Here’s a lesson, with a delightful song, to help you remember some words and expressions you can use instead of ‘when’. They are highlighted below in green and blue.
I’m not going to even mention the G word (shhh! … grammar), but if you really must have a (grammar) fix, click on the green and blue links in the song lyrics.
The lyrics for the song, I say a little prayer, (by Burt Bacharach and Hal David) are written under the video, which is my favourite version of the song, from the movie My Best Friend’s Wedding.
After the lyrics, I have provided more examples of words to use instead of ‘when’ with the same or similar meanings.
Song: I Say a Little Prayer
The moment I wake up,
Before I put on my makeup,
I say a little prayer for you.
While combing my hair, now,
And (while) wondering what dress to wear, now,
I say a little prayer for you:
Chorus
Forever, and ever,
You’ll stay in my heart and I will love you.
Forever, and ever,
We never will part; Oh, how I love you.
Together, forever, that’s how it must be.
To live without you
Would only mean heartbreak for me.
I run for the bus, dear.
While riding, I think of us, dear.
I say a little prayer for you.
At work, I just take time,
And all through my coffee break-time,
I say a little prayer for you.
Chorus
My darling, believe me.
For me, there is no one but you.
Please love me too.
Answer my prayer. (Answer his prayer.)
Answer my prayer now babe, oh-oh. (Answer his prayer.)
Chorus
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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Song Lyrics |
More examples
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The moment I wake up, …
The moment you buy a new computer, |
As soon as I wake up, … Immediately after I wake up, … As soon as I saw you, … The last time I saw you, … Immediately after I finish the test, As soon as you buy a new computer, .. Next time you buy a new computer, … |
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While combing my hair, …
While eating my lunch … |
Whenever I comb my hair, … As I comb my hair, … Every time (that)I comb my hair, …
During lunch time, … |
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While riding (the bus), …
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Whenever I ride the bus, … Every time (that) I am on the bus,.. |
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At work, I just take time …
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While working, I just take time… While I’m at work,I just take time.. Whenever I’m at the market, I buy .. |
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All through my coffee break time, …
All through the night, …
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During my coffee break, … Every coffee break, … Whenever I have a coffee break, …
Throughout the night, …
Throughout my childhood, … |
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Mary's English Blog 
This is fabulous ! Great explanations of the different ways we can say when with a great song to show us real English in use 😊
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Thank you Rachel!
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The explanation is clear and perfect. I will use this explanation with my students.
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Thank you Carlos. I’m glad my explanation is useful for you.
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this explanation is easy to undersand, useful!
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Thank you!
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