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whenever

conj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //hwɛˈnɛvɝ// UK //wɛnˈɛvɐ// when·ev·er Archaic Dialect General-service Informal

conj. at any time that something happens, or every time it happens. You use it when the exact time does not matter.

conj. at whatever time or on whatever occasion. Functions as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a temporal clause where the specific timing is indefinite or repeated.


SIMPLE

You can call me whenever you want.

CONTEXTUAL

Whenever the local team wins a game, the fans gather in the town square to celebrate until late at night.

COMPLEX

The software is designed to save your progress automatically whenever a change is detected, ensuring that no data is lost in the event of a sudden power failure.

Origin

From Middle English whan evere, whanne ever, whanne evere, whener, when ever; equivalent to when + ever.

Usage

Commonly used to introduce adverbial clauses of time; can also function as a compound relative adverb in certain syntactic structures.

Pitfall

I will call you whenever I will arrive.I will call you whenever I arrive.In clauses introduced by 'whenever' referring to the future, use the present simple tense instead of the future 'will'.

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