used to introduce relative clauses in sentences. Relative pronouns include "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that." These pronouns are used to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, providing additional information about a noun in the sentence.

Relative pronouns are often used to introduce clauses that provide essential information about the noun they refer to. For example, in the sentence "The man who is wearing a hat is my brother," the relative pronoun "who" introduces the clause "who is wearing a hat," which provides essential information about the man being referred to.

Relative pronouns can also be used to introduce non-essential clauses that provide additional information but are not necessary for the basic meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in New York," the relative pronoun "who" introduces the non-essential clause "who is a doctor," which provides additional information about the speaker's sister.

Another important attribute of relative pronouns is that they can refer to people, animals, things, or ideas. This versatility allows relative pronouns to be used in a wide range of contexts and sentences, making them essential for connecting clauses and providing additional information in a sentence.

In summary, relative pronouns are used to introduce relative clauses, provide essential or non-essential information about a noun, and refer to a wide range of subjects in sentences.

Comparison

While determinative pronouns and relative pronouns serve different functions in sentences, they both play important roles in providing clarity and specificity in communication. Determinative pronouns are used to point to specific nouns, indicate possession, and differentiate between objects or ideas. Relative pronouns, on the other hand, are used to introduce relative clauses, provide additional information about a noun, and connect clauses in a sentence.

One key difference between determinative pronouns and relative pronouns is their placement in a sentence. Determinative pronouns are typically used before a noun to specify which noun is being referred to, while relative pronouns are used to introduce clauses that provide additional information about a noun. This difference in placement reflects the distinct functions of determinative pronouns and relative pronouns in sentences.

Another difference between determinative pronouns and relative pronouns is their role in indicating possession. Determinative pronouns, such as "my" or "your," are used to show ownership or possession of an object or idea. Relative pronouns, on the other hand, do not indicate possession but instead introduce clauses that provide information about a noun in the sentence.

Despite these differences, determinative pronouns and relative pronouns are both essential for effective communication in English. Whether pointing to specific nouns, introducing clauses, or indicating possession, both types of pronouns play important roles in providing clarity and specificity in sentences.