⏰ Asking about time 🕒 The time 📅 At the time 🤔 Because

when

1.0

To introduce a clause that gives a reason for something

subordinating conjunction
/wɛn/

: porque

Why am I saying no when I should be saying yes?

It's humbling when the right thing feels so wrong.

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Examples

But actually, how can I do that when my life isn't right?
Your future is paying for your past when you hold on to anger.
It's humbling when the right thing feels so wrong.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Real strength is about telling the truth, even when it's inconvenient.
And then life works and when we don't, it doesn't.
Because at the last second there, that's when people, they loosen up.
I decided to leave early when I heard the storm was coming.
You should apologize when you realize you've made a mistake.
She felt relieved when she finally finished her project.

Synonyms

because

vswhen

∞ 1.0

To give the reason for something

is used sometimes for time rather than only to state reasons

since

vswhen

∞ 1.0

Because one thing is the reason for another

is more often temporal and only sometimes used to show reason

inasmuch as

vswhen

Formal

5 6.6

To give a reason, like because

is used only to introduce a reason rather than measure extent

forasmuch

vswhen

Archaic

9.9

Gives a reason in older or formal English

is used in everyday speech and can express time instead

Idioms

when it comes to

680 3.1

A phrase you use to talk about a topic and show how someone or something is treated

when the time comes

83 2.9

At the right moment to do something

way back when

Informal

22 7.3

A long time ago

when in doubt

Informal

5 4.5

If you are not sure, follow safe advice or ask someone

when the chips are down

Informal

3 7.4

When things become very difficult and you must act

to kick someone when they are down

Informal

1 6.9

To treat someone badly when they already have problems

never knows when to quit

Informal

1 7.8

Keeps trying and does not stop even when it would be wiser to give up

to cross that bridge when it comes

Informal

5.8

To deal with a problem only when it happens, not before

look at the mantelpiece when poking the fire

9.9

To pay attention to something unimportant instead of the main task

to hit him when he's down

Informal

8.2

Say mean things to someone when they are already in trouble

to strike someone when they are down

Informal

8.4

To criticize or take advantage of someone when they are weak

when they go low, we go high

Informal

9.3

Act with dignity and good behavior when others act mean or unfair

when in Rome

Informal

6.8

Act like local people when you visit a place

when in Rome, do as the Romans do

Informal

7.6

Follow how people behave where you are

when nature calls

Informal

8.2

To need to go to the toilet

when silence falls

7.5

At the time a place becomes quiet, often in the evening

to zig when he should zag

Informal

9.9

To make the wrong choice when a different action is needed

to zig when someone should zag

Informal

9.9

To do the wrong thing when a different action is needed

Surface Forms

when main

Etymology

A helpful way to remember when meaning 'because' is to think 'at the time that': if one thing happened at that time it can explain the other, so when can give a reason.