When
/wɛn/
Definitions
3 meaningsUsed to ask about or refer to a specific time or point in time.
/wɛn/
At what time; at or during the time that.
When are you planning to leave?
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for a friend. 'When' is like asking, 'At what time will they be here?' It helps you know *when* something will happen.
👶 For kids: When means 'at what time?' Like, 'When is your birthday?'
More Examples
I'll call you when I get home.
When the sun sets, the stars come out.
How It's Used
"When will you be arriving?"
"Please inform us when you are available."
Used to connect a clause or phrase to indicate time or a condition.
/wɛn/
At or during the time that; at any time that.
I'll be there when you need me.
💡 Simply: Think of 'when' as a connection. Like, 'I'm happy *when* I'm playing games.' It connects the happy feeling with playing games.
👶 For kids: When is like 'at the time that'. Like, 'I eat ice cream when it's hot outside.'
More Examples
She started crying when she heard the news.
When it rains, the ground gets wet.
How It's Used
"He was happy when he received the gift."
"If you call, I'll answer when I can."
Rarely used, this refers to the specific point or moment in time.
/wɛn/
The time or instance that something happens.
The poem emphasized a precise 'when'.
💡 Simply: It's a fancy way of saying the precise moment something occurs.
👶 For kids: A super old-fashioned way of saying 'the time something happens'.
How It's Used
"There was a 'when' for everything."
Idioms & expressions
When push comes to shove
When matters become serious or critical; when one is forced to take action.
"When push comes to shove, we will have to sell the house to pay the debt."
Time and again
Repeatedly; many times.
"I've told him time and again not to do that."
From Middle English *whenne, from Old English *hwænne, an adverb and conjunction denoting time and place, from Proto-Germanic *hwan
The word 'when' has roots in Old English and has remained relatively unchanged in its function as a conjunction or adverb of time.
Memory tip
Think of a clock; 'when' marks a moment in time.
Word Origin
"at which time; at what time"