French grammar: pronoms relatifs simples

What this grammar point covers

Simple relative pronouns in French are words like 'qui', 'que', 'où', and 'dont' that connect two sentences. They help you add extra information about a person, thing, or place without repeating words.

When to use it

Use simple relative pronouns in French to join two sentences and give more details about a noun (person, thing, or place) mentioned before. They help you avoid repeating the same word.

Key forms

• qui
• que
• où
• dont

Examples

Tips

• Use 'qui' when the pronoun is the subject of the verb after it.
• Use 'que' when the pronoun is the object of the verb after it.
• Use 'où' for places or moments in time, and 'dont' for verbs or expressions that use 'de'.

Exceptions and edge cases

• After 'que', if the next word begins with a vowel, 'que' becomes 'qu’'.
• Some verbs require 'dont' because they are followed by 'de' (e.g., 'parler de').