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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:
Please let us know where you wanted the package shipped.
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