Omission of the Relative Pronoun:

Introduction to Omission of the Relative Pronoun:

The Relative Pronoun introduces the relative clause and can be a subject or an object of the verb or the object of a preposition.

Sometimes, the Relative Pronoun that we use in the Accusative (Objective) Case can be omitted in a sentence. 

Points to Focus:

• We use Relative Pronouns to introduce relative clauses.
• We can use them either as a subject or as an object.
• Relative Pronouns that we use as an object can be omitted.
• But when we use Relative Pronouns as a subject, they can not be omitted.
• Omission of Relative Pronouns happens more in Spoken English
• Relative Pronouns who’, ‘which’, ‘that’ can be omitted but not ‘whose’.

First, let us learn how we use the Relative Pronoun as a subject and an object.

Relative Pronoun as a Subject: When the verb is used right after a Relative Pronoun in a sentence, it is called the Subject.

Examples:

• Do you know the man who helped these children? (The man helped these children. So, the man is the subject here)
• Can you show me the album that was arranged recently? (The album was arranged recently. So the album is the subject here)
• I bought a computer which is the latest. (The computer is the latest. So, the computer is the subject here)

Relative Pronoun as an Object: When there is no verb right after a Relative Pronoun in a sentence, it is called the Object. We use any noun or pronoun immediately after the Relative Pronoun.

Examples:

• I saw a girl whom I met in Bangalore. (I met a girl in Bangalore. So a girl the is the object here)
• This is the lappy which my brother gave as a gift. (My brother gave lappy as a gift. So the lappy is the object here)
• The student, whom Snehith helped, is now helping many others. (Snehith helped the student. So the student is the object here)

The common situations where we omit the Relative Pronoun.

When the pronoun is the object of the relative clause. 

Examples:

• There are several schools (which) you haven’t visited yet.
• I know many places (that) I haven’t shown you.
• This is the book (that) I referred to you. 
• I didn’t consult the broker (whom) you referred to. 
• The burger (that) I ate was very spicy,
• Can you give me the parcel  (which) I gave you yesterday
• This is the man (whom)  many people want to see. 

When the Relative Clause contains a Verb in Present or Past Participle with an auxiliary ‘be’ form. Here, both relative pronoun and ‘be’ form can be omitted.

Examples:

• What is that parcel (which is) kept there?
• The girl (who is) living next door fell in love with my son.
• I saw a man (who was) fishing in a small pond.
• I had a small plot (which was) covered by small plants.
• The animals (that are) caught in the forest are brought to the zoo.
• She was wearing a dress (which was) covered in blue flowers.
• All the students (who are) allowed to write the exams have not written.

Exercises:

Find out the Relative Pronouns that we can omit in the following sentences.

1. I don’t know the girl who/whom you are talking about.
2. This is the college that I prefer to join.
3. The bike which I bought yesterday is missing.
4. The teacher who you have met today is my brother.
5. Where are those gifts which I gave you?
6. This is the final chance that I can give you.
7. These are the only books that you can distribute.
8. I am now using a new laptop which was presented by my friend.
9. All the paintings that are displayed here are done by Sandesh.
10. All the children who were admitted into this course must attend orientation.

Answers:

1. Who/Whom, 2. That, 3. Which, 4. Who, 5. Which, 6. That, 7. That, 8. Which was, 9. That are, 10. Who were

• Types of Pronouns
• Uses of Pronouns
• Impersonal Pronoun
• Exclamatory Pronouns
• Interrogative Pronouns
• Defining and non-defining relative clauses
• Relative Pronouns
• Reciprocal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns
• Distributive Pronouns
• Indefinite Pronouns
• Demonstrative Pronouns
• Reflexive and Emphatic Pronouns
• Personal Pronouns