where

whereconjunction

Where joins a clause that names a place, or, less often, points to a fact or situation as if it were a place.

1. in or at the place thatin, at, or to the place that

   A where clause names the place of the action in the main clause, or describes a noun that names a place. It can come first, with a comma after it, or after the main clause, with no comma.

   • Leave it where you found it.
   • This is the town where I grew up.
   • Where the road ends, a narrow path begins.
   • Sit where you can see the screen.

   Compare when (when points to a time; where points to a place); wherever (wherever means any place that, not one particular place)

2. in a situation in whichin a situation, point, or case in which

   Used with an abstract noun such as case, situation, or point, or on its own, to treat a state of affairs as if it were a place.

   • We reached a point where nobody wanted to speak first.
   • This is a case where the rule does not really help.
   • Where money is concerned, she is very careful.

   For translators (sense 2)

   Meaning across languages This use of where for a situation rather than a physical place often needs a different word, such as in which or when, in another language.

3. whereasbut, at the same time

   Used to set two facts against each other. Similar to whereas, and, like it, fairly formal or literary.

   formal

   • Kim loves the city, where Sam prefers the country.
   • Some people work best in the morning, where others do better at night.

   Synonyms whereas

See also where (the question word where (Where do you live?))