When vs. Where
'When' and 'where' are wh-words commonly used in the English language. In this lesson, we will learn more about them and their similarities and differnces.
What Is Their Main Difference?
Parts of Speech
'When' and 'where' are really similar in their parts of speech. We have summarized it in a table for better understanding:
| When | Where | |
|---|---|---|
| Interrogative Adverb | ✓ | ✓ |
| Conjunction | Time | Place |
| Subordinating Conjunction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Relative Adverb | ✓ | ✓ |
As you can see in the table illustrated above, 'when' and 'where' are similar in their parts of speech that will discover in details now.
- 'When' and 'where' can be used as interrogative adverbs. We use them at the beginning of question to acquire information about the time (when) or the place (where) of an action or event.
Tip!
'When' and 'Where' as interrogative adverbs can also be used alone. This is often used in dialogues to keep sentences shorter or for expressing emotions.
- As you can see in the table above, 'when' and 'where' can be used as conjunctions. The difference is that 'when' is used a conjunction of time while 'where' is used as a conjunction of place.
I will always remember the day
I will always remember the day
- As mentioned earlier, 'when' and 'where' are conjunctions. Conjunctions are classified in different categories. 'When' and 'where' are categorized as subordinating conjunctions.
I was on my way home,
I used to sit
- 'When' and 'where' can be used as relative adverbs. Relative adverbs describe a noun or noun phrase.
She remembers well
She remembers well
Usage
'When' and 'where' may be similar in their parts of speech; however, they are used in different contexts.
'When' is used to express time while 'where' is used to express place.
Here, we are asking about the time of someone's departure.
Here, we are asking about the location of someone's destination.
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