Usage of - When

[chetan86]

Hi Experts,

In MGMAT SC guide for the usage of 'when' it is mentioned as below :

The pronoun when can be used to modify a noun event or time, such as period, age, 1987 or decade.

Could you please explain with example how we can use 'when' for noun events?
And also what is 'noun events' and how we can identify it in the sentence.

Thanks

[RonPurewal]

From this context, it seems they're referring to something like this:
I was born in 1975, when Gerald Ford was president.

I.e., "1975" is a noun; it's clear that "1975" is a valid reference for "when".

[chetan86]

Hi Ron,

Thanks a lot for your reply.

I have a question regarding the usage of 'when', used in OG VR2 guide for the questions - #45, #50, #76 and #80.

I am trying to create a sentence, which is structurally similar to SC 76 of OG VR2 guide, because we are not allowed to post the original sentence.

The central government is required to call an all-party meeting to make possible amendment in nuclear policy when formally asked to do so by Supreme Court.

Could you please let me know how WHEN is used here?

Here 'WHEN' is not separated by COMMA and also it is not modifying time.
In the original sentence of OG VR2 SC75 'when' is followed by 'DOCUMENT'.

I know, we can also use WHEN to introduce subordinate clause.
E.g. When you were calling me, I was watching football world cup final match.

In my version of sentence, WHEN is introducing subordinate clause?
--OR--
In my sentence 'WHEN' is used as an essential modifier?
If we are modifying time, age etc., it is used as non-essential modifier and separated by COMMA.
--OR--
It is the VERB MODIFIER, and modifies 'IS REQUIRED'?

I do not have any issue for selecting correct answer when 'WHEN' is modifying time, age, decade, period etc., but I get confused it is not following time etc.

Could you please help me to master the usage of 'WHEN'?
Let me know if there is any flaw in my understanding.

Thanks!!

[RonPurewal]

"When ____" ALWAYS refers to the timeframe of "____".

E.g.,
When you return the goods, your money will be refunded.
If you return the goods, your money will be refunded.


"- The first sentence implies that your money will be refunded immediately when you return the goods. No delay. The refund occurs in the timeframe of the return--that's the point of "when".

"- The second sentence, on the other hand, carries no implication whatsoever about when the money will be given back.
This sentence can be true even if you have to wait months or years to get the money back!

Hopefully, this pair of sentences will give you an adequate understanding. (I honestly don't know any of the grammar terms in your post, so I'll have to pass over those.)

[chetan86]

Thanks a lot for your reply.
Now I have thoroughly understood the usage of WHEN, without you it could not have been possible to master this concept.

Thanks :)

[RonPurewal]

Thanks a lot for your reply.
Now I have thoroughly understood the usage of WHEN, without you it could not have been possible to master this concept.

Thanks :)

You're welcome.

The best way to develop a deeper understanding of usage, though, is not to ask on a forum, but rather to read through lots and lots of examples.
You can use Google to search the internet for examples, and then just read the context to see how the word/phrase/construction is used.

For a really common word like "when", you may want to include a couple of random keywords (e.g., when economic recession Canada). By so doing, you accomplish two things:
1/ If the keywords are (at least somewhat) highbrow topics, you ensure that you'll get (at least somewhat) highbrow websites, which are more likely to be well written and to use correct standard usage.
2/ The random keywords assure you that you won't see an endless procession of, e.g., dictionary pages.

[chetan86]

You're welcome.

The best way to develop a deeper understanding of usage, though, is not to ask on a forum, but rather to read through lots and lots of examples.
You can use Google to search the internet for examples, and then just read the context to see how the word/phrase/construction is used.

For a really common word like "when", you may want to include a couple of random keywords (e.g., when economic recession Canada). By so doing, you accomplish two things:
1/ If the keywords are (at least somewhat) highbrow topics, you ensure that you'll get (at least somewhat) highbrow websites, which are more likely to be well written and to use correct standard usage.
2/ The random keywords assure you that you won't see an endless procession of, e.g., dictionary pages.

Hi Ron,

Thanks a lot for your inputs and suggestions.
I will definitely try to implement the mentioned approach. I am sure, it will help me a lot.

Thanks,
Chetan

[RonPurewal]

Excellent.