Adverbs: relative vs. non-relative (CGEL)

Relative adverb

In CGEL, a relative adverb is a special type of adverb that introduces a relative clause and at the same time functions as a constituent within that clause, typically indicating time, place, or reason. Its main role is to connect the relative clause to its antecedent and specify the circumstances of the event described.

• A subclass of adverb that heads a relative clause.

• Has anaphoric reference to an antecedent (typically an NP).

• Simultaneously:

  • introduces the relative clause, and

  • expresses a gap-related function within that clause (often adjunct-like).

Common relative adverbs in CGEL:

• where (place)

• when (time)

• why (reason)

Example:

• the place where we met

  • where = relative adverb

  • where we met = relative clause modifying place

  • where corresponds to a locative gap inside the clause (we met __)

Key properties:

• Occurs only in relative clauses

• Has an antecedent

• Not replaceable by there / then / for that reason without restructuring

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Non-relative adverb

• An ordinary adverb (or adverbial PP) with no antecedent.

• Does not introduce a relative clause.

• Functions directly as adjunct, modifier, or supplement.

Examples:

• We met there

  • there = non-relative adverb

  • No antecedent

  • No clause-introducing role

• She left when it got dark

  • when = subordinator (not relative)

  • Introduces a temporal adjunct clause, not a relative modifier of an NP

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Core contrast

Property	Relative adverb	Non-relative adverb
Lexical category	Adverb	Adverb
Introduces a clause	Yes (relative clause)	No
Has antecedent	Yes	No
Clause type	Relative clause	Independent or subordinate non-relative clause
Gap inside clause	Yes	No

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Usage as common adverbs

Relative adverbs like where, when, why can be used outside of relative clauses in certain contexts, though their main function is as relativizers.

1. As part of a relative clause (typical)

Introducing a relative clause:

The place where we met → RC modifying place

The day when it happened → RC modifying day

The reason why she left → RC modifying reason

This is their canonical use.

2. As adverbs outside relative clauses

Relative adverbs can sometimes function simply as ordinary adverbs (not introducing an RC), especially in interrogative or clause-initial uses:

Interrogatives (question words):

Where are you going? → where = interrogative adverb

When did it happen? → when = interrogative adverb

Why is she late? → why = interrogative adverb

3. Conjuncts / adverbial function (rare, formal):

Some can introduce adverbial clauses of time, place, reason in literary style, though this often overlaps with their RC function:

I remember the time, when all was calm. (here “when all was calm” could be analyzed as a free temporal clause, not strictly modifying a noun)

Key distinction

Function	Example	Comment
Relative clause introducer	the day when it happened	RC modifying head noun
Interrogative adverb	When did it happen?	No head noun; adverb in question
Adverbial clause (less common)	I remember the day, when all was calm	More like temporal adjunct than strict RC

Rule of thumb: Outside of RCs, they are just ordinary adverbs (interrogative or clause-initial), but inside RCs, they act as relativizers.

CGEL alignment note

• A relative adverb is not a complementizer.

• Complementizers (that, whether, if) are heads of content clauses.

• Relative adverbs are heads of relative clauses and encode semantic relations (place, time, reason) tied to an antecedent.