Formal Prepositions in Relative Clauses (to whom, for which)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
In formal English, prepositions move from the end of the sentence to sit right before 'whom' or 'which'.
- Use 'whom' for people after a preposition, never 'who' or 'that'. Example: 'The man to whom I spoke.'
- Use 'which' for things after a preposition, never 'that'. Example: 'The project for which I am responsible.'
- Never use 'that' immediately after a preposition in a relative clause. Example: 'The house in which I live' (not 'in that').
Overview
English has many ways to speak. Some ways are very formal.
This style of speaking sounds very smart and professional.
This is good for work. It helps you sound professional.
It makes your writing very clear for other people.
How This Grammar Works
- Informal:
The person I spoke to was very helpful. - Formal:
The person to whom I spoke was very helpful.
Formation Pattern
The lecturer to whom you submitted your essay responded quickly. | The lecturer you submitted your essay to responded quickly. |
She introduced the client with whom she had been negotiating. | She introduced the client she had been negotiating with. |
These are the candidates for whom the company created new roles. | These are the candidates the company created new roles for. |
The research upon which the findings are based is extensive. (Here, upon which serves as a highly formal variant of on which, often used in academic or legal contexts.)
She articulated a viewpoint against which no compelling counter-evidence was offered by the opposition.
The committee from whom the final decision originated issued a detailed statement.
When To Use It
- Academic Writing: In university essays, research papers, dissertations, and academic reports, clarity, conciseness, and adherence to established formal standards are paramount. Phrases like
the hypothesis upon which the entire experiment restsorthe data from which conclusive evidence was derivedare standard. This construction contributes to the dense, information-rich style characteristic of academic prose, where precision in expressing relationships is critical. - Formal Business Communication: Official reports, detailed proposals, formal emails to clients or superiors, legal documents, and policy statements frequently use this structure. It enhances precision and helps avoid potential ambiguities that can arise from misplaced prepositions. For instance,
the terms to which all parties have formally agreedis more direct and professional thanthe terms all parties have formally agreed toin a contract. - Public Speaking and Presentations: When delivering formal speeches, lectures, or presentations in professional or academic settings, employing this structure can lend gravitas and authority to your message. It contributes to an articulate and polished delivery, reinforcing your expertise and the seriousness of the topic. This is particularly true for prepared remarks rather than extemporaneous speech.
- Literary and Journalistic Writing: While less common in contemporary casual fiction, you will frequently encounter these constructions in classical literature, formal journalism (especially editorials or analytical pieces), and critical reviews. They are used for stylistic elegance, intellectual precision, and to evoke a sophisticated, often timeless, tone. This choice is deliberate, aimed at a discerning readership.
Common Mistakes
- 1Using
whoinstead ofwhom: This is arguably the most frequent error. The fundamental rule dictates that when a preposition immediately precedes a relative pronoun, that pronoun must be in the objective case. For people, the objective case iswhom. Think of it like this: you sayto him(objective), notto he(subjective). Similarly, you must sayto whom,with whom,for whom, etc., notto who. The subjectivewhoacts as the subject of a verb; the objectivewhomacts as the object of a verb or preposition.
- Incorrect:
The executive to who the report was addressed has yet to respond.(You wouldn't sayto he) - Correct:
The executive to whom the report was addressed has yet to respond.
- 1Using
thatafter a preposition: In formal English, the relative pronounthatis generally not used directly after a preposition in this type of relative clause. Whilethatcan function as a relative pronoun in many other contexts (e.g.,the book that I read), it is considered ungrammatical or highly informal when a preposition precedes it. Always usewhichfor things/concepts andwhomfor people in this formal structure.
- Incorrect:
The legislative act for that the committee voted was ultimately rejected. - Correct:
The legislative act for which the committee voted was ultimately rejected.
- 1Omitting the preposition entirely: Sometimes, learners remember to use
whomorwhichbut inadvertently forget to include the necessary preposition. The preposition is vital to establish the semantic relationship between the verb in the relative clause and the antecedent. Without it, the clause is grammatically incomplete or the meaning is unclear.
- Incorrect:
The expert whom the researchers consulted offered invaluable insights.(Missingwithortodepending on the precise nature of consultation, asconsultoften takes a preposition.) - Correct:
The expert with whom the researchers consulted offered invaluable insights. - Correct:
The expert to whom the researchers presented their findings offered invaluable insights.
- 1Incorrect preposition choice: Selecting the wrong preposition can drastically alter the meaning or make the sentence sound awkward and unnatural. Ensure the preposition accurately reflects the semantic relationship intended by the verb in the relative clause. Just as you would choose
rely onorspeak aboutin informal contexts, you must chooseon whichorabout whichcorrespondingly. A common error is confusing prepositions of place or manner.
- Incorrect:
The laboratory in which the critical experiment depends is state-of-the-art.(The verbdependtakesonorupon, notin.) - Correct:
The laboratory upon which the critical experiment depends is state-of-the-art.
- 1Overuse in informal contexts (Misjudgment of Register): While not a grammatical error per se, using these formal constructions in casual conversation, social media, or informal emails can sound pedantic, overly stiff, or even sarcastic. The most significant 'mistake' here is a misjudgment of register. Effective communication involves choosing language appropriate for your audience and purpose. A formal structure in an informal setting creates a communicative mismatch.
- Inappropriate:
“Dude, that’s the party to which I was referring earlier, it’s going to be epic!” - Appropriate (Informal):
“Dude, that’s the party I was referring to earlier, it’s going to be epic!”
Real Conversations
It's important for B1 learners to understand that while formal prepositions in relative clauses are a cornerstone of sophisticated written English, their presence in casual, everyday spoken conversation is extremely rare. Native speakers overwhelmingly prefer the more informal structure, ending the relative clause with the preposition. This preference highlights the significant difference between spoken and written registers.
For example, in a casual chat, a native speaker would almost certainly say:
- “That’s the colleague I was telling you about.”
- “This is the project we’re working on.”
- “Who’s the person you sent that email to?”
Conversely, you might encounter the formal construction in specific, highly elevated spoken contexts, such as a formal academic presentation, a very structured business meeting with prepared remarks, or a legal proceeding where precise language is critical. Even then, it is often indicative of a speaker consciously adopting a formal tone, perhaps to emphasize a point or to project authority. For example:
- In a legal deposition: “Please identify the document to which you refer.”
- In a prepared lecture: “This represents the theoretical framework within which our research operates.”
However, these are exceptions. The primary domain of this grammatical structure is formal written communication – academic papers, official reports, legal texts, and formal correspondence. In these environments, the precision and elevated tone provided by to whom, for which, in which, etc., are highly valued. So, while you should recognize and understand this structure in reading, prioritize the informal alternative in most of your spoken interactions to sound natural and fluent. Your goal is to master both registers and know when to apply each.
Quick FAQ
- Can I always use
whoinstead ofwhom? No, not if a preposition directly precedes it in a formal relative clause.Whomis the objective case required when it's the object of the preposition. - Is it always wrong to end a sentence with a preposition? No. This is a common misconception rooted in outdated prescriptive grammar rules. In modern English, especially informal and semi-formal contexts, ending a sentence or clause with a preposition is perfectly natural and acceptable. However, formal styles often avoid it by using the preposition-fronting structure discussed here.
- Can I use
thatinstead ofwhichafter a preposition? No. In formal contexts,thatis generally not used immediately after a preposition in a relative clause. Always usewhichfor things andwhomfor people. - How do I know which preposition to use? The choice of preposition depends entirely on the verb or phrase in the relative clause and the usual preposition it takes. For example, if the verb
relynormally takeson, then you'll useon whichoron whom. Think about the original informal sentence first to identify the correct preposition. - What is the main benefit of using this formal structure? The main benefit is enhanced precision, clarity, and an elevated, authoritative tone, making it suitable for academic, professional, and legal contexts where ambiguity must be minimized.
Formal Relative Clause Formation
| Referent Type | Preposition | Relative Pronoun | Example Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
|
People
|
to / with / for
|
whom
|
The person to whom...
|
|
Things
|
in / at / for
|
which
|
The car in which...
|
|
Possession
|
of / for
|
whose (+ noun)
|
The man for whose son...
|
|
Places
|
in / at
|
which
|
The house in which...
|
|
Time
|
at / on / in
|
which
|
The day on which...
|
Meanings
A formal grammatical construction where a preposition (like to, for, with, in) is placed before the relative pronoun (whom or which) instead of at the end of the clause.
Formal People Reference
Using 'preposition + whom' to refer to a person in a highly professional or academic context.
“The professor to whom I sent my thesis was very helpful.”
“She is the candidate for whom I voted.”
Formal Object Reference
Using 'preposition + which' to refer to objects, ideas, or places in formal writing.
“This is the document to which I was referring.”
“The city in which he was born is now a major tech hub.”
Legal and Academic Precision
Using this structure to avoid ambiguity in complex sentences where multiple nouns are present.
“The terms under which the contract was signed are binding.”
“The environment in which these bacteria grow must be sterile.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (People)
|
Prep + whom + S + V
|
The lady for whom I work is kind.
|
|
Affirmative (Things)
|
Prep + which + S + V
|
The goal for which we strive is peace.
|
|
Negative
|
Prep + whom/which + S + neg V
|
The rules by which we do not abide.
|
|
Question
|
Is this the... + Prep + whom/which...?
|
Is this the box in which you kept it?
|
|
With 'Whose'
|
Prep + whose + Noun + S + V
|
The author with whose books I grew up.
|
|
Informal Contrast
|
Relative Pronoun (optional) + S + V + Prep
|
The lady I work for is kind.
|
Formality Spectrum
The gentleman to whom I was speaking was very helpful. (Customer service feedback)
The man I was speaking to was very helpful. (Customer service feedback)
The guy I was talking to was great. (Customer service feedback)
That dude I was chatting with was chill. (Customer service feedback)
The Formal Shift
Informal (Stranded)
- The man I talked TO Preposition at the end
Formal (Fronted)
- The man TO WHOM I talked Preposition before pronoun
Whom vs. Which
Choosing the Right Pronoun
Is it a person?
Is it a thing/place?
Common Formal Prepositions
Direction
- • To whom
- • From which
- • Toward which
Location
- • In which
- • At which
- • Upon which
Examples by Level
The girl I talk to is nice.
The house I live in is big.
The man I work with is tall.
The music I listen to is loud.
The person who I travel with is my sister.
The hotel which we stayed in was cheap.
The company that he works for is famous.
The subject that I am interested in is history.
The manager to whom you sent the email is away.
The project for which I am responsible is nearly finished.
The city in which the conference is held is very beautiful.
The people with whom I share the office are very quiet.
The theory upon which his argument is based has been disproven.
There are several issues about which we need to be careful.
He is a leader for whom many people have great respect.
The speed at which the virus spreads is alarming.
The circumstances under which the decision was made remain unclear.
She is a colleague for whose expertise I have the highest regard.
The degree to which this affects the economy is debatable.
It was a situation from which there was no easy escape.
The mechanism whereby the cells regenerate is not yet fully understood.
The parties between whom the dispute arose have reached a settlement.
It is a principle to which all members must strictly adhere.
The extent to which cultural bias influences the results must be considered.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'who' after prepositions because 'whom' feels old-fashioned.
Learners think 'that' can be used anywhere 'which' is used.
Both refer to places, so learners mix them up.
Common Mistakes
The man to who I talk.
The man I talk to.
The book in that I read.
The book I read in.
The friend with who I play.
The friend I play with.
The house where I live in.
The house I live in.
The company for that he works.
The company he works for.
To who are you speaking?
Who are you speaking to?
The car in which I go in.
The car in which I go.
The person to who I sent the file.
The person to whom I sent the file.
The situation in that we find ourselves.
The situation in which we find ourselves.
The project which I am responsible for it.
The project for which I am responsible.
The degree with which he succeeded.
The degree to which he succeeded.
Sentence Patterns
The person to whom I ___ is ___.
This is the tool with which we ___.
The conditions under which they ___ were ___.
He is a man for whose ___ I have ___.
Real World Usage
The experiment in which the variables were controlled...
The manager to whom I reported was very supportive.
The terms under which this agreement operates...
To whom should I address this letter?
The suspect, for whom a warrant was issued...
The process by which the data was collected...
The 'M' Trick
The 'That' Trap
Don't Overdo It
Check the Verb
Smart Tips
Use 'to whom' or 'with whom' to immediately signal to the employer that you have high-level communication skills.
Eliminate that option immediately. It is a common 'distractor' in exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
Try the 'Him' test. If you can say 'to him', use 'to whom'.
If you have too many 'in which' or 'to whom' phrases, try replacing them with 'where' or 'when' to make the sentence breathe.
Pronunciation
Whom vs. Who
The 'm' in 'whom' is often soft. In fast formal speech, 'to whom' sounds like one word /tuːhuːm/.
Preposition Stress
When the preposition is at the front, it is usually unstressed. The stress falls on the relative pronoun or the following noun.
Formal Rising-Falling
The city in which he LIVES ↘ is old.
Conveys a sense of completeness and authority.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Whom follows a preposition like a shadow follows a person.
Visual Association
Imagine a preposition (like a small dog) being 'walked' by the relative pronoun (the owner). In formal English, the owner (Whom/Which) keeps the dog (Preposition) on a short leash right in front of them.
Rhyme
If a preposition starts the track, 'Who' and 'That' must both stay back.
Story
A very fancy butler named Mr. Whom always carries a tray (the preposition) in front of him. He never leaves his tray at the end of the hallway; he always brings it to the front of the conversation.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three formal sentences about your current job or studies using 'to whom', 'in which', and 'for which'.
Cultural Notes
British academic standards are often very strict about avoiding dangling prepositions in formal essays. Using 'to whom' is seen as a sign of high-level education.
In US legal contexts, 'to whom it may concern' is the standard formal salutation, preserving the 'whom' form even as it disappears from common speech.
Using 'whom' correctly is sometimes used as a 'meme' or a way to sound 'fancy' ironically. However, in LinkedIn posts or professional networking, it remains a serious tool.
This construction is a result of 17th and 18th-century grammarians trying to make English more like Latin.
Conversation Starters
Tell me about a teacher for whom you have a lot of respect.
What is a project for which you are currently responsible?
Describe a city in which you would love to live.
Think of a historical figure to whom you would like to ask a question.
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
The client ___ ___ I was talking is from Japan.
Find and fix the mistake:
This is the report for that I am responsible.
Which is correct?
Formal version:
You can use 'who' immediately after a preposition in formal writing.
A: To whom should I address this letter? B: You should address it to the manager ___ ___ you spoke yesterday.
Select the formal option:
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesThe client ___ ___ I was talking is from Japan.
Find and fix the mistake:
This is the report for that I am responsible.
Which is correct?
Formal version:
You can use 'who' immediately after a preposition in formal writing.
A: To whom should I address this letter? B: You should address it to the manager ___ ___ you spoke yesterday.
Select the formal option:
Match '...I am looking for' with:
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesThe challenges, _____ we are constantly adapting, require innovative solutions.
The department, in that I work, has a new policy.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Esa es la razón por la cual aplazamos el evento.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the informal phrase with its formal equivalent:
The guidelines, _____ compliance is mandatory, are attached.
The client, on who we depend, is very important.
Which sentence is correct and formal?
Translate into English: 'El documento al que se refirió está en el archivo.'
The period, _____ we are discussing, was pivotal for the company.
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
In casual speech, yes. Most people say `who` even when `whom` is technically correct. However, in formal writing and exams, `whom` is still strictly required after a preposition.
Only in the specific phrase `in that`, which means 'because'. In a relative clause describing a noun, you must use `in which`.
Because prepositions require the 'object' form of a pronoun. Just as we say `to him` (not `to he`), we must say `to whom` (not `to who`).
No, it is perfectly fine in modern English. However, moving it to the front makes your writing sound more professional and academic.
Look at the verb. If the verb is `apply`, the preposition is `for` (`the job for which I applied`). If the verb is `depend`, it is `on` (`the person on whom I depend`).
Yes, `where` is a great alternative for places and is often less 'stiff' than `in which`. Just don't use both: say `the city where I live` OR `the city in which I live`.
No, `whom` is used whenever the person is the object of the verb, even without a preposition (e.g., `The man whom I saw`). But it is most common after prepositions.
No, `which` is only for things. For people, you must use `for whom`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
con quien / en el que
Spanish cannot 'strand' prepositions at the end of a sentence.
avec qui / dans lequel
French uses 'lequel' to match the gender of the object, which English doesn't do.
mit dem / in dem
German pronouns change based on case (Dative/Accusative) after the preposition.
Noun-modifying clause
Japanese has no relative pronouns at all.
Al-lathi + resumptive pronoun
Arabic requires a pronoun at the end of the clause that English must omit.
...de + Noun
Chinese uses word order and particles instead of relative pronouns.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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