definition meaning of WHEN , meaning, synonym, antonym, use example and related words to WHEN

WHEN

Definition of WHEN

WHEN Adverb and Conjunction

When is a relative adverb and conjunction in English that indicates the time at which an action or event occurs or the circumstances under which something happens.

WHEN as an adverb

As a relative adverb, when introduces an adverbial clause that describes the time at which the main action or event occurs. For example, “I’ll call you when I arrive,” indicates the time of the call relative to the arrival.

WHEN as a conjunction

As a conjunction, when connects two clauses, indicating the time or circumstances under which the main action or event occurs. For instance, “I’ll call you when I arrive,” connects the action of calling with the circumstance of arriving.

Time Reference: When is used to provide a reference to a specific point or period in time. For example, “We’ll meet at 3 PM when the sun is highest,” specifies the time of the meeting relative to the position of the sun.

Cause-and-Effect Relationship: When can express a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that one event happens as a result of another. For instance, “She cried when she heard the news,” suggests that the crying occurred because of hearing the news.

Interrogative Usage: When is commonly used in questions to inquire about the time or circumstances of an event. For example, “When did you arrive?” seeks information about the time of arrival.

Conditional Statements: When can be used in conditional statements to express a specific situation or condition. For example, “I’ll come over when I finish my work,” presents a condition (finishing work) under which the action (coming over) will occur.

Indirect Questions: When is used in indirect questions to report or ask about the time or circumstances of an event indirectly. For instance, “Can you tell me when the concert starts?” indirectly asks about the time of the concert.

Temporal Relationships: When helps establish temporal relationships between events or actions in narratives or descriptions. For example, “When he was a child, he loved to play in the park,” provides context about a past time period.

Expressing Simultaneity: When can indicate actions or events that occur simultaneously or at the same time. For instance, “She sang when he played the guitar,” suggests that singing and playing the guitar happened concurrently.

Formal and Informal Usage: When is used in both formal and informal contexts in English. Its usage varies from formal writing, such as academic papers, to casual conversations among friends.

Clarity in Communication: Using when helps to clarify the temporal relationship between actions or events, making the communication more precise and understandable.

In conclusion, when serves as a relative adverb and conjunction to indicate the time or circumstances of an action or event. It plays a crucial role in expressing temporal relationships, asking questions, and providing context in English communication.

Examples of WHEN in a sentence

WHEN as an adverb in a sentence

  • He arrived early, but I got there when I could.
  • I usually go for a walk in the morning when it’s cool.
  • She eats breakfast when she wakes up.
  • I’ll let you know when I’m ready.
  • The concert starts at 7 PM, and that’s when we’ll meet.
  • We’ll go to the park when it stops raining.
  • I’ll visit my parents when I have some free time.
  • She’ll call you when she finishes work.

WHEN as a conjunction in a sentence

  • I’ll believe it when I see it.
  • We’ll start eating dinner when everyone is seated.
  • She’ll understand when she’s older.
  • He’ll finish the project when he has more information.
  • We’ll leave when you’re ready.
  • I’ll be happy when the semester is over.
  • She’ll come back when she’s done traveling.
  • They’ll stop fighting when they learn to compromise.

Origin of WHEN

The term when has its etymological origins rooted in Old English and reflects temporal concepts associated with the occurrence or timing of events or actions.

  • Old English Roots: “When” traces back to Old English as “hwanne,” derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*hwan,” meaning “at what time” or “under what circumstances.” In Old English, “hwanne” denoted temporal relationships and questions regarding timing or occurrence.
  • Temporal Connotations: Over time, the term “when” retained its temporal connotations but expanded to encompass broader temporal relationships. It signifies the timing or occurrence of events, actions, or states, often in relation to other events or conditions.
  • Usage in Questions and Relative Clauses: “When” is commonly used to introduce interrogative clauses that inquire about the timing or occurrence of events or actions. It is also employed in relative clauses to specify the time or circumstance in which a particular action or event occurs.
  • Contemporary Usage: In modern English, “when” is a fundamental word used in various contexts to denote temporal relationships or occurrences. It is employed in both spoken and written language to provide clarity and specificity in expressing questions about timing or circumstances.

From its origins in Old English to its contemporary usage, the term when embodies the nuanced concept of temporal relationships and occurrences, enriching language with its role in expressing inquiries, specifications, and descriptions of timing or circumstance.

Synonyms

  • At which time
  • As
  • During which
  • At the moment that
  • In which
  • While
  • As soon as
  • At the time that

Antonyms

  • After
  • Before
  • Prior to
  • Since
  • Until
  • Subsequent to
  • Following
  • Once

Related

  • At that time
  • As soon as
  • While
  • As
  • During
  • Whenever
  • At the moment
  • During the time that

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