Relative Clause Type #5: Preposition and Whose

This form is perfect for thanking people. It’s always used formulaically:

I’d like to thank/congratulate/acknowledge [SOMEONE], without whose + help/support/guidance/assistance + [THIS THING] + would have been + adj re. difficulty.

I’d like to thank my supervisor. Without her guidance, this project would have been impossible.

• I’d like to thank my supervisor, without whose guidance this project would have been impossible.

I’d like to thank my parents. Without their support, I couldn’t have achieved my goals.

• I’d like to thank my parents, without whose support I couldn’t have achieved my goals.

I’d like to show my appreciation for the parent council. Without their help, this couldn't have happened.

• I’d like to show my appreciation for the parent council, without whose help this couldn't have happened.

I’d like to congratulate the team. Without their efforts, this sale would never have been such a big success.

• I’d like to congratulate the team, without whose efforts this sale would never have been such a big success.