Relative Adverbs

Fill in the blank: I’m buying popcorn ______ we get to the movies. Wasn’t too difficult, was it? Guess what, you just figured out a relative adverb!

Relative Adverbs There are 3 common relative adverbs. WHEN, WHERE, & WHY Warning! These words are used a lot, but only sometimes are they used as relative adverbs.

Relative Adverbs Like relative pronouns, a relative adverb is used to add more information to sentences. Unlike relative pronouns, these are usually woven into the middle of the sentence.

Relative Adverbs WHERE is used after nouns that refer to places The library is a place where you can borrow books. WHEN is used after nouns that refer to times and dates We need to close the windows when the storm comes. WHY is used after reason The reason why I am laughing is because John told a funny joke.

Relative Adverbs When are you going to watch the movie? I’m watching the movie when I get home. Notice, “when I get home” is related to watching, which is a verb.

Let’s Practice! This is the hospital _________ I was born. where Do you know the reason ________ school is closed? I remember that time _______ we first met. I don’t know ______ your friend called. I’m not sure ________ he lives. Last weekend _______ you saw me, I was ill. where why when why where when

Let’s Practice! See if you can add a phrase that begins with where, when, or why in the following sentences. Your keys are on the table… Laura is heading back to the store… I do not know the reason… We are cooking dinner… I called my grandmother… We need to figure out…