Relative clauses with prepositions
B2 Upper IntermediateRelative clauses with prepositions describe a noun by linking it to a verb or adjective that requires a specific preposition. These clauses can be structured formally with the preposition before the relative pronoun or informally with the preposition at the end.
Overview
In English, many verbs and adjectives are followed by specific prepositions, such as listen to, work for, or interested in. When these phrases are used in relative clauses, the preposition can occupy two different positions depending on the level of formality.
- Informal: The preposition stays with the verb at the end of the clause.
- Formal: The preposition moves to the front, appearing before the relative pronoun.
Form
Noun + [relative pronoun] + subject + verb + preposition
In informal English, we often omit the relative pronoun (who/which/that) if it is the object of the clause. In formal English, the relative pronoun cannot be omitted, and who must change to whom.
Formal vs. Informal Structures
Note that that and who can never follow a preposition directly; you must use which or whom in the formal structure.
| Register | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Informal | Preposition at the end | The person I was talking to. |
| Formal | Preposition + whom/which | The person to whom I was talking. |
| Neutral | That + preposition at end | The company that she works for. |
Examples
Common mistakes
The man to who I spoke was helpful.
The man to whom I spoke was helpful.
After a preposition, use 'whom' instead of 'who' in formal English.
The house in that I live is old.
The house that I live in is old.
The relative pronoun 'that' cannot follow a preposition directly.
This is the book about which I was talking about.
This is the book I was talking about.
Do not repeat the preposition at the end if you have already placed it at the beginning.
Practice
Rewrite this sentence formally: 'The project I am working on is difficult.'
Show answer
The project on which I am working is difficult.
Answer:The project on which I am working is difficult.
Why:In formal structures, the preposition 'on' moves before the relative pronoun 'which'.
Correct the error: 'The woman with who he was traveling is his sister.'
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The woman with whom he was traveling is his sister.
Answer:The woman with whom he was traveling is his sister.
Why:When a preposition precedes the relative pronoun for a person, 'whom' must be used instead of 'who'.
Complete the sentence: 'The city ______ I grew up in is very small.'
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that / which / (zero pronoun)
Answer:that / which / (zero pronoun)
Why:Because the preposition 'in' is at the end, you can use 'that', 'which', or omit the pronoun entirely.