Whereby means by which and introduces a clause describing a method or system, as in a policy whereby employees can work remotely. Wherein means in which, referring to a document or situation, hereby is a performative adverb meaning by this present statement, and therewith means with that, closing a formal statement.
Grammar Rule
Whereby means by which and introduces a clause describing a method or system. Wherein means in which, referring to a document or situation. Hereby is not a relative pronoun at all — it is a performative adverb meaning by this present statement, with no antecedent needed. Therewith means with that, closing a formal statement.
Relative Clauses with Whereby, Wherein, Hereby, Therewith: Rules and Examples
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Whereby | by which / through which | A policy whereby employees can work remotely. |
| Wherein | in which | The contract wherein the terms are specified. |
| Hereby | by this statement, no antecedent needed | I hereby resign from my position. |
Remember: Use whereby for methods and systems, wherein for the contents of a document or situation, hereby only as a self-referential performative adverb with no antecedent, and therewith to mean with/after that.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using whereby, wherein, hereby, and therewith 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.
C2-25 Relative Clauses with "Whereby", "Wherein", "Hereby", "Therewith"
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does whereby mean?
By which or through which, as in a policy whereby employees can work remotely.
What does wherein mean?
In which, as in the contract wherein the terms are specified.
What kind of word is hereby?
A performative adverb meaning by this present statement, with no antecedent needed, as in I hereby resign from my position.
What does therewith mean?
With that, used to close a formal statement.