This is (the place) where we used to play.

[keannu]

Can you say "This is the place we used to play." without "where" inbetween"? In 2, "when" can be omitted. If "where" can't be omitted, there seems to be no consistent rule for this.

80p
1. This is (the place) where we used to play.
2. We've come to the time (when(that)) we have to make a decision.

 

[bhaisahab]

Can you say "This is the place we used to play." without "where" inbetween"? In 2, "when" can be omitted. If "where" can't be omitted, there seems to be no consistent rule for this.

80p
1. This is (the place) where we used to play.
2. We've come to the time (when(that)) we have to make a decision.

There is no consistent rule.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Can you say "This is the place we used to play." without "where" inbetween"? In 2, "when" can be omitted. If "where" can't be omitted, there seems to be no consistent rule for this.

80p
1. This is (the place) where we used to play.
2. We've come to the time (when(that)) we have to make a decision.

The rule is not set in stone, but usually one can omit a relative pronoun when it is not the subject of the clause it introduces.

In your first sentence, "where" can be omitted. The problem with the second sentence is that "have" can have different meanings. If you omit the relative pronoun there, the reader might stumble on "have", reading that "the time we have" is the time we possess. It is clearer with the relative pronoun "when".