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Pronoms relatifs
Relative pronouns are connectors – they link relative clauses to main clauses so that you don’t have to repeat subjects and objects. If any of these grammatical concepts are unclear to you, please study those lessons before reading this one.
Characteristics of relative pronouns
- Connect relative and main clauses
- Can be subjects, direct objects, or objects of a preposition
- Are impersonal and therefore invariable (except lequel)
- Are required in French, though they are sometimes optional in English
There are five French relative pronouns: dont, lequel, où, que, and qui. These are equivalent to seven English relative pronouns and adverbs: that, when, where, which, who, whom, and whose. I can’t give you a nice French relative pronoun = English relative pronoun/adverb list, because the grammar is somewhat different in the two languages, and there are at least two possible English translations for each French pronoun, depending on the context.
Here’s a summary of French relative pronouns with their functions and possible translations – click to read detailed lessons on each one.
| Pronoun | Function(s) | English equivalent(s) | ||
| Dont | Object of preposition de | from which, of which, that | ||
| Possession indicator | whose | |||
| Lequel | Object of a preposition | which, that | ||
| Où | Place or time indicator | when, where, which, that | ||
| Que | Direct object | that, which, whom | ||
| Qui | Subject | who | ||
| Object (person) of preposition | which, whom, that |
Relative Pronouns Quizzes
Think you’ve got it? Test yourself on French relative pronouns with these fill-in-the-blanks exercises:
- Exprimer sa gratitude (que, qui, ce que, ce qui)
- Mes choses préférées (que vs ce que)
- Un métier extraordinaire
Note: You must be logged into your Progress with Lawless French account to take these tests. If you don’t have one, sign up – it’s free!
French also has indefinite relative pronouns (ce dont, ce que, ce qui, and quoi).
Related lessons
- Relative pronouns – PwLF super list
- Clauses
- Direct object
- Indirect objects
- Prepositions
- Subject pronouns
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