You use "when" to talk about the time something happens. It connects two parts of a sentence, showing that one thing takes place at the same time as another, or immediately after it. For example, you might say, "I was watching TV when the phone rang." This means the phone rang while you were watching TV.
The term 'when,' fundamentally a conjunction, serves to introduce a subordinate clause indicating a point in time or a period during which an action occurs. It establishes a temporal relationship, signifying simultaneity or a sequential progression between two events.
For instance, one might say, 'I'll call you when I arrive,' illustrating 'when's' role in connecting the act of calling to the moment of arrival. Additionally, 'when' can introduce a condition or a circumstance, akin to 'if,' as in 'When in doubt, consult a dictionary.' Its versatility lies in its ability to precisely situate actions or states within a temporal framework, offering clarity and coherence to complex sentences.
The term 'when,' functioning as a conjunction, denotes a temporal relationship, indicating either simultaneity or a point in time. At the A2 proficiency level, learners typically encounter 'when' in basic sentence structures to connect two events, such as 'I eat when I am hungry.'
However, at the C2 level, a more nuanced understanding emerges. 'When' can introduce clauses that establish precise temporal conditions, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship or a specific circumstance under which an action occurs. For example, 'When confronted with complex ethical dilemmas, individuals often resort to deeply ingrained moral frameworks.'
Furthermore, 'when' can be used to introduce a rhetorical question, as in 'When exactly did we decide that conformity was preferable to individuality?' or to express surprise or exasperation. Mastery at C2 involves not only accurate grammatical deployment but also a sophisticated grasp of these subtle pragmatic and semantic variations.
§ Understanding 'When' as a Conjunction
The word 'when' is a versatile conjunction that connects two clauses, indicating a relationship in time. It tells us about the timing of an action or event in relation to another. Think of it as answering the question, "At what time?" or "During the time that something else was happening?" It can introduce both a specific point in time and a period of time.
- GRAMMAR POINT
- 'When' introduces a subordinate clause, which means it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. This clause provides additional information about the timing of the main clause.
§ Basic Usage: Connecting Two Actions
The most common way to use 'when' is to show that one action happens at the same time as another. It links two events that occur simultaneously or one immediately after the other.
I was sleeping when the phone rang.
In this example, both the sleeping and the phone ringing are happening around the same time. The phone ringing interrupts the sleeping.
She smiles when she is happy.
Here, smiling is directly linked to the state of being happy.
- When the phone rang, I was sleeping.
- She smiles when she is happy.
§ Using 'When' for Past Habits or Repeated Actions
'When' can also describe actions that happened regularly or repeatedly in the past. It often implies a general truth or a habitual action.
When I was a child, I always played outside.
This sentence talks about a recurring activity during a specific period of the speaker's life.
He gets tired when he studies too much.
This indicates a general pattern of getting tired after studying a lot.
§ 'When' with Future Events
When 'when' refers to a future event, the verb in the 'when' clause is typically in the present simple tense, even though it's talking about the future. The main clause will often use a future tense (like 'will' or 'going to').
I will call you when I arrive home.
Notice 'arrive' (present simple) for the future action in the 'when' clause.
When it stops raining, we will go for a walk.
Again, 'stops' (present simple) indicates a future condition.
§ 'When' vs. 'While'
- DIFFERENCE
- While both 'when' and 'while' refer to time, 'while' typically emphasizes that two longer actions are happening at the exact same time, often over a period. 'When' can be for shorter, more punctual events or general timing.
I was reading a book when you called.
'When' here indicates that your call (a shorter action) interrupted the reading (a longer action).
I was reading a book while you were watching TV.
'While' suggests both actions (reading and watching TV) were ongoing simultaneously for some duration.
§ 'When' with Prepositions (Less Common for A2)
While 'when' itself is a conjunction and doesn't usually take prepositions directly before it in the same way nouns do, it can often introduce clauses that are part of larger prepositional phrases, or it can introduce a question about time that might involve prepositions in the answer.
- REMINDER
- At A2 level, focus on 'when' as a conjunction connecting two clauses to express time. Advanced uses with complex prepositional structures are generally for higher levels.
What time do you usually eat dinner? About 7 PM, when I get home from work.
Here, 'when I get home from work' clarifies the 'about 7 PM' part of the answer, relating it to an event. 'When' itself isn't directly preceded by a preposition, but it provides the timing context.
§ Summary of 'When' Usage
- Connects two actions or events that happen at the same time or one after the other.
- Can describe past habits or repeated actions.
- For future events, the verb in the 'when' clause is in the present simple tense.
- Often answers 'at what time' or 'during what period'.
Practicing with these different contexts will help you confidently use 'when' in your English conversations and writing.
§ Understanding 'When' in Different Contexts
The word 'when' is a versatile conjunction that helps us connect ideas related to time. It's an essential word for describing sequences of events, conditions, and questions about timing. Let's explore how 'when' is used in everyday settings like work, school, and the news.
§ In the Workplace
In a professional environment, 'when' is often used to discuss project timelines, meeting schedules, and conditions for completing tasks. Clear communication about 'when' things will happen is crucial for efficient teamwork.
- DEFINITION
- Referring to a specific time or condition.
Please submit your report when you have finished the analysis.
The team will meet when the client arrives.
§ In an Academic Environment
At school, 'when' is used for asking about event times, setting deadlines, and describing historical events or scientific processes. It helps students understand cause and effect, and the order of operations.
- DEFINITION
- Indicating the time at which something happens.
Remember to hand in your essay when the bell rings.
The teacher explained what happens when you mix these two chemicals.
§ In News and Current Events
News reports frequently use 'when' to inform readers about the timing of events, often in headlines or the opening sentences of an article. It helps to immediately establish context and provides essential information.
- DEFINITION
- To inquire about or state the timing of an event.
The public was shocked when the news of the discovery broke.
Authorities will release a statement when more details are available.
§ General Usage and Importance
Beyond these specific contexts, 'when' is a fundamental word in daily conversation for questions, statements about habits, and future plans. Its flexibility makes it indispensable for clear and coherent communication.
- Asking about time: "When is the party?"
- Describing habitual actions: "She always smiles when she sees her dog."
- Referring to a future event: "I'll call you when I get home."
Understanding and correctly using 'when' allows for precise communication of temporal relationships, whether you're coordinating a project at work, discussing a historical event in class, or reading the latest news.
How Formal Is It?
"Upon the arrival of the esteemed guests, a lavish banquet was held."
"When she arrived, the party had already started."
"Once you get there, let me know."
"When the clock strikes three, it's snack time!"
"When you gonna hit me up?"
Wichtige Grammatik
Use 'when' to introduce a subordinate clause that indicates a specific time or a period of time during which something happens.
I was sleeping when the phone rang.
When a 'when' clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is usually used to separate it from the main clause.
When the rain stopped, we went outside.
When the 'when' clause comes after the main clause, no comma is usually needed.
We went outside when the rain stopped.
Use 'when' to express an action or event that happened immediately after another, often with a cause-and-effect relationship.
When I opened the door, I saw a cat.
In questions, 'when' is used to ask about the time an event occurred.
When did you arrive?
Beispiele nach Niveau
I like to read a book when I have free time.
Me gusta leer un libro cuando tengo tiempo libre.
Using 'when' to introduce a time clause.
When it rains, I stay inside.
Cuando llueve, me quedo dentro.
Starting a sentence with a 'when' clause.
She was happy when she saw her friends.
Ella estaba feliz cuando vio a sus amigos.
Using 'when' to describe a past event.
We eat dinner when the clock says six.
Cenamos cuando el reloj marca las seis.
Describing a routine with 'when'.
When you are hungry, you can eat an apple.
Cuando tienes hambre, puedes comer una manzana.
Using 'when' for a conditional situation.
He plays outside when the weather is good.
Él juega afuera cuando hace buen tiempo.
Describing an action dependent on a condition.
When I finish work, I go home.
Cuando termino el trabajo, me voy a casa.
Simple present tense with 'when' for a sequence of events.
They sing loudly when they are together.
Ellos cantan fuerte cuando están juntos.
Using 'when' to describe a recurring action.
I'll call you when I arrive at the hotel.
Te llamaré cuando llegue al hotel.
Future simple after 'when' to indicate a future action.
She was happy when she saw her friends.
Ella estaba feliz cuando vio a sus amigos.
Past simple after 'when' to describe a past event.
When it rains, I usually stay at home.
Cuando llueve, normalmente me quedo en casa.
Present simple after 'when' to describe a habitual action.
He was reading a book when his phone rang.
Él estaba leyendo un libro cuando sonó su teléfono.
Past continuous to describe an ongoing action interrupted by a past simple action.
When you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
Cuando termines tu tarea, puedes ver la televisión.
Present simple after 'when' to describe a condition for a future action.
They were tired when they got back from their trip.
Estaban cansados cuando regresaron de su viaje.
Past simple after 'when' to describe a past state after an event.
We'll go to the park when the weather is good.
Iremos al parque cuando haga buen tiempo.
Present simple after 'when' to describe a future condition.
When I was a child, I loved playing outside.
Cuando era niño, me encantaba jugar afuera.
Past simple after 'when' to refer to a period in the past.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
When did you arrive?
¿Cuándo llegaste?
I'll call you when I finish work.
Te llamaré cuando termine el trabajo.
When is your birthday?
¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños?
She smiled when she saw him.
Ella sonrió cuando lo vio.
When can we meet?
¿Cuándo podemos encontrarnos?
He was happy when he heard the news.
Él estaba feliz cuando escuchó las noticias.
When do you usually wake up?
¿Cuándo sueles despertarte?
Tell me when you are free.
Dime cuándo estás libre.
It was dark when we left.
Estaba oscuro cuando nos fuimos.
When will the movie start?
¿Cuándo empezará la película?
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
I love to listen to music when I'm exercising.
- when I'm exercising
- listen to music when
- love to listen when
We always go to the beach when it's sunny.
- when it's sunny
- go to the beach when
- always go when
She feels happy when she spends time with her friends.
- when she spends time
- feels happy when
- spends time with her friends when
He gets nervous when he has to speak in public.
- when he has to speak
- gets nervous when
- speak in public when
They usually eat dinner when the sun sets.
- when the sun sets
- eat dinner when
- usually eat when
Gesprächseinstiege
"What do you like to do when you have free time?"
"What's your favorite thing to do when it rains?"
"When do you feel most relaxed?"
"What's a time when you felt really proud of yourself?"
"When do you usually wake up on weekends?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a time when you felt very happy or excited.
What do you do when you need to relax after a busy day?
Think about a time when you learned something new. What was it, and when did it happen?
What are some things you look forward to doing when you have a day off?
When do you feel most productive and why?
Teste dich selbst 66 Fragen
Complete the sentence: I eat breakfast ___ I wake up.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I eat breakfast when I wake up.
Write a sentence using 'when' to describe something you do at a specific time.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I play outside when it is sunny.
Fill in the blank: She smiles ___ she sees her dog.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
She smiles when she sees her dog.
When does my mom come home?
Read this passage:
My mom comes home when it is 5 o'clock. We eat dinner when she is home. I like when my mom reads a book to me.
When does my mom come home?
The passage says, 'My mom comes home when it is 5 o'clock.'
The passage says, 'My mom comes home when it is 5 o'clock.'
What do birds do when the sun comes up?
Read this passage:
Birds sing when the sun comes up. They fly in the sky. When it is night, birds sleep in their nests.
What do birds do when the sun comes up?
The passage states, 'Birds sing when the sun comes up.'
The passage states, 'Birds sing when the sun comes up.'
When do they play inside?
Read this passage:
I like to play with my friends. We play outside when it is warm. When it is cold, we play inside. We always have fun when we are together.
When do they play inside?
The passage says, 'When it is cold, we play inside.'
The passage says, 'When it is cold, we play inside.'
Choose the correct sentence: ____ do you usually wake up?
'When' asks about time.
I like to read a book ____ I go to bed.
'When' connects the action of reading with the time of going to bed.
____ it rains, I stay at home.
'When' introduces a condition related to time.
The sentence 'When do you eat dinner?' is asking about a place.
'When' asks about time, not a place.
You can use 'when' to talk about a specific time.
'When' is used to specify a time.
The sentence 'I was happy when I saw my friend' uses 'when' correctly.
'When' connects being happy with the time of seeing a friend.
Listen for the question about waking up.
Listen for when she smiles.
Listen for the condition to go to the park.
Read this aloud:
When do you like to relax?
Focus: When
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Read this aloud:
Tell me what you do when you are happy.
Focus: when
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Read this aloud:
Finish the sentence: 'I listen to music when...'
Focus: when
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Choose the correct sentence: ___ I grow up, I want to be a doctor.
The word 'when' is used to refer to a time.
Which sentence uses 'when' correctly?
'When' introduces a dependent clause that indicates a time.
Complete the sentence: Call me ___ you are ready.
'When' is the appropriate conjunction to introduce the time of the call.
The sentence 'When it rains, I stay indoors.' correctly uses 'when' as a conjunction.
'When' correctly introduces a clause indicating the time of staying indoors.
In the sentence 'When are you going to the store?', 'when' is used as a conjunction.
In this sentence, 'when' is used as an interrogative adverb to ask about time, not as a conjunction.
The sentence 'I will tell you when he arrives.' means that I will inform you at the time of his arrival.
'When' indicates the specific time the action of telling will occur.
Listen for the time reference in the sentence.
Focus on the relationship between the two events.
Pay attention to the condition for making the call.
Read this aloud:
When do you usually wake up on weekends?
Focus: When, wake up
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Read this aloud:
Describe a time when you felt really proud of yourself.
Focus: When, proud
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Read this aloud:
What do you like to do when you have free time?
Focus: When, free time
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Choose the best option to complete the sentence: She always feels a sense of accomplishment ______ she finishes a challenging project.
The word 'when' is used to indicate the time at which something happens. In this sentence, it signifies the time she feels accomplished.
Which sentence correctly uses 'when' as a conjunction?
In this sentence, 'when' connects two clauses, indicating that one action happened at the same time as the other. The other options use 'when' as an interrogative adverb or in a noun clause.
Select the sentence where 'when' is used to introduce a condition rather than a specific time.
In this sentence, 'when' introduces a general condition under which he gets nervous, not a specific point in time.
The sentence 'When the bell rings, we can go home' uses 'when' to introduce a clause that states a condition.
In this context, 'when the bell rings' establishes a condition that must be met before 'we can go home'.
'When' can always be replaced by 'at which time' without changing the meaning of the sentence.
While 'when' often implies 'at which time', it can also introduce conditional clauses or noun clauses, where 'at which time' would not fit grammatically or semantically.
In the sentence, 'I remember when we first met', 'when' acts as an interrogative adverb.
In this sentence, 'when' introduces a noun clause functioning as the object of 'remember', indicating a point in time, not asking a question.
Listen for the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Pay attention to the condition for starting the meeting.
Focus on what makes him nervous.
Read this aloud:
When you have a moment, could you please review this report?
Focus: when, moment, review, report
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Read this aloud:
It's crucial to remain calm when faced with unexpected challenges.
Focus: crucial, calm, faced, unexpected, challenges
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Read this aloud:
When planning a trip, it's advisable to book accommodations in advance.
Focus: planning, trip, advisable, book, accommodations, advance
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Imagine you are planning a surprise party for a friend. Describe three different scenarios for when the surprise could be revealed, considering different times and ways it could happen. Use 'when' in each scenario.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The first scenario is when everyone is already gathered and my friend walks through the door, completely unaware. Another perfect moment would be when they open a gift, and inside is a clue leading them to the party location. Finally, we could wait until we are all at their favorite restaurant, and when the dessert arrives, everyone shouts 'Surprise!'
Write a short paragraph about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. Explain the circumstances and the impact of your choice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I remember a time when I had to choose between two job offers, both equally appealing but in different cities. It was a really difficult decision because when I considered the pros and cons, each option presented unique opportunities and challenges. Ultimately, the choice I made significantly altered my career path and personal life, and when I look back, I realize how pivotal that moment was.
Describe a future event you are looking forward to. Explain when it will happen and what you anticipate experiencing.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I'm really looking forward to my trip to Japan next year. When autumn arrives, I'll be flying out, hoping to witness the stunning fall foliage. I anticipate that when I visit Kyoto, I'll be completely immersed in the historical temples and gardens, and when I try the local cuisine, I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience.
According to the passage, when could a soul achieve eternal bliss?
Read this passage:
The ancient Egyptians believed that when a person died, their soul would journey to the afterlife. This journey was fraught with challenges, and when the soul reached the Hall of Two Truths, it would be judged by Osiris. It was only when this judgment was passed successfully that the soul could achieve eternal bliss.
According to the passage, when could a soul achieve eternal bliss?
The passage states: 'It was only when this judgment was passed successfully that the soul could achieve eternal bliss.'
The passage states: 'It was only when this judgment was passed successfully that the soul could achieve eternal bliss.'
What is a primary concern for scientists regarding climate change, according to the text?
Read this passage:
Many scientists are concerned about climate change, especially when considering the long-term effects on global weather patterns. When temperatures rise, we can expect more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts. It's when these changes become irreversible that humanity will face its greatest challenges.
What is a primary concern for scientists regarding climate change, according to the text?
The passage says: 'Many scientists are concerned about climate change, especially when considering the long-term effects on global weather patterns.'
The passage says: 'Many scientists are concerned about climate change, especially when considering the long-term effects on global weather patterns.'
According to the passage, what can make learning a new language feel incredibly worthwhile?
Read this passage:
Learning a new language can be a rewarding experience, but it often comes with its own set of difficulties. When you begin, you might find the grammar confusing, and when you try to speak, you might hesitate. However, when you finally have a breakthrough and can communicate effectively, the effort feels incredibly worthwhile.
According to the passage, what can make learning a new language feel incredibly worthwhile?
The passage states: 'However, when you finally have a breakthrough and can communicate effectively, the effort feels incredibly worthwhile.'
The passage states: 'However, when you finally have a breakthrough and can communicate effectively, the effort feels incredibly worthwhile.'
Listen for the timing of the government's announcement and the public's reaction.
Consider the condition under which resilience is revealed.
Pay attention to the specific time when vigilance is required.
Read this aloud:
When contemplating such a significant investment, a comprehensive risk assessment is absolutely imperative.
Focus: When contemplating, comprehensive risk assessment, absolutely imperative
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It's when the subtle nuances of human interaction are overlooked that misunderstandings frequently arise.
Focus: subtle nuances, overlooked, frequently arise
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Read this aloud:
When presented with a plethora of viable options, discerning the optimal choice can be quite a convoluted process.
Focus: plethora of viable options, discerning the optimal choice, convoluted process
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This sentence correctly uses 'when' to indicate that the stock plummeting occurred at the time the scandal broke.
This sentence correctly uses 'when' to specify the time or circumstance during which he was most eloquent.
This sentence correctly uses 'when' to link the action of protesting to the time of the factory's approval.
This sentence describes a sequence of events: the negotiations reaching a stalemate, and then the intervener proposing a solution.
This sentence sets up a condition (being confronted with problems) and then provides a recommendation.
This sentence explains that the economic downturn worsened at the specific time when investor confidence dropped sharply.
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Verwandte Inhalte
Im Kontext lernen
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr general Wörter
a lot of
A2Das bedeutet, dass man von etwas eine große Menge hat. Es ist ein sehr gebräuchlicher Ausdruck für 'viel'.
about
A1Das Wort 'about' kann bedeuten, dass es um ein Thema geht, oder dass etwas ungefähr richtig ist.
above
A2An einem höheren Ort als etwas anderes, direkt darüber.
accident
A2Ein Unglück, das schlecht ausgeht und manchmal jemanden verletzt.
action
A2Aktion ist das Tun von etwas, um ein Ziel zu erreichen.
after
A2Wenn etwas 'after' passiert, kommt es später als etwas anderes, zeitlich oder räumlich.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2'Again' bedeutet, dass etwas noch einmal passiert oder wiederholt wird.
aged
B1Das beschreibt das Alter einer Person oder Sache, meistens in einem bestimmten Kontext.
alive
A2Etwas, das lebt und nicht tot ist.
