Where or Where? Where or Where: Spelling Tips

There are two words in the Portuguese language whose use generates many doubts, they are Where and to where. In order not to make a mistake, follow the explanation:

• Where

1. As for the grammar class, Where it can be an interrogative adverb (when used to ask direct or indirect questions) or a relative pronoun (when it introduces an adjective clause).

The city Where my daughter was born is beautiful. (relative pronoun)

Where did you put my key (interrogative adverb)

• Attention: When Where is a relative pronoun, it may be replaced by "where"

2 - When Where indicates place, it should only be used to indicate the position of something or someone. Therefore, should be used next to verbs that indicate permanence or status.O. See the example:

Where have you been until this time?

To this day I don't know where the hotel you stayed is.

• To where

1. To where is an adverb that as well as Where, indicates place. However, it can only be used as a movement indicator, so it should be used next to verbs that indicate this displacement (go, take, arrive, drive, etc.). Follow the examples:

To where I must go to solve this problem?

To where you think that go?

To where I must direct me in order to resolve this issue?

• Attention: As the verb to live conveys the idea of ​​location, “Where” can NOT be used beside it.

Review the examples below and, using your knowledge of using Where and to where, define if there are any that are suitable according to the normative grammar (standard language rules):

1. Mom, to where is my pencil?
2. Julia was a little lost, she didn't know Where ia.
3. To where is 115th Street?
4. Where is your gym?
5. To where are you going in such a hurry?

According to the explanation of when to use Where and to where, it is possible to state that the only suitable examples are 4, as the idea is one of location, and 5, because it indicates movement.

The other examples, although widely used, are not adequate, see the problems:

1.  The indication is of location, therefore, “where” should have been used;
2. In example 2, the idea is of movement, transmitted by the verb to go, therefore, the appropriate thing would be to use “where”;
3. The goal is to find the location, so “where” should have been used.

So, in order not to get it wrong, remember that:

where = indicates location

where = indicates movement

By Mayra Pavan
Graduated in Letters