whenwhen /wen/ ●●● S1 W1 adverb, conjunction, pronoun 
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 something I’ll tell you when to stop.2at 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 air force he flew Tornado jets.3after 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.4used 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.5used to show which particular time or occasion you are talking about: The best moment was when he 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 arrived.6by/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.7since when ...? spoken used to show that you are very surprised or angry: Since when have you been interested in my feelings?8even though something is true: Why does she steal things when she could easily afford to buy them?9used 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.GRAMMAR: Choosing the right tense• You use the present tense with when: · What are you planning to do when you leave college?• Don’t use ‘will’ in the clause after when. ✗Don’t say: What are you planning to do when you will leave college?• You can also use the present perfect tense with when: · What are you planning to do when your course has finished?• When talking about the past, you can use the past perfect tense with when: · When the rain had stopped, they went outside.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSwhen at or during the time that something happens: · Call me when you get home.· When I got here, the place was empty.while during the time that something is happening – used to emphasize that something is continuing: · I’ll make the salad while you set the table.· While we were on holiday, our house was burgled.whenever used in order to emphasize that something always happens when another thing happens: · He visits his mother whenever he can.· You can come and talk to me whenever you have a problem.by the time used in order to say that one thing has or will have already happened when something else happens: · By the time a child is five, he will have watched hundreds of hours of television.
WORD ORIGINwhen
Origin:
Old English hwanne, hwenneEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- When are you going to the store?
- When did she notice it was missing?
THESAURUS
at or during the time that something happens: · Call me when you get home.· When I got here, the place was empty.
during the time that something is happening – used to emphasize that something is continuing: · I’ll make the salad while you set the table.· While we were on holiday, our house was burgled.
used in order to emphasize that something always happens when another thing happens: · He visits his mother whenever he can.· You can come and talk to me whenever you have a problem.
used in order to say that one thing has or will have already happened when something else happens: · By the time a child is five, he will have watched hundreds of hours of television.
Longman Language Activatorat or immediately after the time when something happens · When I give the signal, turn on the engine.· When I told her what had happened she was really shocked.· We'd only just finished cleaning the house when our guests arrived.· You can change when you get back.· I quit school when I was 15.· When completed, the road will link four major cities.
when one thing always happens when another thing happens · Her nose crinkles up when she laughs.· When the demand for a product is high, its price tends to rise.· I can't understand you when you mumble.· You know what she's like when she's on the phone.
use this when you want to emphasize that something always happens when another thing happens: · Whenever we come here, we see somebody we know.· You should come and talk to me whenever you have a problem.whenever you can: · I try to rest whenever I can.· He still visited her whenever he could.whenever possible: · She still visits her old schoolfriends whenever possible.
use this when you want to emphasize that something always happens when another thing happens: · Every time she sees me she says looks away.· Every time it rains we get a flood in the bedroom.· Don't ask me for money every time you want to buy a drink.
when one thing happens during the time that something else is happening · I hurt my shoulder when I was playing football.· All this happened when we were living abroad.· When she was at college she wrote for a student newspaper.· Why were you downstairs when everyone else was in bed?
also whilst British formal during the time that something is happening - use this to emphasize that something is continuing: · My car was stolen while I was on holiday.· While she was out of the room, he took a quick look at the papers on her desk.· While Sandy was filling out the forms, I called Jimmy from the airport.· Patients often comment upon lack of sleep whilst in hospital.· They keep the animals under sedation whilst they're being transported.while/whilst doing something: · They were killed while attempting to reach the summit.
ways of asking or mentioning when something happened or will happen · When are you leaving for Norway?· When did you last have something to eat?· Do you know when the concert will be held?· I can't remember when I bought this.
exactly when: · What time is dinner?· What time did you get in last night?· What time do you usually get home from work?· I don't know what time she's coming home.
at what particular time during a process, situation, or activity: · At what point did you try to stop the fight?· At what point did you realize that your book would never be published?· I'm not sure at what point he began to suspect the truth.
to have enough time to do something · If you have time, I could show you around the rest of the house.· Do you think we have the time?have time/have the time to do something · Few agencies have the time or the staff to train new employees.· She put the phone down before I had time to reply.· Just leave it on my desk till I have time to deal with it.have time/have the time for · Do you have time for a quick drink?· Perhaps next year I'll have more time for gardening.
use this to say there is enough time for someone to do something: · We thought we'd go to the museum, and maybe have some lunch too, if there's time.· If you hurry there should be time for a little shopping.· I guess there's time for a bedtime story, Lauren.there is time for somebody to do something: · There's still time for you to change your mind, you know.· Is there time for me to wash my hair before we leave?there is time to do something: · I don't think there's time to paint the whole wall today.
use this to mean "when you have a small amount of spare time during a period when you are very busy", especially when you are asking someone to do something: · When you have a minute, Josie, I'd like to talk to you.· Do you have a minute? I have a couple of questions to ask.· These letters are ready for you to sign when you have a moment.have a spare moment/minute: · If you have a spare moment, could you read through my essay?· It's quite rare that I have a spare minute these days.
use this to say that there is still enough time for someone to do something: it's not too late to do something: · If you haven't got roses in your garden, it's not too late to plant now.· It's still not too late to get a flu vaccine.it's not too late for somebody to do something: · He insists it's not too late for United to win the cup, though he admits it will be an uphill struggle.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY She remembered the day when Paula had first arrived.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It’s come to something when I’m not allowed to express an opinion in my own house! It’s not surprising when you consider that he only arrived six months ago. Life is never dull when Elizabeth is here. ‘Is it midnight already?’ ‘Well, you know what they say – time flies when you’re having fun!’ What good is money when you haven’t any friends? She had hardly sat down when the phone rang. We’ll face that problem if and when it comes along (=if it happens or when it happens). She lives for the day when she can have a house of her own. The transfer takes place only when the data is complete. He had scarcely sat down when there was a knock at the door.
She remembered the day when Paula had first arrived. It’s come to something when I’m not allowed to express an opinion in my own house! It’s not surprising when you consider that he only arrived six months ago. Life is never dull when Elizabeth is here.· Bad luck tends to happen when you least expect it.
‘Is it midnight already?’ ‘Well, you know what they say – time flies when you’re having fun!’ What good is money when you haven’t any friends? (=used to say that something happens almost every day, week etc) Hardly a month goes by without another factory closing down.
Hardly a month goes by without another factory closing down. She had hardly sat down when the phone rang. We’ll face that problem if and when it comes along (=if it happens or when it happens). She lives for the day when she can have a house of her own. (=if or when something becomes necessary)· Team members move from job to job as the need arises.
The transfer takes place only when the data is complete.· There comes a point where you have to accept defeat.
(=said to tell someone that you are ready for them to start doing something)
(=said to tell someone that you are ready to do what you have arranged to do together)
He had scarcely sat down when there was a knock at the door. informal (=used to say that when a situation becomes difficult, strong people take the necessary action to deal with it)
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB· What happens when these daughters grow up?· Should have realised it the first time, but that's what happens when you make assumptions.· But what will happen when she marries?· Ask the students to guess what will happen when the glass is turned upside down. 2.· But what happens when the champagne has lost its sparkle?· More revealing is what happens when we change not the intensity, but the color, of the incident light.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► since when ...?PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► when all’s said and done► when the cat’s away (the mice will play)► when the going gets tough, the tough get going► when hell freezes over► hit somebody when they are down► what’s that when it’s at home?► kick/hit a man when he’s down► many’s the time/day etc (that/when)► when the mood takes you► needs must (when the devil drives)► when/if it comes to the point► when/if push comes to shove► when the smoke clears► when/as the spirit moves you► you don’t know when you’re well-off
1at what time: - Chances are you will find corn syrup listed as a sweetener. Since when do we put corn in strawberry jam?
- Each form finishes with a summary of the work to be undertaken, by whom and by when.
- However, the next owner dismantled the walls in 1685, since when it has remained in a state of decay.
- Many did not obey, but most were close by when the storm hit.
- Me: No kidding, since when?
- Not three weeks on the Island had gone by when Mami called.
- The winter of Keynesian discontent probably occurred in the early 1980s, since when there have been signs of a marked rally.
- What was the matter with her? Since when had fitzAlan needed encouragement to show anger?
- They are ready to fight if the need arises.
- Alterations to your flight details sometimes occur for operational reasons and we reserve the right to make these if the need arises.
- As and when the need arises, sub-committees will be established to consider specific environmental issues.
- Families, too, are a great source of help and are roped in when the need arises.
- Her powers seem curiously independent of age, and she can call upon extraordinary sources of energy when the need arises.
- In fact, they could prop up the Conservative Government for a fifth term, if the need arises!
- The other side of this coin is an impressive surge capability on hand when the need arises.
- They remain like this motionless with the woman stemming any premature ejaculatory urges by squeeze control, if the need arises.
- Once, despite the age requirement, my sister charms her way on to this ride while my back is turned.
- When the chips were down, you felt he could handle the situation.
- As you know, when the chips are down Leslie Bence comes out fighting.
- It is disappointing to find that, when the chips are down, your paper is no better than the rest.
- The implication, they fear, is that when the chips are down it is only rational human beings that really matter.
- I can use a computer, but when it comes to repairing them I don't know a thing.
- When it comes to relationships, everyone makes mistakes.
- Again, when it comes to the selection process, the West Coast is not dealing from strength.
- And when it comes to makeup, do you think Cindy Crawford would actually lie?
- But when it comes to haute-cuisine, Charlie Nicholas knows where he stands.
- It is obvious that when it comes to representing his country, there is no one to equal Andre Agassi.
- Judges will normally interpret contracts strictly and will use certain principles when it comes to resolving inconsistencies and ambiguities.
- The particles themselves remain separate and discrete when it comes to being passed on to the next generation.
- Trade is a sticking point, particularly when it comes to trucks.
- Yet diesel gets off easily when it comes to pollution controls.
- "What if they refuse?" "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
- Always be ready to release during the take-off run and if in doubt, abandon the take-off.
- But if in doubt, ask!
- In other words, if in doubt, don't take a chance.
- The first is a good motto: when in doubt, take them out.
- The soldier's motto, Price had told the men: when in doubt go forward.
- When in doubt or when scared or when pressed, count.
- When in doubt, you take.
- The newspapers cannot resist kicking a man when he is down.
- For what could he say when asked where he lived or why he never invited his friends to his house?
- He had quit, he said, because he no longer knew what to say when head teachers complained about bureaucratic interference.
- She said when she saw you last you were as thin as a rake - and she's right.
- So the Knight says when he cuts the tale short.
- There are some things you just can not say when the person is present.
- They say when you go on to the Stock Market you should be worried because you can lose your strength.
- Underneath it says when she was born.
- What will Gurder say when I tell him?
- Oh, yeah? Since when are you in charge around here?
- After that she was put away until they closed the asylums, since when she's lived in that place.
- And since when have you been such an excellent student of human nature?
- But since when is $ 250 high end?
- His championship-winning days began in 1983 and he lost the flyweight title two years ago, since when he has remained unbeaten.
- However, the next owner dismantled the walls in 1685, since when it has remained in a state of decay.
- Me: No kidding, since when?
- The winter of Keynesian discontent probably occurred in the early 1980s, since when there have been signs of a marked rally.
- True, the storyline was not completely didactic, which was just as well since when art does so it becomes dreary.
- Time was when you could buy a new car for less than $500.
- A few minutes of television time was so precious.
- It was a sweet life, but Gore at the time was reinventing government and saving the Earth.
- It was comfortable with its premature senescence but at the same time was wired with a wildness and youthful energy.
- The besetting sin of the time was drunkenness, and a couple of notorious drunks lived near Richard Baxter.
- The election was not settled until close to the inauguration, so not much time was available to plan the festivities.
- The paper ran a page-one correction, noting that the time was right for Hawaii.
- Unfortunately, although a good time was had by all, a number of the team picked up a strange flu bug.
- Within the political mainstream, the spirit of these times was consensual.
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 something I’ll tell you when to stop.2at 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 air force he flew Tornado jets.3after 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.4used 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.5used to show which particular time or occasion you are talking about: The best moment was when he 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 arrived.6by/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.7since when ...? spoken used to show that you are very surprised or angry: Since when have you been interested in my feelings?8even though something is true: Why does she steal things when she could easily afford to buy them?9used 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.GRAMMAR: Choosing the right tense• You use the present tense with when: · What are you planning to do when you leave college?• Don’t use ‘will’ in the clause after when. ✗Don’t say: What are you planning to do when you will leave college?• You can also use the present perfect tense with when: · What are you planning to do when your course has finished?• When talking about the past, you can use the past perfect tense with when: · When the rain had stopped, they went outside.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSwhen at or during the time that something happens: · Call me when you get home.· When I got here, the place was empty.while during the time that something is happening – used to emphasize that something is continuing: · I’ll make the salad while you set the table.· While we were on holiday, our house was burgled.whenever used in order to emphasize that something always happens when another thing happens: · He visits his mother whenever he can.· You can come and talk to me whenever you have a problem.by the time used in order to say that one thing has or will have already happened when something else happens: · By the time a child is five, he will have watched hundreds of hours of television.