Relative words where and when
Definition
Relative adverbs introduce relative clauses connected to a place, time, or reason. Where refers to place, when refers to time, and why commonly follows reason.
Examples
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This is the café where we met.
Where links the clause to the place the café.
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I remember the day when Maya arrived.
When links the clause to the time expression the day.
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Nobody knows the reason why the system failed.
Why introduces a clause explaining the reason.
Relative adverb vs. preposition + which
This is the office where Maya works.
Where expresses the place relationship.
This is the office in which Maya works.
In which expresses the same relationship in a more formal structure.
A relative adverb can often be paraphrased by an appropriate preposition followed by which.
Avoid repeating the same place or time relationship
Because where and when already provide the link, the relative clause normally does not repeat an unnecessary place or time expression.
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This is the town where I grew up.
Where already means in the town.
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I remember the year when we moved abroad.
When already links the event to the year.
Common mistakes
This is the town where I grew up there.
This is the town where I grew up.
Do not repeat there when where already supplies the place link.
I remember the day when we arrived on that day.
I remember the day when we arrived.
Do not repeat the time expression inside the relative clause.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which relative word introduces a place clause?
Where links a relative clause to a place.Which sentence avoids repeating the place relationship?
Where already expresses the place relationship.Which formal alternative to where is correct?
In which can formally replace where in this place relationship.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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