French Relative Clauses
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Relative.intro_desc
Defining vs. Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Defining (Restrictive)
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Relative.def_desc
(Tells us which boy it is out of a group)
Non-Defining (Non-restrictive)
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Relative.non_desc
(We already know it's Malya)
Relative Pronouns
The choice of pronoun depends on its grammatical function in the subordinate clause (what it replaces).
| Replacing Function | Person | Thing / Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | qui | qui |
| Direct Object | que / qu' | que / qu' |
| Preposition + Indirect Object | (prep) + qui | (prep) + quoi, lequel... |
| de + noun (possession/source) | dont | dont |
| Time or Place | - | où |
Word Order with 'qui'
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Relative.order_qui_desc
Word Order with others (que, dont)
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Relative.order_others_desc
Les lunettes qu'Antoine porte...
Les lunettes dont Antoine est fier...
The forms of 'lequel'
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Relative.lequel_desc
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Relative.lequel_de_note
The Subjunctive in Relative Clauses
The subjunctive mood must be used in a relative clause when it:
Follows a negation:
Follows a superlative or le premier, dernier, seul:
Expresses a wish, purpose, or result:
Practice Relative Clauses
Master French relative pronouns and clause structures through targeted practice.