![]() (Note that in none of the above cases do you need to add a preposition to make the substitution "okay," which would mean that "that" is simply filling in for a noun.) Since "that" is generally defined as a relative pronoun, it's at least somewhat puzzling that it can substitute for an adverbial, but contrary to some people's assertions here, that is exactly what it seems to be doing in the above sentences. Tell me the reason (why/ that/ 0) you did it. I will pay my bills on a day (when/ that/ 0) I can afford to. That was the first time (when/ that/ 0) you asked me to marry you. This is the exact spot (where/ that/ 0) I saw the UFO. ![]() This is the place (where/ that/ 0) I met her. Maybe I've missed something, but in all of these sentences, the relative adverb can (at least informally/ intuitively) be replaced with "that," or omitted. There is something puzzling afoot here which I don't think anyone is doing justice to.
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