Preposition + el qual
El Qual in Formal Relative Clauses
After a preposition, el qual agrees with its antecedent and can clarify a complex relative clause.
How It Works
Choose el qual, la qual, els quals or les quals from the antecedent's gender and number. The preceding preposition comes from the relation inside the relative clause: contra la proposta becomes la proposta contra la qual es va recórrer.
A relative following a long prepositional phrase can be easier to parse with an agreeing qual form. Keep the preposition licensed by the relation: les condicions sota les quals operem and la norma d'acord amb la qual actuem. The agreeing article is part of the relative form, so masculine contractions still apply. The more explicit form does not justify placing a relative far from its antecedent when that would create ambiguity.
Examples (3)
- Aquestes són les condicions sota les quals operem.
These are the conditions under which we operate.
- És la norma d’acord amb la qual actuem.
It is the rule in accordance with which we act.
- Coneixem els motius pels quals ho rebutgen.
We know the reasons why they reject it.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Assign the required preposition and agreement before building a dense qual relative.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice Preposition + el qual in Bubblegum
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