When as a conjunction word

A conjunction is a word that grammatically connects two words, phrases, or clauses together. The most common examples are words like “and” and “but.”

For example, “I took the subway, and got off at 96th Street.” Or, “I took the subway, but there was a delay.” However, conjunctions can come in many forms with many different functions.

They’re a part of speech that can be broken down into several categories, and we’ll explore each one in depth with examples.

Conjunctions can primarily be broken down into three categories:

• Coordinating conjunctions
• Correlative conjunctions
• Subordinating conjunctions

While we’ve so far seen some extremely common conjunctions, most conjunctions fall under the category of subordinating conjunctions. These conjunctions are used to join two clauses together that are grammatically unequal.

In other words, the clause without a conjunction (the independent clause) is able to stand alone, while the clause that contains the conjunction (the subordinate clause) cannot. Subordinating conjunctions examples:

• I don’t like cake because it’s too sweet.

This sentence consists of two clauses, “I don’t like cake” and “it’s too sweet,” both connected by the subordinating conjunction “because.”

The clause that stands alone is “I don’t like cake” and can form its own separate sentence. The clause “because it’s too sweet,” however, cannot stand alone and instead subordinates to the first clause.

This is why we call the word “because” a subordinating conjunction. You’ll notice that subordinating conjunctions are some of the most common and useful words in English. Below is a list of the most common ones.

Note that unlike with coordinating conjunctions, subordinate clauses can appear before or after the independent clause.

For example, while you could say, “I don’t like cake because it’s too sweet,” you could also say, “Because cake is too sweet, I don’t like it.”

BECAUSE

Used to introduce a cause or a reason

• I didn’t answer your messages because I was out of the country.
• I’m not going to apologize just because you told me to.
• Because my lower back kept hurting, I decided to finally go see a chiropractor.

SINCE

Can be used to introduce a cause or a reason

• I decided to bake cupcakes, since it was Marjorie’s birthday.
• Since you’re always late, I’m going to start showing up late too.

Can also be used to indicate that something has been true starting from a certain point in time.

• I’ve been broke since my last vacation to Puerto Rico.
• Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to become a scientist.
• What have you been up to since school ended?

UNTIL

Can be used to indicate that an event only happens up to a certain point in time.

• I usually sit around in my office until my boss gives me work to do.
• Until you came into my life, I wasn’t quite sure where I would find love.
• When I was in college, I would study until I passed out at 3 or 4 in the morning.

WHEN

Can be used to indicate that two events happened simultaneously

• When it started to snow, everyone started posting statuses on Facebook.
• When the clock struck three, all the students immediately evacuated the classroom.
• I don’t know how to react when you yell at me like that.

WHENEVER

Can be used to indicate that when one event happens at any point, so does another

• Whenever I try to comfort people, I somehow make things worse.
• I hate it whenever I run into coworkers outside of work.
• Whenever you start feeling anxious, just try to breathe.

WHILE

Can be used to indicate that two things happen simultaneously. It emphasizes the continuousness of an action more than the conjunction “when.”

• I often get distracted while trying to study.
• It’s hard trying to take classes while also working two jobs.
• While my parents were away for the weekend, my brother and I decided to throw a house party.

Can also be used to switch from one idea to another

• While puppies are cute, they can be incredibly annoying to take care of.
• Neutral colors tend to go together easily, while other colors are harder to pair up well.

AS

Can be used as an alternative to “while”

• We can see what logistical problems come up as we move on with the project.
• As the night drew on, the crowd became noisier and noisier.
• My dad entered the driveway right as I called to see where he was.

Can also be used as an alternative to “since” or “because”

• You should be careful going to the gym, as your ankle is still a little weak.

Can also be used to mean something like “in the manner of.” Can be emphasized by the word “just”

• I wrote my essay with five paragraphs just as my professor told me to do in the instructions.
• I took the dog out three times a day just as you told me to.
• Just as you requested, here’s your coffee with soy milk instead of regular milk.

ONCE

Used to indicate that something has only been true since the occurrence of something else.

• I only started to seriously rethink my life once I graduated college.
• Once I actually started going to museums, I realized that I really liked them.
• I don’t know how Jared is so charismatic. Once he starts a trend, everyone else quickly follows.

IF

Can be used to set up a condition in a hypothetical situation.

• If I lived alone, I’d be blasting my music 24/7.
• I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.
• If something’s bothering you, don’t hesitate to tell me.

The conjunction “if” can be emphasized with the word “even.”

• I wouldn’t tell you his secret even if you begged me.
• Even if I’m having a bad day, I try to be nice to people.

AS IF

Can be used to mean something like “pretending that something were true”

• He treats me as if I were his sister, not his girlfriend.
• Don’t try to lecture me as if you actually knew what you were talking about.
• You tend to brush most things off as if they’re no big deal.

LIKE

Can be used as an alternative to “just as.” Can be emphasized by the word “just.”

• I did the dishes like you told me to.
• The dish that was served looked just like it did in the menu.

Can also be used as an informal alternative to “as if”

• Sometimes I feel like Keira ignores me on purpose.
• Don’t treat me like I’m an idiot.

UNLESS

Can be used to introduce an exception to a statement

• The professor said not to email her unless you have a logistical question.
• I personally won’t date you unless I find you attractive.
• The visiting team is going to win unless the tables somehow turn last minute.

IN CASE

Can be used to mean something like “for the possibility that something might happen”

• I sent the message twice in case the first one didn’t go through.
• In case you’re wondering, the performance doesn’t end for another two hours.
• Can you double check the document just in case there aren’t any errors?

WHETHER

A shortened form of “whether or not”

• I’m not sure whether we’ll be able to hit everything on the itinerary.
• Can you tell whether this was handwritten?
• Do you care whether I’m in the room while you’re on the phone?

ALTHOUGH

Can be used to mean “despite the fact that” or “regardless of the fact that”

• Although he was a bit rude, people still found him funny and hung out with him.
• Although the party was dull, I was still happy to see you guys.
• My dad claims that he’s German and Dutch, although he’s also a compulsive liar.

THOUGH

An alternative to “although.” Can be emphasized with the word “even.”

• I finally finished the video, though the editing is a bit choppy.
• Even though I hate rollercoasters, I went on one after my friends forced me.
• I tried escargot for the first time in Paris, though I can’t quite say that I enjoyed it.

AS SOON AS

Can be used to indicate that one event happened at the same time as or directly after another event. It’s similar to the correlative conjunctions “no sooner…than” and “hardly…when.”

• As soon as you’re all packed, we’ll put everything in the car and go.
• Can you let me know as soon as you’re done with the assignment?
• I saw your eyes light up as soon as I said the word “ice cream.”

AS LONG AS

Can be used to indicate that one thing is true only under the condition that another thing is true.

• I’ll be happy as long as you remember to call me when you’re gone.
• As long as it’s below 60 degrees, you won’t catch me wearing short sleeves.
• I’ll always tip a waiter as long as they’re a decent server.

Another alternative is “so long as.”

• You should be able to do whatever you want so long as you’re happy and healthy.

PROVIDED (THAT)

A more formal alternative to “as long as”

• The manager will give you a day off work provided you give a valid reason for it.
• Provided that you worked hard and participated all semester, the professor might cut your final grade some slack.

BEFORE

Used to introduce the earlier event in a pair of events

• We should meet up and grab lunch before this week is over.
• Before we move on any further, do you have any questions?
• I told you to use the bathroom before we left the rest stop.

AFTER

Used to introduce the later event in a pair of events

• My friend fell into a coma after he got in a car accident.
• After the movie is over, do you want to grab food somewhere?
• We decided to order pizza after you fell asleep.

IN THAT

Can be used to specify the respect to which something is true

• He’s peoplesmart in that he knows how to act around different people.
• I was extremely lucky in that the police decided not to check my belongings.
• The stage setting was excellent in that it really caught the eye yet with a minimalist design.

NOW THAT

Can be used to indicate that a situation has changed with the occurrence of an event

• Now that I’m eighteen, I can finally vote in my first election.
• I can think a bit clearer now that I’ve had my coffee.
• We should think about going to the park now that the weather is a bit nicer.

SO (THAT)

Can be used to express a purpose or intention

• I took some pictures on my vacation so you could see.
• If you see an ambulance behind you, always pull over so that it can get through.
• Can you make the link shareable so I can view it?

“When”, “while”, “as” are conjunctions that connect two sentences.

We use “when”, “while”, and “as” to talk about two things that happen at the same time.

Use “while” and “as” to emphasize that the two actions were happening at exactly the same time. They can also be used to mean “during that time”.

“While” is mostly used with the past continuous verb tense, and “as” is used with both the past tense and past continuous verb tense.

Event 1A + as/while + Event 1B

• She was studying while I was watching TV.
• They are laughing while I am working hard.
• The baby was crying while we were leaving.
• She looked at me as she walked away.
• They never looked back while they were driving away.
• She was crying as she was leaving.
• He was laughing as he stole the car.
• She watched my dogs while I was on vacation.
• He helped cover my work while I was sick.

We can also put “as” and “while” at the beginning of a sentence.

As/While + event 1A, + event 1B

Put a comma after the first event when writing.

• As she was looking for her keys, her brother came into the room.
• While we were talking, she said something strange.

We can always replace “while” and “as” with “when”.

• She was studying when I was watching TV.
• The baby was crying when we were leaving.
• She looked at me when she walked away.
• They never looked back when they were driving away.

We can use “when” at the beginning or middle of a sentence.

Action/Event + when + time/action

Both parts should be sentences.

• She was surprised when she came.
• She loved to dance when she was young.
• My mother makes me chicken soup when I am sick.
• We love to play outside when it snows.
• Everybody left when the game was over.

When + time/action, + action/event

Use a comma to separate the two parts when you are writing.

• When she is ready, we will leave.
• When the game is over, we will get some dinner.
• When the company went bankrupt, he had to find a new job.

“When” is used in many situations.

1. Use it to tell general truths or things that usually happen

• I drink orange juice when I am sick.
• She goes camping when she has time.
• When she wakes up, she makes breakfast for her family.
• When you study hard, your English improves faster.

2. Use it to tell an action or event that happened at the same time as a longer event.

• I went out when it was raining.
• She helped me when I was working overtime.

3. Use it talk about periods of time in the past.

• I read this book when I was in high school.
• She loved this movie when she was young.
• When we were dating, we often went to dinner and a movie.

4. Sometimes, “when” has the same meaning as “after”.

• She cried when she heard the news.
  (=She cried after she heard the news.)
• We will leave when we finish.
  (=We will leave after we finish.)

5. Use it to tell the time or condition that a future action will be done or happen.

• I will get a job when I finish school.
• I will buy a car when I am rich.
• When she is ready, she will come.

5. “If” and “when” are very similar.

To explain it simply, use “if” to talk about a possible or unreal situation. We are not sure if it will happen or not, we are just thinking about it as a possibility.

Use “when” to talk about a time of a future situation that you are certain will happen.

• If she comes, I will talk to her.
  (In this sentence, we are not sure whether she will come or not)
• When she comes, I will talk to her.
  (In this sentence, I know she is coming and I am certain of it. I am just waiting for this event to happen.)

Learn to speak better English and improve your English grammar by simply doing this basic practice exercise. First, complete the sentences with your own answers, and then practice making your own sentences. Finally, try using this grammar in real life.

She was _______________ while I was _______________.
She _______________ while I was away.
They _______________ while I was on vacation.
It was raining while he was _______________.
He said _______________ while I was leaving.
As I walked in the door, _______________.
She started to cry as _______________.
As she was leaving, _______________.
I _______________ when I was young.
When it is too cold, I _______________.
She _______________ when it is raining.
I like to _______________ when I have free time.
My family used to _______________ when I was a child.
My friends and I _______________ when we finished school.
When I have some free time at work, I _______________.

A to Z Grammar Lessons Index

Asked by: Prof. Lafayette Davis II

Score: 4.2/5
(56 votes)

When I’ve finished my homework, I’m going to phone Marita. Not: When I’ll finish my homework, I’m going to phone Marita. We can use when as a conjunction to mean ‘considering that’: What’s the point in going out when we have to be home by eleven o’clock?

What are the 10 examples of conjunctions?

Examples of Conjunctions

How do you use when in a sentence?

When sentence example

Is when an example of conjunction?

They introduce a dependent clause and join it to an independent clause. Examples of this type of conjunction: As, because, if, till, since, and when.

What are 10 examples interjections?

Here are some more interjections, this time used in the context of an accompanying sentence:

32 related questions found

• #1

HOW, WHERE, and WHEN can be relative adverbs according to Oxford. What I don’t understand is the following:
«How» is a relative adverb=in any way in which e.g. I’ll do business how I like.
«Where» is a relative adverb=in a or any place in which e.g. Sit where I can see you.

Why is «when» a conjunction when it means at the time that? e.g. I loved math when I was in school.

These are definitions and examples from New Oxford American Dictionary. Is «when» a conjunction because it is not uncommon to see it at the beginning of a sentence (e.g. When I was in school, I loved math)? I would appreciate any theories you may have. Why does Oxford make such distinctions?

Note: Macmillan Dictionary defines all of the above as conjunctions.

• #2

First, if a word is labelled X in a dictionary, that doesn’t make it an X. It means the makers of that dictionary had a small number of categories to work with and chose (decided) to put it in one of them. Other people, other dictionaries, might do it differently. It might be hard to decide what a word is in a particular situation.

Your observation about placing the phrase at the beginning is a good point. That makes the phrase more independent than a relative clause. A relative clause usually strictly hangs on a particular word: in ‘the time

when

I met her’, ‘when’ hangs on ‘time’ and is therefore a relative marker. This relationship does not hold for ‘math(s) when’; here the ‘when’ is not particularly related to the previous word, only to the entire previous clause ‘I loved math(s)’.

What I’ve just said above applies more clearly to ‘Sit some place where I can see you’, in which ‘where’ is dependent on ‘place’. In your actual example, there is no noun phrase ‘some place’ for it to be dependent on. Rather, the ‘where’ phrase itself acts as the location phrase for ‘sit’. But still, the ‘where’ is dependent on the location implied in ‘sit’. It is implicitly ‘sit (somewhere)’, and that somewhere is qualified by the relative ‘where’.

In the case of ‘how’, this is the only possibility. You can’t use an explicit noun phrase for it to be relative to: I’ll do business the way how I like. However, the ‘how’ phrase is still relative to a specific implied way.

• #3

That’s great, Entangled. Thank you.

I’m struggling for a conclusion. You are saying that how is unlike the other two; which qualities do when and where possess which how lacks?

The dictionary singles out when as the exception. Are you saying that is wrong?

Sorry to be dim.

• #4

Thanks Entangledbank! It’s got me thinking about the implied words. You have a point. But «when» and «where» still seem to have the same function. Example: We’ll buy a house [(at) some place] where the prices are low. VS. We’ll buy a house [(at) some time] when the prices are low.

• #5

I guess I’ve figured it out. There might be three reasons:
1. When can join clauses at the beginning of a sentence.
2. Where and how show how ONE CLAUSE relates to ANOTHER by space or manner. However, when joins clauses that relate to TIME, not to one another.
3. When can mean and function in the exact same way as while.

Last edited: Apr 25, 2011

• #6

Hi, everyone! May anyone kindly tell me the «on» in the following poem means «when?»
Last night
I thought of my heady childhood and teenage days,
Recalled the first girl I’d ever lov’d; suddenly,
I tast’d the savor of the sweetness of memories
On remembering the drops of honey
I lick’d off her soft lips
Is «…on remembering the drops of honey…» another way of saying «…when he remembered the drops of honey…»?
Thank you!

• #7

Yes. But it’s a little more like “as I remembered”, rather than when.

• #8

Yes. But it’s a little more like “as I remembered”, rather than when.

Thank you very much for your quick reply, Lingo!
Well, it’d be nice, kind of you if you’d help me with a question
that preoccupied my mind since I’d come across that poem — and excuse my poor English —
which’s…
can I omit the «on» and place a comma after the word «memories?»
If I did so, the meaning of «when/as» would still be the same, in that poem?
I.e.,
«…I tast’d the savor of the sweetness of memories, remembering the drops of honey…»
could be understood/read as
«…I tast’d the savor of the sweetness of memories when/as I remembered the drops of honey…»
Thank you!

Last edited: Dec 8, 2018

• #9

If you simply use a comma, you retain an implication of simultaneity (both things happening at the same time) but shift the emphasis, almost to the extent of reversing the indication of cause and effect (tasting that sweetness being a reaction to remembering what happened in the past).

I tast’d the savor of the sweetness of memories / On remembering the drops of honey I lick’d off her soft lips
= It was that specific memory that made me taste the sweetness of memories in general

I tast’d the savor of the sweetness of memories, / remembering the drops of honey I lick’d off her soft lips
= I tasted the sweetness of memories, which reminded me of a particular incident

• #10

sesquipedalian, «where,» «when,» «why» and «how» can all function as relative adverbs, and your sentence «I loved math when I was in school» is just as much an example of that. entangledbank described these operations well, but what he did not mention (unless I missed it) was the operation called «free relative deletion,» in which phrases are shortened under the surface to produce the final surface structure. I’ll give you some examples.

«I loved math when I was in school» is produced after «I loved math at the time when I was in school» is transformed with free relative deletion (I believe you already mentioned this).
«John knows the place at which we are meeting» becomes «John knows where we are meeting.»
«John knows the reason for which we are meeting» becomes «John knows why we are meeting.»
«John knows the time at which we are meeting» becomes «John knows when we are meeting.»

In this free relative deletion operation, using both the head noun (place, reason, time) and the relative adverb is redundant. So the noun is dropped and the relative adverb is allowed exist «freely» without the antecedent noun (that’s the reason it is called «free relative deletion»).

You asked why «how» is different, and here is the reason. Deletion is optional in the cases above, but when you use «how» it becomes mandatory:

That is the way how he lives.
That is how he lives.

From what I understand, «the way how» may have been viable in the past, and may even be viable now in some dialects. But it isn’t the standard any longer, and that is why «how» (or how how, if you like ) is different.

• #11

Just to point out… sesquipedalianame posted that question in 2011.

• #13

If you simply use a comma, you retain an implication of simultaneity (both things happening at the same time) but shift the emphasis, almost to the extent of reversing the indication of cause and effect (tasting that sweetness being a reaction to remembering what happened in the past).

I tast’d the savor of the sweetness of memories / On remembering the drops of honey I lick’d off her soft lips
= It was that specific memory that made me taste the sweetness of memories in general

I tast’d the savor of the sweetness of memories, / remembering the drops of honey I lick’d off her soft lips
= I tasted the sweetness of memories, which reminded me of a particular incident

Hi Lingo, I hope that everything’s going okay w/ you!
Well,
I’ve come across a video, on Youtube, which explains/shows how to «reduce an adverb clause of time» (how to reduce the adverb clauses of time, and the adverb clauses of reason).
Unfortunately, there’re some points that I haven’t understood.
Just allow me to show you some points which the teacher has said in the video:
How to reduce an adverb clause of time:
1. Remove the subject in the adverb clause. Make any necessary changes to the subject in the main clause so that the sentence makes sense.
2. Remove any helping verbs in the adverb clause.
3. Use the present participle of the main verb in the adverb clause.
4. Keep the time word if it’s necessary. («While» is often omitted.)
Examples:
1. While two children slept soundly in their beds, they dreamed of dragons, fast scooters, and other thrills.
Sleeping soundly in their beds, two children dreamed of dragons, fast scooters, and other thrills.
—
2. While two children were sleeping soundly in their beds, they dreamed of dragons, fast scooters, and other thrills.
(While) sleeping soundly in their beds, two children dreamed of dragons, fast scooters, and other thrills.
—
3. «When» is sometimes omitted:
When they realized what had just happened, they began to laugh.
Realizing what had just happened, they began to laugh.
Upon realizing what had just happened, they began to laugh. («Upon» is formal and has the meaning of «when.»)
—
4. When the husband saw the umbrella right over his head, he jumped and raised his arms.
Seeing the umbrella right over his head, the husband jumped and raised his arms.
—
Explanation:
These phrases are act like adverbs; they can come at the beginning of a sentence, but they can also come in the final position.
*****
Examples:
1. As usual, she had read a couple chapters from a novel before going to sleep.
2. She took a few steps toward the family room, grabbing a long umbrella on her way.
She said, «She did not place a comma in the 1st example because the phrase is quite short, and placed a comma in the 2nd example because the phrase is long (a longer phrase).»
*****
Well, may you kindly write (to) me the 2nd example («She took a few steps toward the family room, grabbing a long umbrella on her way.») as a clause; I mean without reducing the adverb clause of time of it?
Because now I am really confused!
Well, I do understand how to reduce the adverb clauses of time, and the adverb clauses of reason, but ONLY when the adverb clause of time/reason comes at the beginning of a sentence; what makes me confuse is when the adverb clause of time comes at the end of a sentence — I cannot reduce it, or turn it into phrase;
I mean the uses of a comma — when it comes in the middle of a sentence— confuse me.
Well, as for me, I’d use/place a comma in the 2nd example («She took a few steps toward the family room, grabbing a long umbrella on her way.») so as to prevent confusion in the sentence, for the reader might think that I modify/describe «the family room,» not the subject of the sentence, which’s «she.»
Well, as for the line of the poem («I tast’d the savor of the sweetness of memories on remembering the drops of honey.»);
let’s imagine that it were written this way…
I tasted the savor of the sweetness of memories when I remembered the drops of honey.
How do I reduce the adverb clause of time — and omit the «when» — in this sentence, or how do I turn it into a phrase by using present participle «ing?»
Thank you!

Last edited: Dec 8, 2018

• #14

That’s way too long a question. Mostly, all you’re doing is repeating perfectly reasonable advice. But to address your actual questions at the end…

I tasted the savor of the sweetness of memories when I remembered the drops of honey
= (avoiding the use of “when”)
[When] Remembering the drops of honey (etc.), I tasted the [savor of the] sweetness of memories

She took a few steps toward the family room, grabbing a long umbrella on her way.
Er… where is the time adverb in this?

Conjunctions like ‘when’, ‘while, ‘during’ and ‘for’  are used to indicate a period of time, circumstance, or a certain situation which is taking place. These words always give an idea regarding a specific time period. These  are called Time Conjunctions as they are often used to used to connect an action or an event to a point in time.

Let’s see the appropriate usage of these words  briefly :-

1. When‘When’ is used to mention about an activity which takes place ‘during a specific period of time’ i.e. to connect two events happening at the same time. When is used to say a longer action which was interrupted by a shorter action. It is also used to denote a specific time  age or period of life.

Examples:I like to visit gardens, when I am on a holiday.
He was sleeping when I reached home.
When did you talk to her?
When I was a child, we lived in Dubai.

2. WhileOften people are confused between while and when and use them interchangeably. It is important to know the difference between them. ‘While’ is also used to indicate a period of time and often shows contrast (whereas). However, while cannot be used to denote a specific time – age or period of life.

Examples:She listens to songs while cooking.
Arjun had to deal with his failure while his friend succeeded.
He was sleeping while I was studying.

3. DuringDuring is mainly used to refer something which is happening over or throughout a period of time.

Examples:During school days, my cousins often come to stay with us at our home.
Students are not allowed to use cell phones during class.
I met Shahrukh Khan during my visit to London.
Was this during your dark period?

4. For

For is used to put in a reason in a sentence. It is not used at the beginning of a sentence and is often used in the middle or at the end of a sentence. For is known as a coordinating conjunction and is used regularly.

Examples:Ram will be in the USA for next three years.
I have been studying for eight hours.

The above explanation will help you to clarify your confusion and give you an idea on appropriate usage of time conjunctions ‘When’, ‘While’, ‘During’ and ‘For’. You can browse through other related blog articles which would definitely help improve your English grammar and Communication Skills.

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