French grammar: emploi des pronoms relatifs composés

What this grammar point covers

Compound relative pronouns in French (les pronoms relatifs composés) are words like 'auquel', 'duquel', 'lequel', 'laquelle', 'lesquels', etc. They are used to link two sentences and refer to a noun mentioned before, often with a preposition.

When to use it

Use these pronouns in French when you need to refer back to a noun (person or thing) that is the object of a preposition (like à, de, avec, sur, etc.). They replace 'qui' or 'que' when a preposition is needed before the relative pronoun.

Key forms

• lequel, laquelle, lesquels, lesquelles
• auquel, à laquelle, auxquels, auxquelles
• duquel, de laquelle, desquels, desquelles

Examples

Tips

• Choose the correct form (lequel, laquelle, etc.) to match the gender and number of the noun.
• Always use the correct preposition (à, de, avec, etc.) before the compound relative pronoun.
• Do not use 'qui' or 'que' after a preposition; use the correct compound relative pronoun instead.

Exceptions and edge cases

• With 'de' + lequel, contractions are needed: duquel, desquels, desquelles.
• With 'à' + lequel, contractions are needed: auquel, auxquels, auxquelles.