desquelles

Desquelles is a French relative pronoun used to introduce a relative clause when the antecedent is feminine plural and the relationship is governed by the preposition de. It is the contraction of de + lesquelles, with lesquelles being the feminine plural form of lequel. In effect, desquelles corresponds to "de lesquelles" and is typically found in more formal or literary writing.

Usage and notes:

- Desquelles appears when the noun it refers to is feminine plural and the associated preposition is de. For example: Ce sont les routes desquelles partent les camions. Here, desquelles means "from which" or "of which."

- It is most common in written language, where precision in prepositional linking is preferred. In everyday speech, speakers often use dont or simply repeat the preposition in a more explicit form (par exemple, de lesquelles) to avoid more complex pronouns.

- In masculine plural contexts, the corresponding form is desquels (from which). For a mixed or masculine antecedent, the masculine form is used as appropriate.

Examples:

- Ce sont les idées desquelles il s’inspire. (The ideas from which he draws inspiration.)

- Les régions desquelles proviennent ces ressources sont vulnérables. (The regions from which these resources originate are vulnerable.)

- On peut aussi dire: Ce sont les routes dont on parle; desquelles est plus soutenu et moins courant.

Relation to other relative pronouns:

- Dont is often used to replace de + noun in many contexts, including when the antecedent is feminine plural, especially in spoken language.

- Desquelles is a specific option when the feminine plural form and the de-connection are clearly indicated in the clause.