When vs Where
What’s the difference between them?
When
Meaning:
When means 'at what time' or 'at which time.'
Examples:
1. When did you last visit your grandparents?
2. When do you plan to take your vacation?
3. When is the best time to start a new project?
Where
Meaning:
Where is a word used to refer to a place or location.
Examples:
1. Where did you put the keys?
2. Where do you want to go for lunch?
3. Where have you been all this time?
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
When
1. At the same time
2. Now
3. Immediately
4. Simultaneously
5. Instantly
1. Before
2. Afterwards
3. Never
4. Already
5. Nowhere
Where
1. Whereabouts
2. Location
3. In what place
4. Site
5. Spot
1. Here
2. Everywhere
3. Nowhere
4. Away
5. Departure
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "When", "Where".
1. 'When' comes before 'Where' - When you need to know the Where, ask When first.
2. To remember the spelling of 'Where', think of the phrase 'Where are we going?'.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'when' be used?
When is used to refer to the time when something occurs. For example, 'When did he arrive?' or 'When are we meeting?'.
Where is the appropriate context for using the word 'where'?
Where is used to refer to the place where something occurs. For example, 'Where did he go?' or 'Where is the store located?'.
Do the words 'when' and 'where' share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words are pronounced differently. Where is pronounced /wer/, while when is pronounced /wen/
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake is interchanging when and where. When should be used to refer to time, while where should be used to refer to place. Additionally, some people incorrectly pronounce when and where, stressing the wrong syllables.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. ________ are you going for your vacation?
2. I remember the time ________ we first met at the coffee shop.
3. Can you tell me ________ the concert will start?
4. We are still deciding ________ to hold the annual meeting this year.
5. Im not sure ________ shell be arriving, but it should be soon.
6. The treasure is hidden somewhere, but nobody knows exactly ________.
1. Where are you going for your vacation?
Explanation: The sentence is inquiring about a location or destination, so where is the appropriate choice.
2. I remember the time when we first met at the coffee shop.
Explanation: The sentence is referencing a specific time or occasion, so when is the right choice.
3. Can you tell me when the concert will start?
Explanation: The inquiry is about the starting time of the concert, making when the suitable option.
4. We are still deciding where to hold the annual meeting this year.
Explanation: The decision being made pertains to the location of the annual meeting, so where is appropriate.
5. Im not sure when shell be arriving, but it should be soon.
Explanation: The uncertainty revolves around the time of someones arrival, which requires the use of when.
6. The treasure is hidden somewhere, but nobody knows exactly where.
Explanation: The sentence is concerned with the location of the hidden treasure, making where the correct choice.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.