Definition of 'when'

Word Frequency

when

(hwen)

1. adverb

You use when to ask questions about the time at which things happen.

When are you going home?

When did you get married?

When is the press conference?

When were you in this house last?

'I'll be there this afternoon.'—'When?'

2. conjunction

If something happens when something else is happening, the two things are happening at the same time.

You can even track how many calories you burn when sleeping.

Mustard is grown in the field when weeds are there.

3. conjunction

You use when to introduce a clause in which you mention something which happens at some point during an activity, event, or situation.

When I met the Gills, I had been gardening for nearly ten years.

4. conjunction

You use when to introduce a clause where you mention the circumstances under which the event in the main clause happened or will happen.

When he brought Imelda her drink she gave him a genuine, sweet smile of thanks.

I'll start to think about it when I have to write my report.

5. conjunction

You use when after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, to introduce a clause where you mention the time at which something happens.

I asked him when he'd be back to pick me up.

I don't know when the decision was made.

It is important to check when the laboratory can do the tests.

6. pronoun

You use when to introduce a clause which specifies or refers to the time at which something happens.

He could remember a time when he had worked like that himself.

She remembered clearly that day when she'd gone exploring the rockpools.

In 1973, when he lived in Rome, his sixteen-year-old son was kidnapped.

7. conjunction

You use when to introduce the reason for an opinion, comment, or question.

How can I love myself when I look like this?

Emerald starlings are fairly small when compared with other such birds.

8. conjunction

You use when in order to introduce a fact or comment which makes the other part of the sentence rather surprising or unlikely.

Our mothers sat us down to read and paint, when all we really wanted to do was tomake a mess.

The temperature sensor is making the computer think the engine is cold when, in fact,it's hot.

English Easy Learning GrammarAdverbs and adverbialsWhen you want to add information about how, when, where, or to what extent somethinghas happened, you can use an adverbial. Many adverbials are members ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarSubordinationWhen two or more clauses are joined by a conjunction other than and, but, or, or yet,one of the clauses is the main clause; the other clauses are subordinate ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarThe interrogativeThe interrogative is normal for many questions. It contains a verb phrase that isfollowed by a subject.
There are two main types of question: those that ... Read more

Video: pronunciation of
when

when in British English

(wɛn)

adverb

at what time? over what period?

when is he due?

(used in indirect questions)

ask him when he's due

2. say when

3. (subordinating)

at a time at which; at the time at which; just as; after

I found it easily when I started to look seriously

although

he drives when he might walk

considering the fact that

how did you pass the exam when you'd not worked for it?

at which (time); over which (period)

an age when men were men

noun

7. (usually plural)

a question as to the time of some occurrence

▶ USAGE When should not be used loosely as a substitute for in which after a noun which does not refer to a period of time: paralysis is a condition in which (not when) parts of the body cannot be moved

Word origin

Old English hwanne, hwænne; related to Old High German hwanne, hwenne, Latin cum

Word Frequency

when in American English

(hwɛn; wɛn)

adverb

at what time?

when did they leave? he asked when he should go

on what occasion or under what circumstances?

when do you double the final consonant?

at what point?

when shall I stop pouring?

at an earlier time and under different, often less favorable, circumstances

I knew him when

conjunction

at what time or point

they told us when to eat

at the time that

when we were at college

at which

a time when people must speak out

as soon as

the runners started when the gun went off

at whatever time; whenever

she smiles when you praise her

although; while on the contrary

to complain when there's no reason to do so

if; considering the fact that

how can he help when they won't let him?

pronoun

what time

until when will you stay?

10.

which time

we came a week ago, since when we've been very busy

noun

11.

the time or moment (of an event)

the when and where of his arrest

Word origin

ME whenne < OE hwænne, akin to Ger wann, when, wenn, if, akin to hwa, who: see what

Word Frequency

when in American English

(hwen, wen, unstressed hwən, wən)

adverb

at what time or period? how long ago? how soon?

When are they to arrive?

When did the Roman Empire exist?

under what circumstances? upon what occasion?

When is a letter of condolence in order?

When did you ever see such a crowd?

conjunction

at what time

to know when to be silent

at the time or in the event that

when we were young

when the noise stops

at any time; whenever

He is impatient when he is kept waiting

upon or after which; and then

We had just fallen asleep when the bell rang

while on the contrary; considering that; whereas

Why are you here when you should be in school?

pronoun

what time

Till when is the store open?

which time

They left on Monday, since when we have heard nothing

noun

10.

the time of anything

the when and the where of an act

Word origin

[bef. 1000; ME when(ne), OE hwenne; c. G wann when, wenn if, when (cf. Goth hwan when, how); akin to who, what]

Examples of 'when' in a sentence
when

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…

When she fretted about not doing well he would offer advice.There are times when you really question what on earth you are doing.They were used when distilleries used to malt their own barley.Those flying solo will feel lucky in love when introduced to a chef.There was a time when we had none of this.When he talks about tomatoes you get the sense he means it as an allegory for life.The question is when that vote should occur.Drain after about 6 minutes when tender.Labour went electric when we revised clause four and appealed to a much wider group and they want us to go back to playing folk again.A perfect storm is about to hit investors tempted to use certain tax shelters, although there will be winners as well as losers when the clouds clear.