Formal English fronts the preposition in a relative clause instead of stranding it at the end, and only which for things or whom for people is acceptable in that position, never that or who, as in the client for whom we prepared the report was satisfied.
Grammar Rule
Before a fronted preposition, only which (things) and whom (people, object) are acceptable — never that or who.
Prepositions with Which and Whom in Formal Relatives: Rules and Examples
| Style | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Informal (stranded) | preposition at the end + who/that | the person who I spoke to; the issue that we argued about |
| Formal (fronted) | preposition + whom/which | The client for whom we prepared the report was satisfied. The matter about which we spoke remains unresolved. |
| Fixed formal phrase | To whom it may concern | To whom it may concern, I am writing to confirm your appointment. |
Remember: after a fronted preposition, use whom for people and which for things — never who or that.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using fronted prepositions with which and whom 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.
C1-56 Prepositions with "Which" and "Whom" in Formal Relatives
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does formal English do with the preposition in a relative clause?
It fronts the preposition instead of stranding it at the end.
Which relative pronoun follows a fronted preposition for people?
Whom, as in the client for whom we prepared the report was satisfied.
Which relative pronoun follows a fronted preposition for things?
Which, as in the matter about which we spoke remains unresolved.
Can that or who follow a fronted preposition?
No, only whom or which are acceptable in that position.