Relative adverbs like why, where, and when act as connectors that link ideas together, helping sentences flow naturally. So how exactly are relative adverbs used? And how do they differ from relative pronouns? In this article, IDP IELTS will guide you through everything you need to know about relative adverbs in English.
1. What Is a Relative Adverb?
Relative adverbs such as when, why, and where are used to connect a relative clause to a noun, pronoun, or another clause in a sentence. They add extra information about time, place, or reason to the main clause.
Note: Relative adverbs function as adverbials and do not come directly before a verb.
Example: That is the reason why I always arrive early.
2. How to Use Relative Adverbs in English
Relative adverbs replace nouns that refer to time, place, or reason, and link two clauses together. They add more detail and help improve sentence clarity.
Relative Adverb | Replaces | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
Where | Place, location, street, here, there | This is the cafe where we met for the first time. |
When | Time, day, month, year | I remember the day when we went hiking together. |
Why | Reason | She explained the reason why she was late. |
3. Sentence Structure with Relative Adverbs
Relative adverbs appear after a noun and connect it with a relative clause using the structure:
Noun/Pronoun + Verb + Relative Adverb + Relative Clause
Example: She did not explain the reason why she was upset.
Relative adverbs can also be used with prepositions in more formal contexts:
Noun/Pronoun + Verb + Preposition + which + Relative Clause
Example: The hotel where we stayed → The hotel at which we stayed
4. Types of Relative Adverbs
There are three main relative adverbs: when, where, and why. Each one refers to a different aspect—time, place, or reason—and helps connect ideas in a sentence more smoothly.
When – Refers to Time
When is used to refer to the time when an event or action happened.
Example: I still remember the summer when we traveled to the mountains.
In more formal writing, you can replace when with in which or at which.
Example: I still remember the summer in which we traveled to the mountains.
Where – Refers to Place
Where refers to the place where something happens.
Example: This is the library where I used to spend hours reading.
In formal usage, where can be replaced by in which or at which.
Example: This is the library in which I used to spend hours reading.
Why – Refers to Reason
Why is used to explain the reason for an action or event.
Example: She never told me the reason why she decided to quit.
To make the sentence more formal, replace why with for which.
Example: She never told me the reason for which she decided to quit.
5. Difference Between Relative Adverbs and Relative Pronouns
While relative adverbs modify verbs and add detail about time, place, or reason, relative pronouns act as the subject or object of a clause and modify a noun or noun phrase.
Criteria | Relative Adverbs | Relative Pronouns |
|---|---|---|
Grammatical function | Modify the verb; give details about time, place, or reason | Act as subject or object in a relative clause |
Role | Connects the main clause to a subordinate clause | Describes or defines the noun it follows |
Common examples | when, why, where | who, whom, which, what, whose |
Usage | Often used in defining relative clauses | Used in both defining and non-defining clauses |
Examples:
Monday was the day when we finally solved the problem.
The movie which I watched last night was amazing.
6. Relative Adverb Exercises with Answers
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Answer
The librarian _______ works in the library is my neighbor. A. who | B. whom | C. which | D. that ➡️ A
The house _______ roof was damaged in the storm. A. whose | B. which | C. that | D. whom ➡️ A
Do you know the reason _______ John did not attend the workshop? A. where | B. why | C. when | D. that ➡️ B
That souvenir shop is _______ I bought gifts for my best friend. A. where | B. why | C. whose | D. when ➡️ A
Jennie is the one _______ lent me this book for IELTS. A. who | B. which | C. where | D. when ➡️ A
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences Using Relative Adverbs
The book is amazing. I borrowed it from the library last week. ➡️ The book which I borrowed from the library last week is amazing.
I will never forget the restaurant. We celebrated my birthday there. ➡️ I will never forget the restaurant where we celebrated my birthday.
The boy did not come to school today. His bicycle was broken. ➡️ The boy whose bicycle was broken did not come to school today.
The reason is unclear. He was late for that reason. ➡️ The reason why he was late is unclear.
The movie was thrilling. It was recommended by a famous critic. ➡️ The movie which was recommended by a famous critic was thrilling.
Master Relative Adverbs with IDP
We hope this guide from IDP has helped you understand how to use relative adverbs correctly. These adverbs play a vital role in linking ideas and improving sentence flow. With regular practice, you will be able to use them confidently and effectively in both writing and speaking.
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