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'Where' is a WH-word. In this lesson, we will discuss the rules of using 'Where.'
Where is one of the Wh-words and is used in different cases. You can learn five functions of where in this lesson:
Functions of 'Where'
- Interrogative Adverb
- Conjunction of Place
- Subordinating Conjunction
- Relative Adverb
- Nominal Relative Pronoun
1. 'Where' as an Interrogative Adverb
Use
Where as an interrogative adverb is used to ask about the place of something.
Position in a Sentence
Where as an interrogative adverb comes at the beginning of a clause, requiring an inversion.
Three steps should be taken to make an inversion:
- The interrogative adverb comes at the beginning of a clause.
- The adverb of place is removed.
- The subject and the verb are inverted.
Tip
1. The subjects I and we are replaced with you.
2. If there is a main verb in a sentence, a semi-auxiliary or an auxiliary verb is needed for interrogation.
Here is an example:
Tip
Where as an interrogative adverb is used alone and shows emotion. For example:
2. 'Where' as a Conjunction of Place
Use
Where as a conjunction of place functions as adverbs. It introduces an adverbial clause that describes the verb, the adjective, or another adverb in the main clause. Where here means 'in the place that.' Look:
I used to work
'Where you work now' is an adverbial clause and adds more information to the verb 'work' in the main clause.
Position in a Sentence
Where comes before an adverbial clause that precedes or follows the independent clause.
Now, take a look at an example:
I used to work
'Where you work now' as an adverbial clause can be used after or before 'I used to work.'
Tip
Note that prepositions can precede the conjunction of place where. Here is an example:
I work in this corporation from
3. 'Where' as a Subordinating Conjunction
Use
Where as a subordinating conjunction is used to show contrast, concession, or condition. The clause introduced by where is called the adverbial clause. Now take a look at its uses and some examples:
- Where shows contrast and has a similar meaning to whereas; look:
I came back home
- Where shows concession, and has a similar meaning to although; for example:
I had to read a horror book
- Where shows condition and has a similar meaning to if. For example:
Position in a Sentence
Where as a subordinating conjunction comes before an adverbial clause. An adverbial clause comes before or after the main clause.
'Where nobody stays at home' can be used before or after 'I can go out.'
4. 'Where' as a Relative Adverb
Use
Where as a relative adverb describes the preceding noun/noun phrase in the main clause. It heads a clause and makes it adjectival, known as an adjective clause, functioning as an adjective and describing a noun.
Now, take a look at an example:
I never forget the restaurant
'Where adds more information to the antecedent 'the restaurant.'
Position in a Sentence
Where as a relative adverb always comes at the beginning of the adjective clause. Look:
I never forget the restaurant
'Where' marks an adjective clause that comes after the independent clause 'I never forget the restaurant.'
5. 'Where' as a Nominal Relative Pronoun
Use
Where as a nominal relative pronoun marks a nominal relative clause, functioning as either objects or subjects of the main clause. In other words, where connects a nominal relative clause to an independent clause. Now, take a look at an example:
I do not know
'Where' introduces the relative clause 'I should go.'
Position in a Sentence
Where as a nominal relative pronoun always comes at the beginning of the relative clause in two ways.
- Where can precede a nominal relative clause that is a sentence; for example:
I do not know
'Where I should go' is the object of the verb 'know.'
'Where you go' is the subject of the verb 'matter.'
- Where can precede a nominal relative clause that is an infinitive. For example:
I do not know
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