In formal English, the preposition governing a relative clause can move to before the relative pronoun instead of staying stranded at the end, as in the company in which he invested went bankrupt. This fronting is only possible with which and whom, never with that or a zero pronoun.
Grammar Rule
In formal English, the preposition governing a relative clause can front to a position immediately before the relative pronoun instead of staying stranded at the end. This is only possible with which and whom — never with that or a zero pronoun. Also remember to change who to whom after a fronted preposition.
Relative Clauses with Prepositions in Initial Position: Rules and Examples
| Register | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Informal (stranded preposition) | that/zero pronoun + preposition at end | The company which he invested in went bankrupt. |
| Formal (fronted preposition) | preposition + which/whom only | The company in which he invested went bankrupt. |
Remember: Front the preposition only before which or whom (never that or zero), and never drop the pronoun once the preposition has moved.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below fronting prepositions correctly in formal relative clauses. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-04 Relative Clauses with Prepositions in Initial Position
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the preposition go in formal relative clauses?
Immediately before the relative pronoun, as in the company in which he invested went bankrupt.
Which relative pronouns allow a fronted preposition?
Only which and whom, never that or a zero pronoun.
What happens to who after a fronted preposition?
It changes to whom, as in to whom it may concern.
Can the pronoun be dropped after the preposition has moved?
No, the pronoun must stay once the preposition has been fronted.