Adjective Clauses ('when', 'where' and 'why')
A Grammar Lesson to Improve your English Speaking and Comprehension by Leaning how to use 'when', 'where' and 'why' in Adjective Clauses
What are Adjective Clauses?
Adjective clauses are used to give more information about a noun in a sentence. We can use "when" and "where" and “why” to introduce these clauses. They help us understand more about the time, place, or reason behind an action or situation.
Examples
Adjective Clauses with "When":
"When" is used to describe the time or moment when something happens.
Example: "I remember the day when I met my best friend."
Adjective Clauses with "Where":
"Where" is used to describe the place or location where something happens.
Example: "This is the park where we had our picnic."
Adjective Clauses with "Why":
"Why" is used to describe the reason or cause behind an action or event. It is often used after “the reason”.
Example: "The reason why she couldn't come to the party because she had to study."
Why do we use it?
Using these clauses helps provide more details and make your sentences more descriptive. They allow you to give specific information about the time, place, or reason related to the subject of your sentence. By using adjective clauses with "when," "where," and "why," you can add more depth and clarity to your English sentences.
Fill in the Blanks
I remember the day _______ we went to the beach.
This is the house _______ I grew up.
Can you tell me the reason _______ she left early?
He always visits his grandparents _______ he has free time.
I miss the restaurant _______ we had our first date.
That's the shop _______ I bought my new phone.
Do you remember the time _______ we watched that movie together?
I want to know the reason _______ she is late.
The park _______ we played soccer is nearby.
I love the season _______ the flowers bloom.
Remember to add the appropriate relative pronoun ('when,' 'where,' or 'why') to complete each sentence.
Speaking Practice
These questions are designed to prompt the use of adjective clauses with 'when,' 'where,' and 'why' in the responses, allowing learners to practice incorporating these clauses in their spoken English.
When is your favorite time to go on vacation, and why?
Where is a place you would like to visit, and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt really happy, and why?
Where is a restaurant you enjoy eating at, and why?
When is the best time to study for you, and why?
Can you share a story about a time when you helped someone, and why you did it?
Where is a place you like to relax, and why?
When is a time you felt proud of yourself, and why?
Can you describe a situation where you felt scared, and why?
Where is a place you would love to live, and why?
Example Answers for Speaking Practice
These example answers demonstrate the use of adjective clauses 'when,' 'where,' and 'why' to provide additional information and add detail to the responses.
When is your favorite time to go on vacation, and why?
Answer: The summer is when I like to go on vacation most.Where is a place you would like to visit, and why?
Answer: Paris is a place where I would like to go for a visit.Can you think of a time when you felt really happy, and why?
Answer: I felt really happy last week when my friends gave me a surprise party.Where is a restaurant you enjoy eating at, and why?
Answer: I enjoy eating at the Italian restaurant where they serve perfect pasta.When is the best time to study for you, and why?
Answer: The best time to study for me is in the evening when it is quiet and I can concentrate better.Can you share a story about a time when you helped someone, and why you did it?
Answer: I helped my neighbor carry her groceries home when her bags were too heavy because I wanted to be a good neighbor and lend a hand.Where is a place you like to relax, and why?
Answer: The park by my house is where I like to relax.When is a time you felt proud of yourself, and why?
Answer: I felt proud of myself when I finished writing my first short story because I worked hard on it and it turned out well.Can you describe a situation where you felt scared, and why?
Answer: I felt scared when I saw a big spider in my room because I am afraid of spiders.Where is a place you would love to live, and why?
Answer: The beach is a place where I’d love to live.
Describing Pictures
Use sentences with adjective clauses for ‘when’, ‘where’ and ‘why’ to describe the pictures. I will show you the pictures first, and then show you some example sentences.
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Canada is one of the countries where polar bears live.
Nature is the reason why I like Canada.
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2.
Yesterday was the day when I listened to that podcast.
The reason why we love podcasts is that we can listen while multitasking.
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3.
This was the summer when she was practicing skateboarding.
The place where she is standing is pink and purple.
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The reason why I like this picture is the colours.
The mountains where deer live are tall and cold.
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The room where the radio is is pink and purple.
This is the time when I first listened to Pink Floyd.
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This mountains are the reason why I love Taiwan.
This is the place where I met my friend last weekend.
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Knowledge is the reason why he loves to read.
This is the day when he finished writing his book.
Conclusion
Adjective clauses using ‘when’ and ‘where’ and ‘why’ can help you to describe the nouns in your sentences. I hope you learned something useful in this lesson!