When and If (J8A)
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EN: The subordinating conjunction 'when' is used to introduce an adverbial clause of time, indicating that the action in the main clause happens at the same time or immediately after the action in the dependent clause. In zero conditional sentences (expressing general truths or habits), present simple tense is used in both clauses.
When the sun sets, it gets dark.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'and' is used to connect two verbs ('stay' and 'read') that share the same subject ('I'). This avoids repeating the subject and creates a smooth, parallel structure.
EN: The First Conditional is used to talk about possibilities in the present or in the future. The structure is 'If + simple present, will + base verb'. It expresses a real or likely situation and its probable result.
If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
EN: The adverb 'hard' is used here to modify the verb 'study', meaning with great energy or effort. Note that 'hard' is both an adjective and an adverb; 'hardly' has a completely different meaning (scarcely/almost not).
EN: In English-speaking cultures, this phrase reflects a strong belief in meritocracy and the growth mindset—the idea that individual effort and hard work directly lead to success and positive outcomes.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a concession clause, showing a contrast between two ideas. In English, we do not use 'but' in the main clause when 'although' is used.
Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
EN: The simple past tense is used to describe completed actions or states in the past. Here, 'was' is the past tense of 'is', and 'went' is the irregular past tense of 'go'.
We went to the park yesterday.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a dependent clause (adverbial clause of reason) that explains the cause of the action or state in the main clause. In English, we do not use 'so' in the main clause when 'because' is used.
She stayed home because it was raining.
EN: The Simple Past Tense is used to describe completed actions or states in the past. Here, 'was' is the past tense of the linking verb 'be', and 'won' is the irregular past tense of the verb 'win'.
They were excited because they saw a movie.
EN: In English-speaking countries, sports and matches (such as football, rugby, or soccer) are a significant part of social life and school culture. Winning a match is a common source of pride and community celebration.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'when' is used to introduce an adverbial clause of time, indicating that one action happens immediately after or at the same time as another. In present tense general truths or routines, both clauses use the simple present tense.
When the sun rises, the birds start singing.
EN: Subject-Verb Agreement with singular nouns: In the simple present tense, when the subject is a singular noun (e.g., 'the bell'), the verb must take the third-person singular form (e.g., 'rings' with an '-s').
The train arrives at six o'clock.
EN: In many English-speaking schools, a physical or electronic bell is used to signal the transition between class periods. Students are expected to pack up and move to their next classroom immediately when the bell rings.
EN: The first conditional structure using 'if' is used to talk about real and possible situations. In this sentence, 'If you are tired' is the conditional clause (present simple), and 'you should rest' is the main clause expressing advice.
If you are hungry, you can eat an apple.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to give advice, recommendations, or suggestions. It is followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive without 'to').
You should sleep early tonight.
EN: The conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a subordinate clause of concession, showing a contrast with the main clause. Note that in English, we do not use 'but' in the main clause when 'although' is used.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
EN: The adverb 'very' is an intensifier used before adjectives (like 'smart') to emphasize the degree of the quality.
He is very kind to everyone.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'when' is used to introduce an adverbial clause of time, indicating that the action in the main clause happens at the same time as or immediately after the event in the dependent clause.
I wear sunglasses when the sun is bright.
EN: The simple present tense is used here to describe a habitual action or a general truth. In this sentence, both the main clause ('I bring') and the time clause ('the weather is cold') use the simple present to show a regular routine.
She drinks water when she feels thirsty.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a dependent clause that states the reason for an action. In English, when the 'because' clause comes first, it is separated from the main clause by a comma. Unlike in Chinese, we do not use 'so' (所以) in the main clause when 'because' (因為) is already used.
Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
EN: The simple past tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. Here, 'was' is the past tense of the be-verb 'is/am', and 'took' is the irregular past tense form of the verb 'take'.
She took a bus to work yesterday.
EN: The First Conditional is used to talk about possibilities in the present or in the future. It uses the structure: 'If + Simple Present, will/can/may + Verb'.
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used here to express ability or possibility in the future, indicating that catching the train is a possible outcome if the condition is met.
If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
EN: Adverbial clauses of time introduced by 'when'. In this structure, 'when' is a subordinating conjunction used to indicate that the action in the main clause happens at the same time as or immediately after the action in the dependent clause. When the 'when' clause comes first, it is separated from the main clause by a comma.
When the bell rings, the students leave the classroom.
EN: The Simple Present Tense for habitual actions or general truths. Both 'comes' and 'go' are in the simple present tense to describe a regular, repeating routine that happens every summer.
When winter comes, they go skiing in the mountains.
EN: Going to the beach is a classic summer activity in many English-speaking countries, often associated with family vacations, road trips, and relaxation during the warmest months of the year.
EN: The conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a subordinate clause of concession, showing a contrast between two ideas. In English, we do not use 'but' in the main clause when 'although' is used.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
EN: The idiom 'try one's best' means to make the greatest effort possible. The possessive adjective (my, your, his, her, etc.) must agree with the subject.
She tried her best to pass the driving test.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, emphasizing individual effort ('trying one's best') is highly valued, often more so than the final outcome or score. It reflects a growth mindset.
EN: Adverbial clauses of time introduced by 'when' are used to indicate that one action happens at the same time as, or immediately after, another. In present-tense general statements, both the 'when' clause and the main clause use the simple present tense.
When the bell rings, the students enter the classroom.
EN: The simple present tense is used here to describe a habitual action or a general truth. Note the subject-verb agreement: 'the weekend' is singular, so the verb 'come' takes the third-person singular ending '-s' (comes). Similarly, 'my family' is treated as a singular collective unit here, so it takes the singular verb 'makes'.
When spring arrives, the flowers bloom.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'the weekend' (Saturday and Sunday) is highly valued as personal/family time. 'Making simple plans' reflects a common lifestyle preference for relaxing, low-stress activities (like hiking, picnics, or movie nights) rather than busy or expensive schedules.
EN: The Zero Conditional is used to talk about general truths, habits, or scientific facts. It uses the structure: 'If + Simple Present, Simple Present'. It indicates that every time the condition is met, the result automatically follows.
If you heat ice, it melts.
EN: The expression 'go + verb-ing' is commonly used to describe recreational activities or sports, especially those done outdoors (e.g., go hiking, go swimming, go shopping).
We often go camping in the summer.
EN: The conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a subordinate clause of concession, showing a contrast between two ideas. Unlike in Chinese, where 'although' (雖然) and 'but' (但是) are often used together, in English, 'although' and 'but' cannot be used in the same sentence. If you start with 'although', do not use 'but' in the main clause.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
EN: The adverb 'always' is an adverb of frequency. It is typically placed before the main verb (like 'enjoy') but after the auxiliary verb or the verb 'be'.
She always drinks coffee in the morning.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a clause that gives the reason for something. In English, 'because' is placed directly before the reason clause, and unlike in Chinese, we do not use 'so' (所以) in the main clause when 'because' is present.
We stayed indoors because it was raining.
EN: 'Lots of' is an informal determiner meaning 'a large number or amount of'. It can be used with both countable nouns (like 'books') and uncountable nouns (like 'water').
She has lots of friends in London.
EN: In English, when describing hot or intense sunny weather, we often say 'the sun is strong' rather than 'the sun is big'. Using 'strong' emphasizes the intensity of the heat and UV rays.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'when' is used to introduce an adverbial clause of time, which establishes the condition or time under which the action in the main clause occurs. When the 'when'-clause comes first, it is typically separated from the main clause by a comma.
When the bell rings, the students leave the classroom.
EN: The verb 'feel' is a linking verb (copula) that is followed by an adjective (like 'tired') to describe the subject's state or emotion, rather than an adverb.
She feels happy about her test results.
EN: The First Conditional (If + Present Simple, Present Simple/Will) is used here to express a general truth or a real/possible situation. In this sentence, both clauses use the present simple tense to show a habitual action or automatic result: whenever condition A happens, action B follows.
If you heat ice, it melts.
EN: The reciprocal pronoun 'each other' is used to show that two or more people do the same thing to one another. It functions as the object of the verb 'help'.
We should always support each other.
EN: The conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a subordinate clause of concession, showing a contrast with the main clause. Note that in English, we do not use 'but' in the main clause when 'although' is used.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
EN: The phrase 'get lost' is an idiomatic expression meaning to lose one's way. 'Get' acts as a linking verb followed by the past participle 'lost' functioning as an adjective.
We got lost in the big city.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a dependent clause (adverbial clause of reason) that explains the cause of the action in the main clause. When the 'because' clause comes first, it is followed by a comma.
Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.
EN: Adverbs of frequency, such as 'usually', describe how often an action occurs. They are typically placed after the 'be' verb (am/is/are/was/were) but before main verbs.
He is usually on time for meetings.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'when' is used to introduce an adverbial clause of time, indicating that the action in the main clause happens at the same time as or immediately after the action in the dependent clause.
When the bell rings, the students leave the classroom.
EN: The verb 'feel' is a linking verb (copular verb) that is followed by adjectives ('tired', 'happy') to describe the state or emotion of the subject.
She feels excited about her new job.
EN: The use of 'when' to introduce an adverbial clause of time. In this structure, 'when' indicates the time at which the action in the main clause occurs. When the 'when' clause comes second, no comma is needed before it.
I listen to music when I feel stressed.
EN: The simple present tense is used in both the main clause ('do you do') and the subordinate clause ('it rains') to talk about habitual actions, routines, or general truths.
What do you eat when you visit Japan?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, asking about rainy day activities is a common, friendly way to start a casual conversation or small talk, as weather is a universally shared and neutral topic.
EN: Adverbial clauses of time introduced by 'when' are used to indicate that two actions happen at the same time or one after another. In present-tense general truths or habits, both the dependent clause (with 'when') and the main clause use the simple present tense.
When the sun rises, the birds sing.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to connect two words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank, representing a choice or alternative between them (in this case, the verbs 'read' and 'draw').
You can walk or take a bus to the museum.
EN: First Conditional: Used to talk about possibilities in the present or in the future. The structure is 'If + simple present, will + base verb'.
If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
EN: Adverb 'early': Used here as an adverb modifying the verb 'finish' to indicate completing an action before the usual or expected time.
She arrived early to get a good seat.
EN: The conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a concession clause, showing a contrast between two ideas. In English, we do not use 'but' in the main clause when 'although' is used at the beginning of the sentence.
Although it was raining, we enjoyed our walk.
EN: The phrase 'make time for' means to proactively find or create time in one's busy schedule to do something or spend time with someone.
She always makes time for her family on weekends.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, maintaining a balance between work/study and social life (often referred to as 'work-life balance') is highly valued. Actively 'making time' for friends despite a busy schedule is seen as a sign of strong relationship commitment and emotional maturity.
EN: Linking Verbs (Copular Verbs): 'Feel' is used as a linking verb here, which connects the subject 'I' to the subject complement adjective 'calm' to describe the subject's state of mind.
She feels happy when she listens to music.
EN: Adverbial Clause of Reason: The conjunction 'because' introduces a subordinate clause ('because my friends support me') that explains the reason for the action or state in the main clause.
We stayed indoors because it was raining heavily.
EN: Adverbial clauses of time introduced by 'when'. In English, when the 'when' clause comes first, it is separated from the main clause by a comma. It sets the condition or time frame for the action in the main clause.
When you arrive at the station, give me a call.
EN: Imperative sentences used for giving instructions or offers. An imperative sentence starts directly with the base form of the verb (here, 'call'). The adverb 'just' is often added before the verb to make the request sound more casual, friendly, or to emphasize that the action is simple to do.
If you have any questions, just ask me.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, offering help with 'just call me' or 'let me know if you need anything' is a very common social convention. While it is always warm and friendly, depending on the closeness of the relationship, it can either be a polite gesture or a genuine invitation for support. In this context, it shows a supportive and reliable friendship.
EN: The Zero Conditional is used to talk about general truths, scientific facts, or situations where one event always leads to another. It uses the structure: 'If + Present Simple, Present Simple'.
If you heat ice, it melts.
EN: The adverb 'together' is used to modify the verb 'work', indicating that the action is performed in cooperation with others.
EN: In English-speaking professional and academic environments, there is a strong cultural emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. Phrases like 'work together' and 'team player' are highly valued and frequently used to encourage cooperative effort.
EN: The conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a subordinate clause of concession, showing a contrast between two ideas. In English, we do not use 'but' in the main clause when 'although' is used in the subordinate clause.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
EN: The adverb 'well' is used to modify the verb 'did' (past tense of 'do'), indicating the manner in which the action was performed.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'when' is used to introduce an adverbial clause of time, indicating that the action in the main clause ('I smile') happens at the same time as or immediately after the action in the dependent clause ('I think of our good times').
I feel happy when I listen to music.
EN: The phrasal verb 'think of' means to bring something to mind, remember, or contemplate. It is followed by a noun phrase acting as its object.
She always thinks of her family when she travels.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a clause that gives the reason for something. In English, unlike in Chinese, we do not use 'so' (所以) in the main clause when 'because' is used to start the sentence.
Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
EN: 'Each other' is a reciprocal pronoun used to indicate that two or more people carry out an action that mutually affects one another.
They always help each other with their homework.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, emphasizing mutual trust ('trust each other') and teamwork is a common value in both personal relationships and professional environments, often highlighted as the foundation of strength and success.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To do everything one can to achieve something; to make a maximum effort.
To lose one's way; to become bewildered or disoriented.
Immediately; without delay.
To find or create time in a busy schedule to do something.