Grammar Tip – When it’s improper to use “where”
A word I frequently see misused is “where.” Writers often use it instead of the more appropriate “that” or “when.”
“Where” refers to a place or location. Be careful not to use when it does not have this meaning.
Incorrect:
Last week, there were two occasions where the photocopier malfunctioned.
Correct:
Last week, there were two occasions when the photocopier malfunctioned.
Incorrect:
I saw in the report where our shipments arrived late three times last month.
Correct:
I saw in the report that our shipments arrived late three times last month.
Again, “where” refers to a location.
Correct:
where