Grammar PSA

Let me take a moment to provide a public-service announcement:

when·ev·er  /(h)wenˈevər,(h)wəˈnevər/  conjunction:  at whatever time; on whatever occasion (emphasizing a lack of restriction).  “You can ask for help whenever you need it.”  Every time that.  “The springs in the armchair creak whenever I change position.”  Adverb:  used for emphasis instead of “when” in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion.  “Whenever shall we get there?”  Or whenever — or at any time. “If you lay eyes on him, either tonight or tomorrow or whenever, call me right away.”

when  /(h)wen/  adverb:  at what time.  “When did you last see him?”  How soon.  “When can I see you?”  In what circumstances.  “When would such a rule be justifiable?”  At or on which (referring to a time or circumstance). “Saturday is the day when I get my hair done.”  Conjunction:  1. at or during the time that.  “I loved math when I was in school.”  After. “Call me when you’re finished.”  At any time that; whenever. “Can you spare five minutes when it’s convenient?”  2.  after which; and just then (implying suddenness).  “He had just drifted off to sleep when the phone rang.”  3. in view of the fact that; considering that.  “Why bother to paint it when you can photograph it with the same effect?”  4. although; whereas. “I’m saying it now when I should have told you long ago.”

Here are a couple of example sentences of how not to use the word “whenever”:

“Whenever I was in high school, I would go out with my friends on Friday nights.”

“I saw him at the post office whenever I checked my mail on Tuesday” (assuming you only went to check your mail once that day).

This really should be all of the explanation necessary, and yet I get the feeling it will do no good.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments