Find out what kind of word is WHEN

In the day to day we use with total normality WHEN. However, the intonation of the phrase is not always performed properly, which can lead to misunderstandings. Similarly, typing WHEN can be misleading, as it may also require checking. In order to strengthen the correct use of the Language, in a PROFESSOR we explain what kind of word is WHEN and what are the uses of WHEN, in addition to explaining the difference in meaning and use of WHEN without accent Y WHEN with tilde. Are you ready?

Index

1. What kind of word is WHEN?
2. Uses of WHEN: it is not always an adverb
3. WHEN as an adverb, with examples
4. WHEN as a conjunction: usage examples
5. WHEN as a preposition
6. The use of WHEN in indicative and subjunctive
7. WHEN AND WHEN: differences and examples

The type of word WHEN within a noun phrase u prayer, it's a adverb. As such it is used for qualify or determine the meaning of the verb, that of the adjective, and sometimes it can also determine the meaning of another adverb.

This word has meaning by itself in the sentence, but it is an invariable part within any sentence, that is, lacks grammatical accidents: no gender, no number, no person. This is very important, especially for those who are learning Spanish as a foreign language.

Despite the main use of WHEN is to be an adverb, depending on the construction and the meaning that you want to give it, this word can be used as a The most versatile linguistic wildcard. Next, we will see each of these nuances that apply to WHEN, and practical examples of how to use it appropriately in each case.

WHEN it has been pigeonholed by its meaning as time. Refers to moment in which the action takes place, a fact or event, both in the present, past or future time.

Example

• Before, when it rained, they wouldn't let us go out to the patio.
• When it rains they don't let us go out to the patio.
• When it stops raining you can go out to the patio.

Orthographically and syntactically always refers to "At the time when", or "at what time", within its adverbial form precisely as an adverb of time.

But if you want to know what kind of word is WHEN you have to know that it is also used very frequently as conjunction in oral and written language. Connect two clauses, a sentence-like statement that includes a subject (which may be implied), and a verb.

Eye. What does not always appear for its meaning as an element of time. There is part of its versatility as a linguistic element, since it can mean "although", "since", "sometimes", "other times", etc., and denote condition or necessity for certain circumstances to be verified.

Examples

Since it can be confusing, we are going to show you some examples to better understand this use of WHEN.

• When you finish work, we can talk about it: here there is a temporary reminiscence.
• When you are interested in work, you call me at my house: another example of the conjunctive form serving as a temporal link
• They argue without more, when the important thing is to dialogue: this is a clear example of conjunction, like the following.
• You will be the best host of the evening, when they do not stop applauding you: here we see it as a synonym for given that, as causal.

Although it is still an adverb, WHEN it's usedas a prepositionto form adverbial phrases or temporal prepositional modes, by means of a preposition and a name or an adjective, that make the office of temporary adverb.

Frequently, WHEN can also be translated as "during", "while", "at the time of", "from time to time", and similar phrases.

Examples

Can't you see it clearly? These examples of WHEN as a preposition are sure to help you!

• He wrote the book when he was a teenager. He wrote the book while he was a teenager.
• It happened when the movie came to an end. It happened the moment the movie came to an end.
• He misbehaved only when he was a student. He was misbehaving only at the time he was a student.
• We went out when the weather was nice. We used to go out once in a while if the weather was nice.

Although it is sometimes erroneously said that it is used only with the subjunctive mood, the truth is that WHEN also admits its use with the present, imperfect and indefinite past of the way indicative.

For its use, it will depend on its meaning within the context that is spoken.

Examples of WHEN in indicative

• When I get home I do my homework
• When I came home I did my homework
• When I got home I did my homework

WHEN in the subjunctive mood

There is also the option to use WHEN with some times of the Subjunctive mode, and more specifically with the present with a future, and the present with an imperative.

Look at these examples:

• When i get home i will do my homework
• When you get home do your homework

Phonetically WHEN AND WHEN they sound the same, but the Spelling clearly distinguishes a WHEN without accent mark WHEN with diacritical mark.

We have already seen when to write "when", now it is necessary to say how to use "when".

The word WHEN is still an adverb, which is used marked to introduce interrogative or exclamatory sentences, either directly or indirectly. For example:

• When do you plan to be ready?
• How long will he allow us to be here?
• To see when you come tonight
• I don't care where but when
• It can be used as a distributive adverb equivalent to "sometimes... other times", "both... and". For example:
• He read novels when he didn't know what to do, or had nothing to do.
• He loves music when he reads, when he is out for a walk

It can also be used as a noun, always with meaning of moment or time. It is preceded by the masculine article "the". For example:

• I did not want to know the how, but the when
• She said she was retiring from work, but didn't say when

Other examples of sentences with WHEN that can raise doubts whether or not it is marked with an accent:

• They were sitting on the couch when the kitchen had to be cleaned
• When there is a storm it is better to be at home
• My cousins ​​came when I was leaving
• When you wake up in the morning you call me
• When you see the movie you remember me
• Hang up your clothes when you take them off
• When I was working I heard the door open
• People walked more when there were no cars
• When you know something about the subject, you call me
• You ask when you already know the answer

If you want to read more articles similar to What kind of word is WHEN, we recommend that you enter our category of Grammar and Linguistics.

• MIRANDA PODADERA, L. (1977). Practical spelling of the Spanish language. Madrid: Editorial Hernando.