What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
when
Example
When did you arrive at the party? [when: interrogative adverb]
Example
I was sleeping when the phone rang. [when: subordinating conjunction]
Example
I always feel happy when I see my dog. [when: subordinating conjunction]
as
Example
I work as a teacher. [as: preposition]
Example
As I was walking to the store, it started raining. [as: subordinating conjunction]
Example
She sings as beautifully as a bird. [as: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
When is more commonly used than as in everyday language. When is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while as is less common and has more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between when and as?
Both when and as are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
