The word ‘when’ is popularly known to be a question. Although, it might sometimes be utilized as a relative pronoun too. Let us explore further, below.
“When” is varyingly considered a relative pronoun, which usually are used to connect two clauses and qualify the noun in the first clause.
Let us take a deeper look into “when” as a relative pronoun with the help of more facts and examples.
When is “when” a relative pronoun?
“When” can be considered a relative pronoun when used in some specific instances. Let us take a further look into this phenomenon.
“When” is considered a relative pronoun when it is used to refer to a noun that relates to a certain or any form of time.
Let us get a better understanding of this topic with a few examples.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. This is the time when we all will be together for the last time in a while. | The word “when” in this case has been used in reference to a noun that refers to any form of time or point in time, which makes it a relative pronoun. |
| 2. Saturday was the day when we all played cricket together. | The term “when” is a relative pronoun as it has been utilized in connection to a timing of sorts that is used in noun form. |
Where is “when” a relative pronoun?
“When” may be used as a relative pronoun in some contexts. Let us explore further as to where that can be possible.
“When” is identified as a relative pronoun wherever it is used as a connector of two clauses, especially a dependent clause to an independent clause.
With a few examples written below, let us better understand this subject.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 3. That hour is when we grab our opportunity. | “When” in this statement is a relative pronoun as it qualifies a noun of time. |
| 4. Six a.m. is when we start our five-mile-long run. | Relative pronouns may or may not qualify other nouns and in this case “when” qualifies a noun of time, this making it a relative pronoun. |
How is “when” a relative pronoun?
“When” can serve as a relative pronoun in some cases. Let us take a deeper look as to how that can be done.
“When” is a relative pronoun by virtue of the fact that is used to refer to a noun when used in a particular context.
Let us better comprehend this concept with a couple examples as seen below.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 5. August is when the festivities in our household start. | In this example, once again “when” is used in connection with a point in time, which is also a noun, thus making it a relative pronoun. |
| 6. Next week is when the part will be held in her honor. | Over here, “when” relates to a certain given timing, hence, turning it into a relative pronoun. |
Is “when” always a relative pronoun?
“When” may or may not have uses other than that of a relative pronoun. Let us dive deeper into whether that is the case or not.
“When” is not always a relative pronoun. It primarily functions as an adverb in some cases and as a conjunction in other.
Let us take a look at a few examples wherein “when” is not being used as a relative pronoun.
| Examples | Grammatical Form | Explanations |
| 7. When did you arrive to our house? | Adverb (Question) | The word “when” is essentially regarded as an adverb, even in question form. To put it another way, the word “when” is primarily classified as an adverb in grammar. |
| 8. The mobile phone rang when I had just gotten out of a shower. | Conjunction | In this sentence, the word “when” acts as a conjunction, allowing the second clause to expound on the ideas offered in the first. |
| 9. When did she go off to sleep? | Adverb (Question) | Even in the context of a question, the word “when” is essentially considered an adverb. In grammar, the word “when” is generally categorized as an adverb, to put it another way. |
| 10. He tried getting back on the team when his boss had clearly let him go due to his incompetence. | Conjunction | When used as a conjunction in this sentence, the word “when” enables the second clause to elaborate on the concepts introduced in the first. |
Can “when” be an interrogative pronoun?
“When” might have other proven uses apart from being a relative pronoun. However, let us explore whether or not it can be an interrogative pronoun.
“When” cannot be an interrogative pronoun. One simply cannot frame a question that starts with “when” wherein it may also function as a relative pronoun.
This particular term simply does not serve the aforementioned function.
Examples of “when” as a relative pronoun
Let us get a clearer understanding of this topic with a larger variety of examples along with explanations as showcased below.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 11. Last year was when my old school friend and I reconnected. | In this instance, “when” qualifies a noun of time, making it a relative pronoun. Relative pronouns may or may not qualify other nouns. |
| 12. My birthday is when he gifted me my favorite book. | The word “when” has been employed in relation to a kind of time that is used in noun form, making it a relative pronoun. |
| 13. Christmas is when we all got together last. | In this example, once again “when” is used in connection with a point in time, which is also a noun, thus making it a relative pronoun. |
| 14. Our trip was the time when we got the call about his promotion. | Given that it qualifies a noun of time, “when” in this sentence is a relative pronoun. |
| 15. This is the time when we must all make sure to cherish what is in front of us. | The word “when” in this case has been used in reference to a noun that refers to any form of time or point in time, which makes it a relative pronoun. |
| 16. Our thirties is when we will finally begin to feel secure and settled. | Here, “when” refers to a certain moment in time, making it a relative pronoun. |
| 17. Summer season is when it is best to visit Japan apart from Spring season. | Relative pronouns may or may not qualify other nouns and in this case “when” qualifies a noun of time, this making it a relative pronoun. |
| 18. Three years back is when she told be this secret but I have completely forgotten about it. | When employed in this context, the word “when” refers to a noun that can denote any period of time or specific point in time, making it a relative pronoun. |
| 19. Yesterday is when she finally finished her art project. | Once more, “when” is employed in this instance to refer to a moment in time that is also a noun, making it a relative pronoun. |
| 20. Today is when the results of the big game that happened last week will be announced. | The term “when” is a relative pronoun as it has been utilized in connection to a timing of sorts that is used in noun form. |
Conclusion
Hence, as one can see that the word “when” may very much function as a relative pronoun when used in the correct contexts.
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