Relative pronouns vs. relative adverbs

Question

1) Are "whenever, wherever, however" be called compound relative pronouns or compound relative adverbs?
The usual term is "complex fused relative words", but "compound" is just as good.

2) It is said that "Different from re

Regards · Accepted Answer

Hi,
1. The relative adverbs I am familiar with are when, where and why.

I do not remember the day when I wrote to Hillary. I do not remember the day on which I wrote to Hillary.
That was a beautiful place where we used to play. That was a beautiful place in which we used to play.
This is the reason why he cannot rely on her. This is the reason for which he cannot rely on her.

Both wherever and whenever are mainly used as subordinating conjunctions:

Wherever he goes, he is surrounded by kind people.
You receive an email whenever you log in to that site.

They can also be used as adverbs, particularly in questions that express surprise:

Wherever (= where) did you put my bag? I cannot find it.
Whenever (= when) did you make all the decorations? You are amazing!

However is usually used as a conjunctive adverb:

I know she treats people badly sometimes; however, she has some good qualities that I appreciate.
Eddie is obsessed with her idiosyncratic voice. However, he thinks some people might dislike it.

Sometimes however is used as an adverb:

However (= to whatever degree) cheerful I was, I didn't manage to attract her attention.
However (= in whatever manner) you talk to him, he doesn't seem to understand what you say.

2. You said: ‘Unlike a relative pronoun, a relative adverb is followed by a complete sentence.’

A relative adverb is followed by a relative clause that consists of a subject and verb at least.
The relative clause might contain an object, but it is not obligatory to have an object in it.

This is the place where we met (no object).
She cannot seem to remember the year when she graduated from the university.

Regards

Anonymous · Answer

1) Are "whenever, wherever, however" be called compound relative pronouns or compound relative adverbs?
The usual term is "complex fused relative words", but "compound" is just as good.

2) It is said that "Different from relative pronouns, a relative adverb is followed by a complete sentence." Is it correct?
Yes, that's true of simple relatives

The reason why she got angry. (adjunct of reason)

A place where you can relax. (adjunct of place)

The day when you were born. (adjunct of time)

The underlined elements are all capable of being complete sentences.

Relative pronouns vs. relative adverbs

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