Where

Where is a wh-word. We use where to ask questions, as a conjunction and to introduce relative clauses.

Where as a question word

We can use where to ask for information about place:

Where did you buy those shoes?

Where will you be working next Monday?

We can use where in indirect questions:

I asked him where I could buy an umbrella.

Can you tell me where she left the keys?

Emphatic questions with wherever and where on earth

We can ask emphatic questions using wherever or where on earth to express shock or surprise. We stress ever and earth:

Wherever are you going with such a big bag? (stronger than Where are you going?)

Where on earth have I put my wallet? (stronger than Where have I put my wallet?)

Where as a conjunction

We use where as a conjunction meaning ‘in the place that’ or ‘in situations that’. The clause with where is a subordinate clause and needs a main clause to complete its meaning. If the where clause comes before the main clause, we use a comma:

Where you find a lot of water, you will also find these beautiful insects.

Where you have to pay a deposit, be sure to get a receipt.

Where as a relative pronoun

We can use where as a relative pronoun:

The hotel where we spent our honeymoon has been demolished.

The hall where you’re giving your talk has a really good sound system.