B2 Spanish grammar
Spanish Prepositions with Relative Pronouns
A Spanish relative clause keeps the preposition required by its verb or relationship. After that preposition, the antecedent and register determine whether quien, el que, el cual, or a related form is most natural.
Prepositional relative
required preposition + quien(es) / article + que / article + cual(es)
Keep the preposition required by the verb or expression inside the relative clause.
Relative pronouns after prepositions
| Antecedent/context | Available pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| person | preposition + quien(es) | la colega con quien trabajo |
| person or thing | preposition + el/la/los/las que | la herramienta con la que trabajamos |
| clear/formal person or thing | preposition + el/la/los/las cual(es) | la propuesta gracias a la cual acordamos |
| required verb complement | retain its preposition | el proyecto en el que participo |
Choose the preposition from the dependent verb: participar en, hablar de, contar con.
Spanish prepositions with relative pronouns: Keep the preposition required inside the clause
Identify the missing role inside the relative clause and retain the preposition that its verb, adjective, or noun relationship requires.
Este es el proyecto en el que participo.Quick check
the topic we talked about
Choose a person or thing relative after the preposition
Quien and quienes refer only to people. Article-based forms such as el que and la cual can refer to people or things and explicitly show agreement.
La colega con quien trabajo diseñó la herramienta con la que analizamos los datos.Use article forms after longer prepositions
After multiword or semantically heavier prepositions such as detrás de, gracias a, acerca de, and a pesar de, use an article-based relative and match it to the antecedent.
La propuesta, gracias a la cual llegamos a un acuerdo, fue aprobada.Common mistakes
Este es el proyecto que participo.
Este es el proyecto en el que participo.
Removing en changes the required structure of participar en.
La herramienta con quien analizamos los datos
La herramienta con la que analizamos los datos
Quien cannot refer to an inanimate tool.
La propuesta, gracias que llegamos a un acuerdo
La propuesta, gracias a la cual llegamos a un acuerdo
The full preposition gracias a and an article-based relative are both required.
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Prepositions with relative pronouns FAQ
What does prepositions with relative pronouns cover?
A Spanish relative clause keeps the preposition required by its verb or relationship. After that preposition, the antecedent and register determine whether quien, el que, el cual, or a related form is most natural.
What is the first rule to remember?
Identify the missing role inside the relative clause and retain the preposition that its verb, adjective, or noun relationship requires.
What is another important B2 pattern?
Quien and quienes refer only to people. Article-based forms such as el que and la cual can refer to people or things and explicitly show agreement.
How can I practise Spanish prepositions with relative pronouns?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.