Choose the correct option for the underlined word : This is the boy who works hard.

Question

Accepted Answer

The underlined word in the sentence "This is the boy who works hard" is "who." Let's analyze why Option 2, "Pronoun," is the correct choice and why the other options are incorrect.

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (Pronoun):**
   - The word "who" is a relative pronoun. Relative pronouns are used to connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. In this sentence, "who" introduces the relative clause "who works hard," which provides more information about "the boy." The function of "who" is to refer back to "the boy," making it a pronoun. Therefore, Option 2 is correct.

2. **Why Option 1 (Adverb) is incorrect:**
   - An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, often indicating manner, place, time, frequency, degree, or level of certainty. The word "who" does not modify any verb, adjective, or adverb in the sentence. Instead, it serves as a pronoun connecting the clause to the noun "boy." Hence, "who" is not an adverb.

3. **Why Option 3 (Adjective) is incorrect:**
   - An adjective describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, providing more information about it, such as size, color, or quantity. The word "who" does not describe "the boy" directly; rather, it introduces a clause that provides additional information. Therefore, "who" is not functioning as an adjective.

4. **Why Option 4 (Noun) is incorrect:**
   - A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. The word "who" does not represent any of these; instead, it acts as a connector between the noun "boy" and the clause "works hard." Thus, "who" is not a noun.

In conclusion, the word "who" is correctly identified as a pronoun because it introduces a relative clause that provides more information about the noun "boy." This supports Option 2 as the correct answer.