whenever

A child can play with the ball whenever the sun is shining.

Definition

1. Adverb & Conjunction:
   • At any time: "whenever" means at any time that something happens or is true.
   • Every time: "whenever" also means on every occasion that something occurs.

Usage Examples

• As an adverb:

  • You may come whenever you like. (You may come at any time you choose.)
  • I am ready to help whenever needed. (I am prepared to help at any time it is required.)

• As a conjunction:

  • Whenever I see it, I think of you. (Every time I see it, I remember you.)
  • She smiles whenever she hears that song. (She smiles on every occasion she hears that song.)

Advanced Usage

• "whenever possible": at any time that it is possible.

  • We try to recycle whenever possible. (We attempt to recycle at every opportunity.)

• "or whenever": used informally to mean at any similar time.

  • We can meet on Monday, Tuesday, or whenever. (We can meet on Monday, Tuesday, or any other suitable time.)

Variants and Related Words

• When (conj & adv): at what time; on which occasion.

  • When did you arrive? (At what time did you arrive?)

• Wherever (conj & adv): at any place; in every place.

  • Sit wherever you like. (Sit at any place you prefer.)

Synonyms

• Anytime: at any point in time.

  • Call me anytime you need help. (Call me at any time you need assistance.)

• Every time: on each occasion.

  • Every time I go there, it rains. (On each occasion I go there, it rains.)

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• When the time comes: at the appropriate moment.

  • I will tell you whenever the time comes. (I will tell you at the appropriate moment.)

• Whenever the mood strikes: at any time one feels inclined.

  • He paints whenever the mood strikes him. (He paints at any time he feels inspired.)