when

when

W1S1 [wen] adv, conj, pron

[: Old English; Origin: hwanne, hwenne]

1.) at what time

▪ When are we leaving?

▪ When did you first meet Dr Darnall?

▪ When will the work be finished?

▪ I don't know when I'll see her again.

when to do sth

▪ I'll tell you when to stop.

2.) at or during the time that something happens

▪ Leonard was nine when his father died.

▪ When the family came here from Russia, they were penniless.

▪ When he was in the airforce he flew Tornado jets.

3.) after or as soon as something happens

▪ When the meal was finished, Rachel washed up and made coffee.

▪ I'll phone you again when I get home.

4.) used to mention a type of event or situation when talking about what happens on occasions of that type

▪ When lead is added to petrol, it improves the car's performance.

▪ When mixed with water the powder forms a smooth paste.

▪ He always wears glasses except when playing football.

5.) used to show which particular time or occasion you are talking about

▪ The best moment was when Barnes scored the winning goal.

▪ There are times when I hate him.

the day/time/afternoon etc when

▪ She remembered the day when Paula had first walked into her office.

6.) by/since when

before or since which time

▪ The baby is due in May, by when the new house should be finished.

▪ That was written in 1946, since when the education system has undergone great changes.

7.) since when ...?

spoken used to show that you are very surprised or angry

▪ Since when have you been interested in my feelings?

8.) even though something is true

▪ Why does she steal things when she could easily afford to buy them?

9.) used to introduce a fact or statement that makes something seem surprising

▪ When you consider that the airline handled 80 million passengers last year, the accident figures are really very small.