Formal English uses fixed relative expressions built around an abstract noun plus a relative connector: the reason why can drop why or replace it with that, the way in which never becomes the way how, and the extent to which never drops to or replaces which with that, as in we need to consider the extent to which this affects the budget.
Grammar Rule
Formal English uses fixed relative expressions built around an abstract noun plus a relative connector.
Complex Relative Connectors: Rules and Examples
| Expression | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| the reason why | why can be replaced by that or omitted | That’s the reason why I left early. Nobody knows the reason why he resigned. |
| the way in which | in which → that or omitted; never way how | I don’t like the way in which he spoke to me. |
| the extent to which | to cannot be dropped; which never becomes that | We need to consider the extent to which this affects the budget. |
Remember: the reason why (not why that); the way in which (never way how); the extent to which (never to that).
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using complex relative connectors correctly. 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.
B2-57. Complex Relative Structures
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can why be omitted after the reason?
Yes, or it can be replaced by that, as in that’s the reason why I left early.
Can you say the way how?
No, that combination is never correct; use the way in which, the way that, or just the way.
Can you drop to in the extent to which?
No, to cannot be dropped, and which never becomes that in this expression.
Why are these expressions considered formal?
Because they combine an abstract noun with a specific relative connector in a fixed, written-style pattern.