When
When is an English interrogative adverb, relative adverb, subordinating conjunction, and pronoun that primarily denotes time, used to ask about the timing of events or to connect clauses indicating simultaneity or sequence in temporal contexts.[1] It functions in questions such as "When did the meeting start?" to seek the specific time of an occurrence, and in statements like "I was eating when the phone rang" to link actions happening at the same moment.[2] As a relative adverb, it introduces clauses specifying time, for example, "the day when we met," while as a conjunction, it can imply conditionality in some cases, though distinct from "if" for certain future events.[3]
The word "when" originates from Old English hwænne or hwanne, a form inherited from Proto-Germanic *hwan(a), which itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *kʷo-, the base for many interrogative and relative pronouns across Indo-European languages, such as "who," "what," and "where."[4] This etymological connection underscores its ancient role in questioning or relating temporal elements, with cognates in modern German (wann for "when" and wenn for "if/when") and other Germanic languages.[5] By the Middle English period (circa 1100–1500), the spelling stabilized as "when," reflecting phonetic shifts from the initial /hw/ sound to /w/, and it has remained a fundamental component of English syntax since.[4]
In contemporary usage, "when" appears across various grammatical constructions, including indirect questions ("I wonder when they will arrive") and exclamatory phrases ("When will this end!"), emphasizing frustration or emphasis on timing.[1] It differs from similar words like "while" (which stresses duration) or "as" (which may imply manner alongside time), and its versatility makes it essential in both formal writing and everyday speech.[3]
Linguistics
Adverbial use
In English grammar, "when" functions as an interrogative adverb to inquire about the time of an event or action, typically positioned at the beginning of a question to elicit a temporal response.[6] For instance, in the simple sentence "When does the meeting start?", it prompts a specific time, such as "at 3 PM," thereby modifying the verb "start" to focus on its temporal aspect.[7] This usage aligns with the broader role of interrogative adverbs like where and why, which similarly seek details on place and reason.[8]
As a relative adverb, "when" introduces a relative clause that specifies or qualifies the time associated with a noun, often replacing more formal prepositional phrases like "on which" or "at which."[9] It creates an adjectival function within the sentence, modifying a temporal antecedent, as in "the day when we met," where the clause "when we met" provides essential details about the noun "day."[10] In complex sentences, this can embed deeper temporal relationships, such as "She recalls the moment when the decision was made, which changed everything," illustrating how "when" links the clause to the main structure while denoting a precise point in time. Relative adverbs like "when" thus enable concise expression of time-bound dependencies without additional prepositions.[11]
The word "when" traces its origins to Old English "hwænne" (also spelled hwanne or hwenne), an interrogative adverb derived from Proto-Germanic *hwan-, which denoted "at what time."[12] This form evolved through Middle English "whanne," retaining its core function in questioning or relativizing time, as seen in early texts where it appeared in both direct inquiries and descriptive clauses.[13] By modern English, the interrogative and relative roles solidified, distinguishing it from its occasional conjunctive uses in temporal subordination.[1]
Conjunction use
In English grammar, "when" functions primarily as a temporal subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause to indicate the time at which the action in the main clause occurs, linking it to simultaneous or sequential events.[14] For instance, in the sentence "Call me when you arrive," the "when" clause specifies the timing of the main action.[15] This structure creates a complex sentence where the dependent clause provides temporal context without standing alone as a complete thought.[16]
The use of "when" distinguishes between general or habitual situations and specific occasions based on tense and context. In habitual cases, it describes repeated or ongoing actions, often akin to zero conditional structures, as in "I smile when I see you," where the action recurs whenever the condition holds.[17] By contrast, for specific occasions, "when" refers to a particular instance, such as "We left when it rained," pinpointing a one-time event.[18] This differentiation relies on verb tenses: present simple for habits and past tenses for unique events.[19]
"When" also appears in conditional-like structures to express future dependencies on time, functioning similarly to "if" but emphasizing inevitability rather than uncertainty, as in "I'll go when you're ready."[19] Here, it signals that the main clause action will follow immediately upon the dependent clause's fulfillment, often in first conditional patterns with present tense in the "when" clause and future in the main clause.[18]
A common error in "when" clauses involves incorrect comma placement, which can alter clarity or create fragments. When the dependent clause precedes the main clause, a comma is required to separate them, as in "When you arrive, call me"; omitting it leads to a run-on.[14] Conversely, no comma is needed if the main clause comes first, such as "Call me when you arrive."[15] Misplacing commas can confuse temporal relationships or grammatical structure.
Journalism
Five Ws
In journalism, the Five Ws framework—comprising Who, What, When, Where, and Why—serves as a foundational checklist for reporters to ensure comprehensive coverage of essential story elements, particularly in the lead paragraph of news articles. This approach traces its literary inspiration to Rudyard Kipling's 1902 collection Just So Stories, specifically the poem in "The Elephant's Child," where he describes "six honest serving-men" named What, Why, When, How, Where, and Who as tools for inquiry and understanding.[20] Although Kipling's verse predates its formal adoption in newsrooms, the Five Ws (often expanded to include How) became a staple of journalistic practice by the early 20th century, emphasizing efficient information delivery amid emerging technologies like the telegraph.[21]
The "When" question specifically addresses the temporal aspects of an event, prompting reporters to detail its timing, duration, sequence, and any ongoing implications to provide context and urgency for readers. In news reporting, this element helps establish whether an incident occurred in the past, is unfolding in real time, or projects future relevance, ensuring stories are anchored in chronological accuracy. For instance, in covering a natural disaster, "When" might specify the exact hour of onset, the duration of impacts, and recovery timelines to convey the event's immediacy and scope.[22]
Historically, the integration of the Five Ws, including "When," evolved in journalism education from practical 20th-century newsroom training to structured curricula, aligning with the inverted pyramid style that prioritizes key facts at the story's outset for quick readability and editability. This method gained prominence in the mid-19th century due to telegraph limitations, which required concise transmission of vital details first, but it was formalized in educational settings by the 1920s as journalism schools emphasized objective, fact-driven reporting.[23] Today, "When" remains crucial in digital journalism, where real-time updates demand precise temporal reporting to combat misinformation. In crime reporting, "When" establishes the incident's date and time to aid investigations and public awareness.
In some journalistic frameworks, the core Five Ws are expanded to include "How" as a sixth element, creating the 5 Ws and 1 H structure to offer a fuller account of events by addressing the manner or process involved. This extension draws from Rudyard Kipling's six honest serving-men—Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How—adapted into journalism for structured storytelling. The "When" question frequently pairs with "How" to build comprehensive timelines, combining temporal details with explanations of sequences and mechanisms to help readers understand event progression beyond mere occurrence.[22][24]
In investigative reporting, "When" serves as a key tool for probing causal chains and establishing precise sequences, particularly in specialized fields like health journalism. Such temporal inquiries uncover hidden patterns, such as the origins of health crises, and hold institutions accountable by linking timing to systemic failures.
The role of "When" has evolved significantly in digital journalism, where real-time updates demand immediate temporal framing to contextualize unfolding stories. On social media platforms, journalists use "When" to anchor timelines through timestamped posts and live threads, enabling audiences to follow event chronologies as they develop, such as during crises or elections. This shift from static print to dynamic digital formats emphasizes "When" for verifying sequences and combating misinformation in fast-evolving narratives.[25][26]
A prominent case study illustrating "When"'s application in historical events is the Watergate scandal coverage in the 1970s, where the question "What did the president know, and when did he know it?"—raised by Senator Howard Baker during Senate Watergate Committee hearings—proved instrumental in dissecting the timeline of the Nixon administration's involvement. This inquiry shifted focus from isolated acts to the sequence of knowledge and actions, ultimately clarifying the cover-up's progression and contributing to President Nixon's resignation in 1974. The emphasis on "When" in Watergate reporting underscored its power in investigative journalism to reveal accountability through temporal evidence.[27][28]
Radio stations
WHEN (AM), broadcasting at 620 kHz from Syracuse, New York, was established in 1941 as WAGE with a full-service format featuring news, sports, music, and ABC network programming during the big band era.[29] In 1954, Meredith Corporation acquired the station and changed its call letters to WHEN to match its existing television operations, shifting its affiliation to CBS Radio while maintaining a mix of music, news, and talk.[30] The station operates at 5,000 watts daytime and 1,000 watts nighttime power under a Class B license, providing coverage across Central New York within a roughly 50-mile radius.[31] As of November 2025, WHEN airs an urban adult contemporary format known as "Power 620," focusing on R&B and old-school hits, and is owned by iHeartMedia.[32]
The companion FM station at 107.9 MHz, originally launched in 1956 as WOLF-FM with a simulcast of its AM counterpart, adopted the WHEN-FM call sign in 1993 amid format experiments in adult contemporary and talk during the 1990s ownership transitions. Following sales including to Park Broadcasting in 1977 and later to entities that became iHeartMedia, the station evolved from big band and middle-of-the-road programming in its early years to rhythmic contemporary as WWHT "Hot 107.9," airing current hits in pop and urban music.[33]
Television stations
WTVH (channel 5) is a CBS-affiliated television station licensed to Syracuse, New York, United States, owned by WTVH Licensee, LLC, a subsidiary of Granite Broadcasting Corporation, and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group under a local marketing agreement. The station signed on the air as WHEN-TV on December 1, 1948, marking the debut of the first television broadcast in Syracuse and Central New York from studios on lower Court Street. Originally operating on VHF channel 8 as an analog signal, it relocated to channel 5 on September 9, 1962, following a frequency swap with WNYS-TV (channel 9) to improve signal coverage and comply with FCC channel allocations. The call letters changed to WTVH in 1976 after the sale of co-owned radio station WHEN-AM, in accordance with FCC policy separating common call sign usage.
From its inception, WHEN-TV served as a primary CBS affiliate, a relationship that continues today with WTVH broadcasting CBS network programming alongside syndicated content and local insertions. In the station's formative years, programming emphasized local productions, including variety shows and community-focused content typical of 1950s broadcast television, such as live performances and regional entertainment to build audience familiarity in the nascent medium. By the mid-20th century, the schedule evolved to incorporate more network fare, while maintaining in-house news and public affairs segments; however, in March 2009, WTVH discontinued its independent news operation after 60 years, entering a shared services agreement with NBC affiliate WSTM-TV (channel 3), resulting in unified newscasts under the CNY Central banner simulcast across both stations.
Technically, WTVH transitioned from analog to digital broadcasting on June 12, 2009, aligning with the nationwide DTV switchover, and its digital signal operates on UHF channel 18 while mapping to virtual channel 5. High-definition programming, including local news in HD, was introduced in 2010 following upgrades to studio facilities and transmission equipment post-merger, enhancing visual quality for viewers in the Syracuse market. The station's subchannels currently include CBS on 5.1, Charge! on 5.2, and TBD on 5.3.
WTVH has played a key role in covering significant local events, providing live reports and community updates during disasters such as the Blizzard of 1966, the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing aftermath, the 1998 Labor Day Storm, and the 2010 Central New York floods that caused widespread inundation and evacuations in the region. These efforts underscore the station's commitment to public service, often coordinating with emergency authorities for real-time information dissemination.
Music
Artists and labels
When is the solo musical project of Norwegian artist Lars Pedersen, born in 1961 in Oslo, who began recording under the name Hospital Blimp in 1983 before adopting the moniker When.[34] The project spans genres including psychedelic rock, noise, experimental, and electronic music, with Pedersen handling most instrumentation, composition, and production himself.[35] Active from the 1980s to the present, with releases continuing into the 2020s, When contributed to Norway's underground experimental scene through releases on labels like ReR Megacorp and Jester Records.[35]
Pedersen's discography includes early works such as the 1987 album Drowning But Learning and the 1992 release The Black Death, which blend noise, percussion, and atmospheric elements.[34] His 1993 album When 1 marked a shift toward more structured experimental compositions, incorporating keyboards, sampling, and ambient textures.[35] Later efforts, like the 2001 album The Anatomy of a Point, further explored avant-garde and electronic soundscapes.[34]
When! Records was a British independent record label that released Rob Overseer's album Wreckage in the UK in 2003.[36]
Both When and When! Records played roles in Europe's niche electronic and IDM (intelligent dance music) landscapes, influencing ambient and club subcultures through innovative sound design and genre experimentation.[35][36] Pedersen's work helped establish Norway's reputation for avant-garde electronica, while the label contributed to the vitality of UK breakbeat by providing a platform for raw, dancefloor-oriented releases during the early 2000s electronic boom.[36]
Albums
Fiona Apple's second studio album, When the Pawn..., released on November 9, 1999, by Epic Records, stands out as a prominent entry among recordings titled with variations of "When." The full title, a 90-word poem penned by Apple herself—"When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts and He's Having a Slice of King Cake, He Enters at the Removal, Announcement and the Big News Will Fold"—serves as both an artistic statement and a record for the longest album title at the time, spanning 444 characters.[37][38] This alternative rock effort, produced in collaboration with Jon Brion, explores themes of love, vulnerability, and emotional turmoil through Apple's intricate songwriting and piano-driven arrangements.[39] The album debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 103,000 copies in its first week, and has since been certified gold by the RIAA.[40]
Clocking in at 45 minutes and 37 seconds, When the Pawn... features 10 tracks that blend jazz influences, orchestral elements, and raw vocal delivery. Key production notes include Brion's contributions on guitar, bass, and drums, which add layers of texture to Apple's compositions, recorded primarily at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.[41] The track listing is as follows:
| Track | Title | Length |
|---|
| 1 | On the Bound | 5:22 |
| 2 | To Your Love | 3:40 |
| 3 | Limp | 3:29 |
| 4 | Love Ridden | 3:22 |
| 5 | Paper Bag | 3:39 |
| 6 | A Mistake | 4:18 |
| 7 | Fast as You Can | 4:37 |
| 8 | The Way Things Are | 5:08 |
| 9 | Get Gone | 4:08 |
| 10 | I Know | 5:04 |
Songs
One prominent song titled "When I Was Your Man" is a pop ballad by Bruno Mars, released in 2012 as the third single from his album Unorthodox Jukebox. The track, which features introspective lyrics about regret in a failed relationship, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week in April 2013, marking Mars's fifth number-one hit on the ranking. It also earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014.[43]
Another notable track, "when the party's over," is an alternative song by Billie Eilish, released in 2018 as part of her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. Characterized by its emotional minimalism, layered vocals, and themes of self-sacrifice in toxic relationships, the song peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 2019 after re-entering the chart. It also reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart.[44][45]
In the country genre, "Remember When" by Alan Jackson, released in 2003 from his compilation album Greatest Hits Volume II, reflects on life's milestones in a relationship through nostalgic storytelling. The ballad topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for two weeks in early 2004 and reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.[46][47]
Adele's "When We Were Young," a soulful ballad from her 2015 album 25, explores reminiscence and the passage of time in love, co-written by Adele and Tobias Jesso Jr. Released as the second single, it peaked at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart in 2016, becoming one of her seven top-10 hits in her home country.[48]
Film and television
Feature films
Several feature films bear the title "When," typically leveraging the word's implication of temporality or contingency to drive narratives centered on pivotal life moments, fate, or supernatural interventions.
"When in Rome" is a 2010 American romantic comedy directed by Mark Steven Johnson.[49] The film stars Kristen Bell as Beth, an ambitious New Yorker unlucky in love who travels to Rome for her sister's wedding and impulsively steals coins from a magical wishing fountain, causing four enchanted suitors—including one played by Josh Duhamel—to pursue her back in New York.[50] This premise explores themes of serendipity and romantic destiny, blending humor with light fantasy elements. The movie grossed approximately $43 million worldwide.[51]
"When Evil Lurks," released in 2023, is an Argentine supernatural horror film written and directed by Demián Rugna.[52] It follows two brothers in a rural town who discover a man possessed by a demon-rotting entity, triggering a viral outbreak of evil that forces them to flee with their families while confronting escalating possessions and moral dilemmas. The film delves into themes of contagion and inevitable doom, emphasizing the inescapability of malevolent forces once unleashed. It world-premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in the Midnight Madness section and holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on critic reviews.[53][52]
Another notable entry is the 2024 French drama "When Fall Is Coming," directed by François Ozon.[54] Starring Hélène Vincent as retiree Michelle in rural Burgundy, the story unfolds when a mix-up disrupts her plans to host her grandson for All Saints' Day; instead, she receives her friend Marie-Claude's recently paroled son, sparking tensions, revelations, and emotional unraveling within their isolated community.[55] This character-driven piece examines family secrets, guilt, and the fragility of later-life relationships against an autumnal backdrop symbolizing decline. It earned a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and grossed about $7 million globally, with strong performance in France.[56]
The 2006 psychological thriller "When a Stranger Calls," a remake directed by Simon West, stars Camilla Belle as Jill, a babysitter terrorized by anonymous phone calls that escalate into a home invasion threat.[57] Drawing from the urban legend of prank calls turning deadly, the film builds suspense around isolation and vulnerability during a single night, later connecting to the caller's past crimes.[58] It focuses on the harrowing "when" of impending danger, grossing $48 million domestically.[59]
"When We First Met," a 2018 Netflix original romantic comedy directed by Ari Sandel and written by John Whittington, stars Adam Devine as Noah, who uses a photo booth's magical properties to time-loop back to the night he met his crush Avery (Alexandra Daddario), attempting to alter events for a better romantic outcome.[60] Produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision and MXN Entertainment, it explores themes of regret and second chances through lighthearted, episodic-style humor, receiving mixed reviews with a 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its familiar premise but engaging performances.[61] Released directly to Netflix on February 9, 2018, the film highlights the platform's role in blending cinematic and televisual content, amassing over 56,000 user ratings on IMDb with an average score of 6.4/10.[60]
Across these films, the title "When" recurrently evokes temporal thresholds—such as romantic awakenings, demonic incursions, familial reckonings, or nights of peril—highlighting narrative turning points where ordinary lives intersect with extraordinary fate.[55][62]
Television productions
"When Calls the Heart" is a long-running American period drama television series that premiered on the Hallmark Channel on January 11, 2014.[63] Created by Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird, the show is adapted from Janette Oke's Canadian West book series and follows Elizabeth Thatcher, a young teacher from a wealthy family who relocates to the frontier town of Hope Valley in the early 1900s, where she navigates romance, community challenges, and personal growth.[64] Starring Erin Krakow in the lead role, alongside Pascale Hutton and Jack Wagner, the series emphasizes themes of faith, perseverance, and small-town life, airing primarily on cable television but also available for streaming on platforms like Netflix and Hallmark+.[65] As of the conclusion of Season 12 in March 2025, it has produced 131 episodes across 12 seasons, making it one of Hallmark's flagship original series; it was renewed for a 13th season of 12 episodes, with filming wrapping in October 2025 and premiere planned for 2026.[66]
The production blends network television storytelling with serialized episodic formats, typically featuring 42-minute episodes that resolve weekly arcs while advancing overarching narratives. Filmed in British Columbia, Canada, to evoke the Western frontier setting, the series has maintained consistent production under Crown Media Family Networks, with seasons renewing based on strong viewer engagement.[63] Season 11 averaged 1.91 million total viewers per episode, achieving a 0.13 rating in the 18-49 demographic, while Season 12 became the year's most-watched entertainment cable program year-to-date as of March 2025 among households, women 18+, persons 18+, and total viewers, underscoring its appeal to family audiences.[67][68] This reception has contributed to its status as a cornerstone of Hallmark's programming, often drawing over 1 million viewers per episode and fostering a dedicated fanbase through annual "Hope Valley" events and merchandise.[68]
Literature
Books
"When You Reach Me" is a young adult science fiction mystery novel written by Rebecca Stead and published in 2009 by Wendy Lamb Books, an imprint of Random House.[69] The story follows sixth-grader Miranda Sinclair in 1970s New York City as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict future events, weaving elements of time travel and friendship amid everyday challenges like her parents' divorce and a neighborhood incident.[70] The book won the 2010 Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, as well as the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for fiction. Stead's narrative draws inspiration from Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time," emphasizing themes of temporal reflection through its exploration of how past actions influence the present.[70]
In the non-fiction realm, "When I Was a Child I Read Books: Essays" by Marilynne Robinson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author for her novel "Gilead," was published on March 13, 2012, by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.[71] This collection of essays reflects on literature, faith, democracy, and human perception, drawing from Robinson's personal experiences and intellectual pursuits to argue for the enduring value of reading in shaping moral and cultural understanding.[71] The work critiques modern anxieties while advocating for a renewed appreciation of classical texts and theological inquiry, aligning with broader themes of temporal reflection on personal and societal evolution.
Historical fiction titled "When the World Fell Silent" by Donna Jones Alward, published in 2024 by HarperCollins, centers on the 1917 Halifax Explosion, one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history, which devastated the Nova Scotia port city during World War I. The novel follows two women—a aspiring journalist and a young mother—whose lives intersect amid the catastrophe's aftermath, exploring resilience, loss, and redemption through narratives of survival and community rebuilding.[72] Alward's story highlights crisis narratives, portraying how a single moment of destruction forces characters to confront temporal disruptions in their personal histories.[73]
"When Colleges Close: Leading in a Time of Crisis," co-authored by Mary L. Churchill and David J. Chard and published in 2021 by Johns Hopkins University Press, examines the challenges of higher education institutions facing financial distress through the lens of Wheelock College's 2018 merger with Boston University.[74] Drawing on the authors' experiences as Wheelock's former president and vice president for academic affairs, the book provides a policy-oriented guide to institutional closures and mergers, emphasizing ethical leadership, stakeholder communication, and preservation of academic missions during crises.[74] It addresses broader education policy implications, such as demographic shifts and funding pressures, while underscoring themes of crisis narratives in organizational transformation.[75]
Across these works, common motifs of temporal reflection—such as revisiting past events to inform the future—and crisis narratives emerge, illustrating how the title "When" evokes pivotal moments of change in personal, historical, and institutional contexts.[76][71][74]
Short stories and essays
One notable short story titled "When" in the science fiction genre is H. Beam Piper's "When in the Course," a posthumously published work that explores themes of interstellar diplomacy and temporal continuity within his expansive Terro-Human Future History series.[77] First appearing in the 1981 anthology Federation, edited by John F. Carr and Jerry Pournelle, the story depicts a future where humanity navigates alliances across galaxies, reflecting on the long-term consequences of historical decisions in a manner reminiscent of Ray Bradbury's contemplative examinations of time and human fate in works like "A Sound of Thunder."[78] Piper's narrative emphasizes the brevity of individual actions against vast cosmic timescales, a stylistic choice that underscores the form's ability to condense expansive speculative concepts into a compact framework.[79]
In the realm of essays and memoiristic short forms, "When I Was Eight" by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton stands out as a poignant children's memoir excerpt addressing Indigenous experiences in Canada's residential school system.[80] Published in 2013 by Annick Press and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, the piece draws from Pokiak-Fenton's personal history as an Inuvialuit survivor, detailing her determination to learn to read despite cultural suppression and abuse at age eight.[81] This work, adapted from the longer memoir Fatty Legs, highlights themes of resilience and cultural erasure in Indigenous education, using a concise, accessible narrative to educate young readers on historical injustices while maintaining emotional depth through vivid, personal anecdotes.[82]
Contemporary short fiction titled with "When" often appears in prestigious periodicals, exemplifying the genre's emphasis on economy and precision. Ottessa Moshfegh's "When Stars Collide," a flash fiction piece published in The New Yorker in 2023, captures interpersonal tension and fleeting cosmic metaphors in under 1,000 words, showcasing how the short form amplifies subtle emotional shifts through sparse, evocative prose.[83] Such publications in outlets like The New Yorker underscore the critical value of brevity, where every sentence propels the narrative toward revelation, allowing authors to dissect human vulnerabilities without expansive backstory.[84] This approach aligns with broader literary analysis of short forms, prioritizing intensity over length to evoke profound reflections on time, memory, and identity.[85]
Other uses
Computing and technology
In programming languages, the keyword "when" is commonly used in conditional constructs to specify actions based on evaluated conditions. In Common Lisp, a dialect of Lisp, the when macro provides a concise way to execute a sequence of forms if a given condition is true, without an else branch, enhancing readability for simple if-then logic. This macro, part of the ANSI Common Lisp standard since 1994, expands at compile time to an if expression, allowing for efficient conditional execution in functional programming paradigms.
For example, in Common Lisp:
lisp
(when (> x 0)
(print "Positive value")
(incf x))
(when (> x 0)
(print "Positive value")
(incf x))
This code prints a message and increments x only if x is greater than zero.
In database query languages like SQL, "when" appears in the CASE expression, standardized in SQL-92, to perform conditional logic within SELECT, UPDATE, or other statements. The syntax evaluates conditions sequentially, returning a value from the matching WHEN clause's THEN branch, or an ELSE if none match. In PL/SQL, Oracle's procedural extension to SQL, this extends to control structures like searched CASE statements for branching in stored procedures and triggers.[86]
An example SQL CASE statement:
sql
SELECT employee_id,
CASE
WHEN salary > 50000 THEN 'High'
WHEN salary BETWEEN 30000 AND 50000 THEN 'Medium'
ELSE 'Low'
END AS salary_level
FROM employees;
SELECT employee_id,
CASE
WHEN salary > 50000 THEN 'High'
WHEN salary BETWEEN 30000 AND 50000 THEN 'Medium'
ELSE 'Low'
END AS salary_level
FROM employees;
This classifies employee salaries into categories based on thresholds.[87]
In COBOL, the EVALUATE statement, introduced in COBOL-85 and refined in later standards like COBOL II in the mid-1980s, uses WHEN clauses to handle multi-way branching similar to a switch statement, evaluating one or more subjects against multiple conditions.[88] It replaces nested IF statements for complex conditionals in business-oriented applications.[89]
Example in COBOL:
EVALUATE TRUE
WHEN WS-CODE = 'A'
PERFORM PROCESS-A
WHEN WS-CODE = 'B'
PERFORM PROCESS-B
WHEN OTHER
DISPLAY 'Invalid code'
END-EVALUATE.
EVALUATE TRUE
WHEN WS-CODE = 'A'
PERFORM PROCESS-A
WHEN WS-CODE = 'B'
PERFORM PROCESS-B
WHEN OTHER
DISPLAY 'Invalid code'
END-EVALUATE.
This executes different procedures based on the value of WS-CODE.[88]
In event-driven and asynchronous programming, particularly in JavaScript, the term "when" is used in promise libraries to handle timing and chaining of operations. The when.js library, a Promises/A+ compliant implementation released around 2010, provides a when() function that resolves promises and integrates with deferred operations, facilitating non-blocking code in web applications before native ES6 Promises in 2015.[90] It allows developers to sequence async tasks, such as API calls, with a fluent API.
For instance, using when.js:
javascript
when(fetchData())
.then(processData)
.otherwise(handleError)
.done(displayResult);
when(fetchData())
.then(processData)
.otherwise(handleError)
.done(displayResult);
This chains a data fetch, processing, error handling, and final display only when each prior step completes successfully.[90]
Places and events
Nimbo When is a small populated place in Nimba County, Liberia, located at approximately 6°12′N 8°47′W, serving as a locality within the Tappita District.[91] It is situated in a rural area characterized by low population density, typical of many settlements in the region, with no specific census data available for the locality itself, though Nimba County as a whole had a population of 621,841 in the 2022 Liberian census.[92] The area is part of Liberia's northeastern interior, known for its historical ties to indigenous communities and natural resource extraction.
The Women's Higher Education Network (WHEN) organizes annual conferences focused on advancing gender equality and leadership opportunities for women in higher education. The 2025 edition, titled "Be Bold," was held on June 26 in Manchester, United Kingdom, featuring sessions on professional development, networking, and policy discussions.[93] Similarly, the "When Life Hands You Teenagers" conference addresses mental health challenges for adults supporting adolescents, offering workshops and resources led by experts in youth psychology and education. The 2025 edition was held on September 4 in Plano, Texas.[94] These events highlight "When" as a thematic element in gatherings centered on timing, transition, and personal growth.
When I Work is a digital platform branded as "When," providing employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools for businesses, emphasizing efficient workforce management since its launch.[95] Although not tied to a specific location or event, it represents a notable use of the term in productivity software, with features integrated into mobile apps for real-time coordination.