When

Definition

'When' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, indicating the time at which an action occurs. It helps to connect independent and dependent clauses by providing temporal context, allowing for more complex sentence structures that clarify the timing of events or actions within a sentence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'When' can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence to introduce a dependent clause, affecting the overall flow and meaning of the statement.
2. 'When' not only relates to specific times but also to conditions under which something occurs, giving it dual significance in sentences.
3. 'When' can also serve to form questions regarding time, such as 'When will you arrive?' demonstrating its versatility.
4. 'When' can connect multiple clauses in complex sentences, creating rich detail about the timing of events, such as 'I will call you when I get home.'
5. 'When' can also appear in conditional sentences to indicate a specific circumstance under which something is true or may happen.

Review Questions

• How does 'when' function as a subordinating conjunction in connecting clauses?
  • 'When' functions as a subordinating conjunction by introducing a dependent clause that provides temporal information related to the independent clause. For example, in the sentence 'I will start cooking when my friend arrives,' 'when my friend arrives' is the dependent clause introduced by 'when,' which specifies the time for starting to cook. This connection enhances the understanding of the timing relationship between the two actions.
• In what ways can the placement of 'when' affect the meaning of a sentence?
  • 'When' can change the emphasis and clarity of a sentence based on its placement. For instance, 'When I finish my homework, I will watch TV' places importance on finishing homework before watching TV. Conversely, 'I will watch TV when I finish my homework' implies that watching TV is contingent upon completing homework. This flexibility allows for nuanced expression of time-related relationships.
• Evaluate how using 'when' in both independent and dependent clauses influences sentence complexity and meaning.
  • 'When' enriches sentence complexity by enabling writers to combine independent and dependent clauses effectively. By doing so, it allows for more sophisticated expressions of time-related actions. For instance, 'I was reading when she called' provides context about the simultaneous occurrence of two actions. This layering of information fosters clearer communication and helps readers understand how events interrelate temporally.

Related terms

Subordinating Conjunction: 'A word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating the relationship between the two, often in terms of time, cause, or condition.'

Temporal Clause: 'A type of dependent clause that specifies when something happens, often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like 'when,' 'after,' or 'before.'

Independent Clause: 'A group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence, containing a subject and a predicate.'