RELATIVE PRONOUNS. FORMAL USE.

WHOM

We use whom in formal styles or in writing to refer to people when the person is the object of the verb. It is
much more common in writing than in speaking:

The response of those managers whom I have consulted has been very positive and we are looking forward
to meeting together.

She was a celebrated actress whom he had known and loved, on and off, almost since her first appearance
on the stage.

The most common use of whom is with a preposition. We can use whom as the complement of a preposition.
We put the preposition before whom. Examples:

The first book was a terrible historical novel for children which was turned down by every publisher to
whom it was sent.

Drama in schools is particularly good for pupils for whom English is a second language.

We met a lot of celebrities, most of whom were American.

WHICH WITH PREPOSITIONS

We can use which as the complement of a preposition. We can put the preposition immediately before the
relative pronoun (more formal) or at the end of the relative clause (more informal).

Early in the Autumn Term there is a reception at which you can meet current staff and students.

Close by, in the churchyard, is the famous Rudston stone, from which the village takes its name.

There were some stunning photos. Most of which belonged to my co-workers.

WHICH REFERRING TO A WHOLE SENTENCE

Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence are always introduced by which:

There’s going to be a new head teacher in September, which is good.

They accepted my invitations, which makes me really excited.

Translate these two sentences in ALL POSSIBLE WAYS.

1. ¿Es este el hombre con el que llegó Peter?

Is this the man WITH WHOM Peter arrived? (FORMAL USE)

Is this the man WHOM Peter arrived WITH? (FORMAL USE)

Is this the man WHO Peter arrived WITH?

Is this the man THAT Peter arrived WITH? (*INFORMAL USE)

Is this the man Peter arrived WITH? (MOST COMMON WHEN SPEAKING)

2. Glocester club es un club al que pertenecen muchos famosos.

Glocester club is a club TO WHICH many celebrities belong. (FORMAL USE)

Glocester club is a club WHICH many celebrities belong TO.

Glocester club is a club THAT many celebrities belong TO.

Glocester club is a club many celebrities belong TO. (MOST COMMON WHEN SPEAKING)