Introduction
Pronouns are words used to avoid repetitions of a noun. We distinguish pronouns depending on number (singular, plural) and gender (masculine, feminine, neutral).
Relative Pronouns are used to introduce relative clauses. They refer to place and time by replacing the subject expressed in the main clause to avoid the repetition of it in the relative clauses.
{See Pronouns – Relative, A1 level}
Form
Relative Pronouns are used before nouns (place and time).
| Relative pronoun | Places | Time |
| where | √ | x |
| when | x | √ |
Example
Where
- This is the shopping centre where I bought a gift for my mom.
- It is the butcher’s where my brother worked.
- This is the hotel where we stayed during our trip.
When
- I can’t forget the day when my dad opened our bakery.
- The winter when I started working as a shop assistant was cold.
- The day when the hairdresser died was my birthday.
Wherever
- Wherever you go, I’ll be there for you.
- We can have dinner wherever you want, but not in that restaurant.
- I am ready to study wherever my parents decide.
Whenever
- Whenever you need me, I am ready to come.
- You can read it today or whenever.
- Whenever the boss calls, she is busy.
Use
Relative Pronouns refer to places and time. We use:
- Where (to refer places);
- When (to refer time).
Summary
We use Relative Pronouns to introduce relative clauses. They refer to place and time by replacing the subject expressed in the main clause to avoid the repetition of it in the relative clauses.
Relative Pronouns “where” and “when” are used to refer places and time. We use these pronouns before nouns.
For example:
— “London is a multinational capital where 8 million people live.” = Where refers to London (place).
— “I remember last Christmas when we traveled to Scandinavia.” = When refers to last Christmas (time).
Let’s revise this content within the [Form] section. Take a look at the [Example] section that shows its use within a context.