like 59, in which the relative pronoun replaces an object noun phrase. Sentence
59a clearly shows thatthe bookfunctions as the object noun phrase in the sec-
ond clause (Fritz borrowedthe book). The confusion arises from the fact that
objects follow nouns. Students know this intuitively. It represents a basic fea-
ture of English word order.
But the relative pronoun must link the RC to the independent clause. As a re-
sult, when we convertthe bookto a relative pronoun, we must shift the pronoun
from its position behind the verb to a new position in front of the subject,
thereby violating the standard SVO word order. This violation makes it difficult
for large numbers of native English speakers to recognize that the wordthatin
sentence 59 is an object. This problem is most noticeable with regard to the rel-
ative pronounswhoandwhom.We usewhowhen we relativize subjects; we use
whomwhen we relativize objects. They have different cases. Nearly every na-
tive English speaker finds it difficult to use the correct form, even those who
generally have little trouble using the correct case for other pronouns.
Teaching Tip
An effective way to help students understand the difference between subject
and object relative pronouns is to take sentences and break them into two
separate clauses, as shown for sentences 57 through 59. For sentences with
a relativized object NP, walk them through the process of relativization step by
step. Get them to recognize the object NP in the target clause, have them
change the NP to a relative pronoun, and then emphasize the need to have a
linking element that combines the two clauses. After some practice, shift the
activity to reading assignments. Have students work in teams to find relative
clauses in their reading, and then have them explain the structure on the
board. Because the real test of mastery lies in how students can use relative
clauses in their writing, have them identify relative clauses in one of their writ-
ing assignments.Usage Note
The difference betweenwhoandwhomis related to case, which we exam-
ined on pages 61–64.Whoalways functions as the subject of a relative clause,
so it is in the nominative case.Whom,on the other hand, always functions as an
object, either of the verb of the relative clause or of a preposition, so it is in the
objective case. Consider the following sentences:
- The manwho owned the BMWworked at a bank.
- The manwhom I knewworked at a bank.
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