Relative Clauses with Prepositions?
When a relative clause contains a preposition (in, on, at, to, from, with, etc.), English offers two main constructions: the preposition can stay at the end of the clause (informal), or move to the front before the relative pronoun (formal). For example, 'the person I spoke to' (informal) vs. 'the person to whom I spoke' (formal). Understanding both forms is essential for flexible and sophisticated writing.
In relative clauses with prepositions, the preposition can appear at the end of the clause (informal, common in speech) or move to the front before the relative pronoun (formal, more common in writing).
- 1↓Identify the PrepositionFind which preposition goes with the relative verb (in, on, at, to, with, about, etc.)
- 2↓Informal: Preposition at the EndNoun + pronoun + clause + preposition. E.g. 'the person I spoke to'
- 3↓Formal: Preposition at the FrontNoun + preposition + whom/which + clause. E.g. 'the person to whom I spoke'
- 4Choose by ContextInformal speech/writing: end. Formal/academic: front.
Step-by-step worked examples
Combine using both forms: 'That's the team. We played against them.'
Verb + preposition: 'played against' Informal: 'That's the team we played against.' Formal: 'That's the team against which we played.' Both work; informal is more common in speech.
Use formal structure: 'The building has historic value. The city was founded from it.'
Verb + prep: 'founded from' = 'founded from which' Informal: 'The building the city was founded from has historic value.' Formal: 'The building from which the city was founded has historic value.' Formal often preferred in academic writing.
Rewrite informally: 'The person with whom I discussed this is a specialist.'
Formal prep: 'with whom' → informal: 'who ... with' Informal: 'The person I discussed this with is a specialist.' Omit 'whom': 'The person I discussed this with' is natural.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which is INFORMAL?
Q2.Fill the formal version: 'The idea ___ we agreed ___ is brilliant.'
Q3.Which uses a preposition with a relative clause?
Q4.Can you use 'that' with a fronted preposition?
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Common mistakes
Using 'that' after a fronted preposition: 'the person to that I spoke'. — Correct: Use 'whom' for people, 'which' for things: 'the person to whom I spoke'.
Leaving the preposition at the end in formal writing: 'the idea about which we thought about'. — Correct: Choose one: either end OR front, not both. Front: 'about which we thought'. End: 'which we thought about'.
Fronting the preposition but keeping 'who': 'the person in who we trust'. — Correct: Use 'whom' after a preposition: 'the person in whom we trust'.
Using an incorrect preposition with the verb. — Correct: Know your verb-preposition pairs: 'agree on', 'think about', 'rely on', 'consist of', etc.
FAQ
What is a relative clause with a preposition?
A relative clause where the verb phrase includes a preposition (on, in, at, to, from, with, about, etc.). The preposition can move from end to front.
How do you position a preposition in a formal relative clause?
Put it BEFORE the relative pronoun: preposition + whom (people) or which (things). E.g., 'the person to whom I spoke'.
Can you use 'that' after a preposition?
No — after a preposition, you must use 'whom' (people) or 'which' (things). Never 'that'.
Which style is more common, informal or formal?
Preposition at the end (informal) is more common in speech and casual writing. Preposition at front (formal) is preferred in academic and formal writing.