Usage of 'en lo que', 'de lo que' and 'con lo que'

These three Spanish structures are important linking expressions in Spanish. They connect sentences and express different meanings: reference, time, and consequence.

1. de lo que

Used to refer to something that has been said, thought, or described.

Examples:

• No entiendo de lo que hablas. (I don't understand what you are talking about.)
• Me alegro de lo que has conseguido. (I am happy about what you have achieved.)

2. en lo que

Expresses temporal simultaneity or "while / as soon as".

Examples:

• En lo que llegas preparo la comida. (While you arrive, I prepare the food.)
• En lo que estudias escucho musica. (While you study, I listen to music.)

3. con lo que

Expresses a consequence or result (similar to "so" or "therefore").

Examples:

• No tenia dinero, con lo que no pude salir. (I had no money, so I couldn't go out.)
• No habia comida, con lo que pedimos pizza. (There was no food, so we ordered pizza.)

Summary:

• de lo que = reference / content
• en lo que = time / simultaneity
• con lo que = consequence / result