Lesson

Other relative words: whose, when, whereby etc.

Complex relatives

≈ 20 min 8 block(s)

Text

Other relative words: whose, when, whereby, etc.

Other relative words (also called relative adverbs and possessive relative pronouns) connect clauses and give extra information about time, place, reason, possession, or method. They are different from the common relative pronouns who/which/that and are essential for precise, formal, or professional writing.

  • Use 'whose' to show possession (people or things).
  • Use 'when' for time, 'where' for place, 'why' for reason.
  • Use 'whereby' and 'wherein' to describe a method, process, or context ('by which', 'in which').
  • Choose the correct relative word depending on meaning (not just sentence position).

Table

Other relative words and uses

Word Function Example
whose Possession (people or things) The company whose contract was renewed reported higher revenue.
when Time (in which) The day when the agreement ends is Friday.
where Place (in/on which) The office where we held the meeting is on 5th Avenue.
why Reason (for which) I explained the reason why the project was delayed.
whereby By which; method or process They implemented a system whereby invoices are approved automatically.
wherein In which; context or document The report wherein we assess risk is confidential.

Tip

Key rule: Match meaning, not form

Choose the relative word that matches the meaning you want to express:

  • 'whose' = possession
  • 'when' = time; 'where' = place; 'why' = reason
  • 'whereby' = by which (method/process); 'wherein' = in which (context/document)

Use commas for non-defining clauses; omit commas for defining (restrictive) clauses.

Example

Examples in context

The client whose account was audited requested a meeting.

Please confirm the date when the contract becomes effective.

We adopted a workflow whereby team leads approve requests before procurement.

The branch where the training took place has modern facilities.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners commonly make predictable errors with these relative words. Watch for:

  • Confusing 'where' and 'which' — use 'where' for places, 'which' for things.
  • Using 'whose' only for people — 'whose' can refer to things (e.g., 'a company whose policy').
  • Replacing 'whereby' with 'which' — 'whereby' implies a method ('by which').
  • Misplacing commas — non-defining clauses need commas, defining clauses do not.
  • Omitting required prepositions with words like 'wherein' or 'whereby' when context demands them.

Always check the meaning (time/place/reason/possession/method) before choosing the relative word.

Quiz

Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'whereby':

Hint: Look for a word meaning 'by which' or 'through which'.

Quiz

Complete: They introduced a new system _____ invoices are approved automatically.

Hint: What kind of information does this clause add about the system - time, place, or how it works?

Quiz

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "The manager, _____ promotion was announced today, thanked the team."

Hint: Focus on a word that indicates possession.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

whose

relative pronoun CEFR B1 //huːz//

a possessive relative pronoun linking ownership to a noun

The client whose account was audited requested a meeting.

GrammarPoint

when

relative adverb CEFR A2 //wɛn//

links a noun to a time; 'in/on/at which' in relative clauses

Please confirm the date when the contract becomes effective.

GrammarPoint

where

relative adverb CEFR A2 //wɛər//

links a noun to a place; 'in/at/on which' in relative clauses

The office where we held the meeting is on 5th Avenue.

GrammarPoint

whereby

relative adverb CEFR B2 //wɛərˈbaɪ//

meaning 'by which'; used to describe a method, process, or system

They implemented a workflow whereby team leads approve requests before procurement.

GrammarPoint

wherein

relative adverb CEFR C1 //wɛərˈɪn//

meaning 'in which'; used to indicate the context, section, or document in which something appears

The report wherein we assess risk is confidential.

GrammarPoint

why

relative adverb CEFR B1 //waɪ//

links to a reason; often follows 'the reason' ('the reason why')

I don't know the reason why the project was delayed.