When vs. As — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 2, 2024
"When" emphasizes timing or conditions specific to an event, while "as" suggests simultaneity or a causal relationship.
Difference Between When and As
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Key Differences
"When" typically refers to a specific point or period in time, indicating the timing of an event or action. On the other hand, "as" can denote simultaneity, indicating that two events occur at the same time.
While "when" is more commonly used to highlight a sequence of events or a specific condition, "as" can convey a broader range of meanings, including simultaneity, cause, and manner. This difference is particularly noticeable in sentences where timing and causality are intertwined. "When I saw the news, I called you" implies a sequence of actions triggered by the news, whereas "As I saw the news, I called you" suggests that both actions happened concurrently.
When can introduce a clause that specifies a condition or a point in time, which is essential for the main clause's action to take place. "As," however, might introduce a situation or a background action that occurs along with the main action. This distinction is crucial in understanding the temporal or causal relationships between actions in a sentence.
In literary or poetic contexts, "as" might be used to create a sense of fluidity and ongoing action, enhancing the narrative's descriptiveness. "When," however, might be chosen to punctuate the narrative with specific, impactful moments that drive the plot forward or highlight significant events.
Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Specifies timing or conditions.
Denotes simultaneity or causality.
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Example
When I arrived, the meeting started.
As I arrived, the meeting was starting.
Temporal Relationship
Sequential or conditional.
Concurrent or causal.
Contextual Flexibility
Less flexible, more time-specific.
More flexible, broader use.
Narrative Role
Marks specific points or triggers.
Indicates ongoing action or reason.
Compare with Definitions
When
Introduces a clause that explains the timing of an event.
The game was postponed when the storm hit.
As
Functions as a comparison tool.
She performed as well as her brother.
When
Can signify a change of state or condition.
When you're ready, we can start.
As
Can introduce a role or capacity.
As president, he implemented many changes.
When
Indicates a situation in which something occurs.
I was at home when the power went out.
As
Indicates something happening at the same time as another event.
As the sun sets, the city lights up.
When
Specifies a particular time or condition.
When it rains, the soil absorbs water.
As
Used to describe the manner in which something is done.
As your teacher, I must enforce the rules.
When
Used to question the time of an event.
When are you planning to leave?
As
Introduces a reason or cause.
As it was raining, we stayed indoors.
When
At what time
When will we leave?.
As
Used in comparisons to refer to the extent or degree of something
Go as fast as you can
It tasted like grape juice but not as sweet
When
At the time that
In the spring, when the snow melts.
As
Used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is taking place
Frank watched him as he ambled through the crowd
As she grew older, she kept more to herself
When
As soon as
I'll call you when I get there.
As
Used to indicate by comparison the way that something happens or is done
They can do as they wish
She kissed him goodbye, as usual
When
Whenever
When the wind blows, all the doors rattle.
As
Because; since
I must stop now as I have to go out
When
During the time at which; while
When I was young, I was sick all the time.
As
Even though
Try as he might, he failed to pull it off
Sweet as he is, he doesn't pay his bills
When
Whereas; although
She stopped short when she ought to have continued.
As
Used to refer to the function or character that someone or something has
She got a job as a cook
It came as a shock
When
Considering that; if
How can he get good grades when he won't study?.
As
During the time of being (the thing specified)
He had often been ill as a child
When
The time or date
Have they decided the where and when?.
As
An ancient Roman copper coin.
When
(interrogative) At what time? At which time? Upon which occasion or circumstance? Used to introduce direct or indirect questions about time.
When will they arrive?
Do you know when they arrived?
I don't know when they arrived.
When they arrived is unknown.
As
To the same extent or degree; equally
The child sang as sweetly as a nightingale.
When
At an earlier time and under different, usually less favorable, circumstances.
He's mister high and mighty now, but I remember him when.
As
For instance
Large mammals, as the bear or lion.
When
(relative) At which, on which, during which: often omitted or replaced with that.
That was the day when the Twin Towers fell.
As
When taken into consideration in a specified relation or form
This definition as distinguished from the second one.
When
(fused relative) The time at, on or during which.
I recall when they were called the Greys.
Next year is when we elect a new mayor.
As
To the same degree or quantity that. Often used as a correlative after so or as
You are as sweet as sugar. The situation is not so bad as you suggest.
When
A circumstance or situation in which.
Love is when you can't get enough of someone.
As
In the same manner or way that
Think as I think.
When
At (or as soon as) that time that; at the (or any and every) time that; if.
Pavlov's dogs salivate when [i.e. at any and every time that] they hear a bell.
Put your pencil down when [i.e. as soon as, at the moment that] the timer goes off.
A player wins when [as soon as, or at any time that, if] she has four cards of the same suit.
A student is disqualified when [as soon as, if] they cheat.
As
At the same time that; while
Slipped on the ice as I ran home.
When
During the time that; at the time of the action of the following clause or participle phrase.
They dream when [i.e. during the time that] they sleep.
I'm happiest when [during the time that, or at any time that] I’m working.
It was raining when I came yesterday.
The game is over when the referee says it is.
Be careful when crossing the street.
When (you are) angry, count to ten before speaking or acting.
As
For the reason that; because
Went to bed early, as I was exhausted.
When
At what time; at which time.
I am here till Friday, when [i.e. at which time] I leave for Senegal.
As
With the result that
He was so foolish as to lie.
When
Since; given the fact that; considering that.
I don't see the point of putting up Christmas decorations when I am the only person who is going to see them.
As
Though
Great as the author was, he proved a bad model. Ridiculous as it seems, the tale is true.
When
Whereas; although; at the same time as; in spite of the fact that.
You're picking at your scabs when you should be letting them heal.
He keeps changing things when the existing system works perfectly well.
As
In accordance with which or with the way in which
The hotel is quite comfortable as such establishments go. The sun is hot, as everyone knows.
When
(interrogative) What time; which time.
Since when do I need your permission?
As
(Informal) That
I don't know as I can answer your question.
When
The time at which something happens.
A good article will cover the who, the what, the when, the where, the why and the how.
As
In the role, capacity, or function of
Acting as a mediator.
When
That's enough: a command asking someone to stop adding something, especially an ingredient or portion of food or drink; used in, or as if in, literal response to 'Say when'.
As
In a manner similar to; the same as
On this issue they thought as one.
When
(obsolete) Expressing impatience. what.}}
As
An ancient Roman coin of copper or copper alloy.
When
At what time; - used interrogatively.
When shall these things be?
As
An ancient Roman unit of weight equal to about one troy pound.
When
At what time; at, during, or after the time that; at or just after, the moment that; - used relatively.
Kings mayTake their advantage when and how they list.
Book lore ne'er served, when trial came,Nor gifts, when faith was dead.
As
To such an extent or degree; to the same extent or degree.
You’re not as tall as I am.
It's not as well made, but it's twice as expensive.
When
While; whereas; although; - used in the manner of a conjunction to introduce a dependent adverbial sentence or clause, having a causal, conditional, or adversative relation to the principal proposition; as, he chose to turn highwayman when he might have continued an honest man; he removed the tree when it was the best in the grounds.
As
Considered to be, in relation to something else; in the relation (specified).
When
Which time; then; - used elliptically as a noun.
I was adopted heir by his consent;Since when, his oath is broke.
Come hither; mend my ruff:Here, when! thou art such a tedious lady!
When as sacred light began to dawn.
When that mine eye is famished for a look.
As
(dated) For example; for instance. such as.}}
When
As soon as;
Once we are home, we can rest
As
; very much; extremely
Sweet as
As
In the (same) way or manner that; to the (same) degree that.
Do as I say!
I'm under a lot of pressure, as you know.
As you wish, my lord!
The kidnappers released him as agreed.
As
So or as to introduce a comparison.}}
She's twice as strong as I was two years ago.
It's not so complicated as I expected.
As
With the result that it is.
As
Though.
As
At the time that; during the time when:
As
At the same instant or moment that: when.
As I came in, she fled.
As
At the same time that, during the same time when: while.
He sleeps as the rain falls.
As
Varying through time in the same proportion that.
As my fear grew, so did my legs become heavy.
As she grew older, she grew wiser.
As
Being that, considering that, because, since.
As it’s too late, I quit.
As
(dated) Introducing a comparison with a hypothetical state (+ subjunctive, or with the verb elided): as though, as if.
As
(law) used before a preposition to clarify that the prepositional phrase restricts the meaning of the sentence; specifically.
As
That, which, who. See usage notes.
He had the same problem as she did getting the lock open.
As
Than.
As
In the role of.
What is your opinion as a parent?
He was never seen as the boss, but rather as a friend.
As
By way of
I bought you a new toy as a special treat.
As
(unit of weight) A libra.
As
Any of several coins of Rome, coined in bronze or later copper; or the equivalent value.
As
(rare) a's.
As
Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner; like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree in which or to which; equally; no less than; as, ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap as you sow; do as you are bidden.
His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren.
As
In the idea, character, or condition of, - limiting the view to certain attributes or relations; as, virtue considered as virtue; this actor will appear as Hamlet.
The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man merely as a king.
As
While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he trembled as he spoke.
As I return I will fetch off these justices.
As
Because; since; it being the case that.
As the population of Scotland had been generally trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently prepared.
As
Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in meaning).
We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited.
As
That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence, after the correlatives so and such.
I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall never find thee.
The relations are so uncertain as they require a great deal of examination.
As
As if; as though.
He lies, as he his bliss did know.
As
For instance; by way of example; thus; - used to introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations.
As
Than.
The king was not more forward to bestow favors on them as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors.
As
Expressing a wish.
As
An ace.
As
The chemical symbol for arsenic.
As
A Roman weight, answering to the libra or pound, equal to nearly eleven ounces Troy weight. It was divided into twelve ounces.
As
A Roman copper coin, originally of a pound weight (12 oz.); but reduced, after the first Punic war, to two ounces; in the second Punic war, to one ounce; and afterwards to half an ounce.
As
A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms; arsenic and arsenic compounds are used as herbicides and insecticides and various alloys; found in arsenopyrite and orpiment and realgar
As
A United States territory on the eastern part of the island of Samoa
As
To the same degree (often followed by `as');
They were equally beautiful
Birds were singing and the child sang as sweetly
Sang as sweetly as a nightingale
He is every bit as mean as she is
Common Curiosities
How does "when" emphasize time in a sentence?
"When" specifies a particular moment or condition necessary for another event to occur.
In what way does "as" imply simultaneity?
"As" indicates that two actions or events happen at the same time.
What is the main difference between "when" and "as"?
"When" focuses on timing or conditions, while "as" suggests simultaneity or a causal relationship.
Does "as" have a role in comparisons?
Yes, "as" can be used to make comparisons, indicating similarity in manner or degree.
Can "as" introduce a reason for something happening?
Yes, "as" can introduce a causal relationship, explaining why something occurs.
Can "as" describe the manner of an action?
Yes, "as" often describes the way in which an action is performed or occurs.
Can "when" and "as" be used interchangeably?
In some contexts, they might be used interchangeably, but they often convey different nuances of time or causality.
How does "when" indicate a conditional relationship?
"When" can introduce a condition that must be fulfilled for another event to take place.
Is "when" used in questions?
Yes, "when" is commonly used to ask about the time of an event.
Are there contexts where "when" is preferable to "as"?
Yes, in contexts where the precise timing or a specific condition is crucial, "when" is preferable.
How do "when" and "as" affect the flow of a narrative?
"When" can punctuate a narrative with specific moments, whereas "as" can create a sense of continuity and simultaneity.
What makes "as" suitable for expressing causality?
"As" is suitable for causality because it can succinctly connect a reason or cause with an effect or outcome.
Can "as" function to introduce roles or titles?
Yes, "as" can introduce a person's role, function, or capacity within a particular context.
Is "when" more time-specific than "as"?
Generally, "when" is more specific to timing, while "as" is more versatile and broad in its usage.
How do "when" and "as" contribute to clarity in writing?
They help clarify the relationship between events or actions, whether temporal, causal, or simultaneous.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
