Adjective Clause Advanced 2 (preposition + which/whom)


Among different types of adjective clauses, those that involve "preposition + which" or "preposition + whom" construction are definitely the hardest. 



Examples: in which, under which, by which, over which, with whom, of whom



Again, I’m going to simplify the concept as much as I can.


When approaching these questions, we need to try to see the ORIGINAL sentence and what the adjective clause is modifying.




Exercise 1: figure out the original sentence



I want to visit the rainbow over which angels are singing.



What is the original sentence of the bolded adjective clause?


The angels are singing OVER the rainbow.



*more examples are at the end of the page.




Exercise 2: understand what the adjective clause is modifying



Learning is a process a person acquires new knowledge.


a) in which

b) at which

c) by which

d) to which



To solve this question, we need to understand what the adjective clause is modifying.


Here, it is modifying ‘a process.’


The simple question to ask is this: what is a process?


Is it a time, place, method, or distance?


The answer is ‘method.’



Which preposition refers to ‘a method?’


In English, "BY" often refers to "a way of doing things," or "method."


I go home by bus.

She won by cheating.



"By + which" is used in the same sense.

Better methods by which graduates can apply for jobs must be developed.



The answer to exercise 2, therefore is, “C (by which).”




miscellaneous information



1. Whereby


Whereby is tested in the SAT Official Practice Test #2.


Simply, whereby is a concise version of "by which" or "through which."



Grammar Breakdown, a practice whereby students learn to identify different parts of speech in a sentence, is effective.


1. Grammar Breakdown is effective.


2. Students learn to identify different parts of speech in a sentence by/through Grammar Breakdown.




2. more examples of exercise 1



I looked at the water, under which dolphins were dancing.


I looked at the water. Dolphins were dancing under the water.




We should go watch a movie after which we can study.


We should go watch a movie. We can study after the movie.




The sea, beyond which she is waiting, is still far away.


She is waiting beyond the sea. The sea is still far away.




Jack, with whom I studied, is kind.


Jack is kind. I studied with Jack.




Jane knows many people, some of whom are generous.


Jane knows many people. Some of them are generous.

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