when-subordinating conjuction-modifies verb

Question

Hi Alphe,I would like to know that the only subordinating conjuction that acts as an adverb modifier is the word ''when'. Am I correct?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

When, where and how are all adverbials.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Mister MicawberWhen, where and how are all adverbials.

Can we add "why" to the list?

I know why he came.
I know where he went.
I know when he went.
I know how he looked.

Village · Answer

Thanks Alphe for explaining with a lot of examples again. Lots of examples and information helps me to learn easily and it is simple to understand. Thanks Alphe

CalifJim · Answer

AlpheccaStars Mister MicawberWhen, where and how are all adverbials.Can we add "why" to the list?I know why he came.I know where he went.I know when he went.I know how he looked.

I thought all those clauses after "know" were indirect questions or embedded interrogatives or whatever they're called these days.
Are they also adverbials?

I know (the answer to) "Why did he come?"
I know (the answer to) "Where did he go?"
...

CJ

Edit: Regardless of what they're called, I find that the easiest way to teach them is as indirect questions.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

CalifJimEdit: Regardless of what they're called, I find that the easiest way to teach them is as indirect questions.

But if someone asks about the part of speech for the interrogative word, is there an answer?
Is there a difference in "why" and "when"?

Why he bought that fancy new car when he had no savings or income is a mystery to me.
When he did it, nobody can tell.

CalifJim · Answer

AlpheccaStarsBut if someone asks about the part of speech for the interrogative word, is there an answer?Is there a difference in "why" and "when"?

Well, in one sense, no, there isn't an answer. The problem lately seems to be that there are at least 15 answers every time the "What part of speech" question comes up on this forum!

I'm happy with calling "why" and "when" (and those others) question words (or, more academically stated, interrogative pronouns), and leaving it at that.

As for function, though, I'd say the two 'when's here are different and I'd say that only the first is adverbial. The second is in a relative construction.

When you ask him, he can't tell you when he did it.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Hi CJ

Do you mean that the second when in When you ask him, he can't tell you when he did it is a relative adverb?

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousDo you mean that the second when in When you ask him, he can't tell you when he did it is a relative adverb?

Yes. That's one thing you could call it.

... can't tell you (the time) when he did it.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, CJ, for your useful reply.

when-subordinating conjuction-modifies verb

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